Does collagen help rosacea?

Rosacea is a condition that can have a great influence over someone’s life. It might start as slight flushing when going from the cold outside to the warm inside, or you might even notice runny, bloodshot eyes. Typically, the onset is noted by flushing of the cheeks and the odd broken capillary on the face. People may misconstrue that the sufferer is a heavy drinker, which may cause embarrassment.

Research shows that some 10% of the population are sufferers and what is also very apparent is the embarrassment that the symptoms rosacea causes. So many people say that it stops them going out or that they will not venture out without a mask of makeup.

A Gallup survey run by the National Rosacea Society found:

• 70% of rosacea sufferers said the condition lowered their self esteem
• 41% reported that they avoided social engagements
• Almost 70% said they felt it affected their professional life
• 30% said they had even missed work during flare-ups.

The actual cause of rosacea is not fully known and there is no cure. However there is action that can be taken to reduce and control the signs and symptoms. 

Understanding rosacea and its symptoms can really help to keep it at bay.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Symptoms may show themselves as any individual or a combination of the following:

• Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
• Small visible blood vessels on the face
• Bumps or pimples on the face
• Watery or irritated eyes

There are varying degrees of rosacea, however these can be summarised in the following categories:

• Sub-type 1, flushing and persistent redness, broken capillaries may be evident
• Sub-type 2, transient bumps and pimples accompany this persistent redness
• Sub-type 3, skin thickening and possible enlargement of the nose
• Sub-type 4, Ocular symptoms accompany, dry and burning in the eye, redness and swelling of the lids (blepharitis)

It is typical to experience symptoms across the sub-types; these symptoms may also progressively get worse so early diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance. Several theories have been put forward as to the cause; one is that the sebaceous glands may be infected with a skin mite, Demodex folliculorum. However in skin biopsies the mite was only present in one in five rosacea sufferers.

The condition has been linked to mercury fillings and also an infection of the stomach, Helicobacter pylori. Rosacea has also been linked to problems with the immune system as it targets antibodies against certain sebaceous glands. It may be any one of these triggers or a combination of them that gives rise to the onset of rosacea.

Personally, I find if I eliminate sugars and yeast from my diet then my skin is much healthier.

Action plan to treat rosacea

Your doctor may recommend a low dose antibiotic (tetracycline) to reduce symptoms, there are other things that you can try.

It is important thought that you consult a doctor if you start to get rosacea in your eyelids, it’s called blepharitis. My doctor hadn’t heard of the condition but looked it up. It’s characterised by itchy, red eyes a little similar to conjunctivitis. This is the only time that I have resorted to antibiotics and have managed to control it by the following measures.

How you can help to calm rosacea right now

• Most rosacea sufferers have dehydrated skin, so be sure to drink plenty of water.
• Keep your body thermostat cool, sip cold drinks and do not have excessively hot baths
• Avoid stimulants, alcohol, spicy foods, cigarettes, and caffeine. Alcohol in particular dilates the blood vessels to make them more visible.
• Use a sunscreen every day as UV light can aggravate rosacea symptoms. It is vital to wear a sun block with an SPF of at least 30 or apply a product with zinc or titanium oxide to protect the skin.
• Keep a diary and make a note of any trigger factors. Dairy, yeast and sugar can be contributors to rosacea
• H3O Hydration supports hydration at a cellular level and fortify the skins natural moisture barrier to maintain optimal skin hydration.
• A mineral makeup, such as Jane Iredale or Bare Minerals may help.

Does collagen help calm rosacea?

While collagen is not a treatment for rosacea, it may help support the skin’s structure and resilience from within. Rosacea is often associated with a weakened skin barrier, increased sensitivity and visible redness, so maintaining healthy connective tissue can be an important part of an overall skin-supportive routine.

Collagen Shots provide 10,000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen alongside vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and acai berry extract. Collagen helps support the structure of the skin, while vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation. Acai berry is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress, a factor that may contribute to skin ageing and sensitivity. 

For those looking for a broader inside-out approach to skin health, Skin Perfecting Complex (our vegan collagen booster) was specifically developed to support problematic and sensitive skin, including concerns such as rosacea, acne and eczema. The formula combines amino acids, botanicals and skin-supportive nutrients including gotu kola, sea buckthorn, MSM, zinc, copper and vitamin C.

Importantly, Skin Perfecting Complex also supports the gut-skin connection. Emerging research suggests that gut health may influence skin health through what is known as the gut-skin axis. A healthy gut microbiome helps support the body’s natural inflammatory response and overall skin wellbeing.

Skin Perfecting Complex contains a probiotic mineral complex alongside ingredients that help support both digestive and skin health, making it particularly relevant for those looking to address skin concerns from within.

As rosacea affects everyone differently, the most effective approach is often a holistic one that combines trigger management, a skin-friendly diet, gut health support and nutrients that help maintain healthy, resilient skin.

Rosacea triggers can vary from person to person, but many people find that certain foods and drinks can worsen redness, flushing and skin sensitivity. While there is no single “rosacea diet”, identifying and reducing individual triggers may help improve symptoms over time.

One of the most commonly reported triggers is alcohol, particularly red wine, which can dilate blood vessels and increase facial flushing.

Hot drinks, such as tea and coffee served at very high temperatures, may also trigger symptoms in some individuals. Interestingly, research suggests it is often the heat of the drink rather than the caffeine itself that causes the problem.

Spicy foods are another common trigger. Ingredients such as chilli peppers, cayenne pepper and hot sauces contain compounds that can increase blood flow to the skin, leading to redness and warmth in susceptible individuals.

Some people also find that highly processed foods, refined sugars and foods high in histamine can aggravate symptoms. Histamine-rich foods may include aged cheeses, cured meats, smoked fish and fermented products.

Keeping a food and symptom diary can be a useful way to identify personal triggers, as rosacea affects everyone differently. Rather than eliminating large numbers of foods unnecessarily, a gradual and personalised approach is often the most sustainable way to understand what works best for your skin. 

While some foods may trigger flare-ups, others may help support calmer, healthier-looking skin by reducing inflammation and supporting the skin barrier.

A diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants that help protect the skin from oxidative stress. Berries, leafy greens, broccoli and peppers are particularly rich in compounds that support overall skin health.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial. Found in foods such as oily fish, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds, omega-3s help support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes.

Many people with rosacea find that increasing omega-3-rich foods supports overall skin comfort and resilience.

Rosacea, Gut Health and Inflammation

Gut health may also play an important role in rosacea. Emerging research suggests a connection between the gut microbiome and skin health, often referred to as the gut-skin axis.

Fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, legumes, oats and flaxseeds help nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support digestive health. Hydration is another important consideration. Drinking enough water and maintaining healthy hydration levels may help support the skin barrier and reduce feelings of dryness and sensitivity.

Many people find that focusing on hydration, alongside a nutrient-rich diet, helps their skin feel more comfortable overall.

Ultimately, the most effective dietary approach for rosacea is often one that emphasises whole, minimally processed foods while identifying and reducing individual triggers. Supporting both skin health and gut health through nutrition may help promote a calmer, more balanced complexion over time.

Which skin care helps to calm rosacea

• Medik8
• Obagi
• Cosmedix
• Dr Hauschka

What treatments will help calm rosacea?

• Light based treatments including IPL and Laser, as light from these systems targets red skin cells and blood capillaries. By exposing vascular lesions to the short pulses of light the heat coagulates the broken blood vessels which are dispersed naturally by the body.
• IPL gives good reduction in general redness and can be successful with individual broken capillaries; laser is good at targeting individual capillaries. Suggested equipment: Lumecca, Zeo Light IPL.
• LED - Light Emitting Diode, these lights are specially designed to create chemical reactions within the skin tissue. They are totally pain free and a course of treatments can reduce redness and inflammation. Results continue to improve over a 6-month period.