The Pericone Diet and Treating Rosacea
If you have rosacea, you may have noticed that some foods trigger or worsen the symptoms. Tailoring your diet to include foods that help treat rosacea and to avoid foods that cause it can help.
Read on to learn what foods to avoid and include in the Pericone diet for the skin, followed by a meal recommendation.
The Pericone Diet: Foods to Avoid
A survey of 1,066 rosacea patients found that the most common factors that triggered rosacea symptoms included sun exposure, emotional stress and heavy exercise. Other top triggers included certain foods and beverages.
Foods that cause an increase of circulation to the face can cause rosacea symptoms to worsen, including spicy foods and alcohol.
Other foods to avoid are those that cause blood vessels to dilate, such as:
- Hot sauces
- Vinegars
- Peppers
- Meat marinades
Other common rosacea trigger foods include:
- Bananas
- Pasta
- Chocolates
- Liver
- Soy sauce
- Artificial sweeteners
Although there are many triggers, there are just as many food options that help relieve symptoms.
The Pericone Diet: Foods to Include
For treating rosacea, eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, such as broccoli and cantaloupe. Fruits that are vascular constrictors, such as cherries, blackberries, and blueberries, actually assist in reducing redness.
A study reported in the September 2008 issue of The British Journal of Nutrition found that other good foods to eat for rosacea are foods rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, such as flaxseed oil and these cold-water fish:
- Halibut
- Salmon
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Sardines
Dinner and Dessert toward a Less Rosy Face
Dinner: Caribbean Fish Burgers
Ingredients:
- 18 ounces raw boneless, skinless salmon, chopped fine
- 1/2 cup minced red onion?
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons minced, peeled fresh ginger?
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic?
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Optional due to spiciness: ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, without stems?
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grated lime peel
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish:
- 1 ½ cups baby salad greens
- 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
Preparations:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Form into three patties. (Burgers can be prepared ahead to this point.)
- Heat olive oil in a 1-quart sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add patties and cook, carefully turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6 to 7 minutes.
- Arrange ½ cup of greens per plate. Place hot burgers on the greens, serve immediately garnished with lime wedges.
Drink a glass of spring water with meal.
Dessert: Rainbow Parfait
Ingredients:
- 2 cups 3/4-inch honeydew melon balls (from about a 3-pound piece, seeded)
- 2 cups 3/4-inch cantaloupe balls (from about a 3-pound piece, seeded)
- 1 cup wild organic blueberries
- ¼ fresh lime juice
- Fresh mint sprigs
Preparation:
- Gently layer melon and berries into tall parfait glasses.
- Drizzle equal amounts of the lime juice over each glass.
- Top with sprig of fresh mint.
Serves 4 to 6.
I get lots of comments on how I do not look my age…I am 41 and most people think I am 30. I live in a very dry climate here in Colorado and have noticed that my “rosy cheeks” are getting a bit more sensitive. I came across Dr. Perricone’s diet several years ago and it DOES make a huge difference for me…I LOVE sharing with others when I find great products and great, well-written information…I would LOVE to be a Perricone tester for Rosacea. Thanks so much
I was hoping this site might have some information that was not available anywhere else. Dr. Perricone’s diet and skin care practices are solid, so I wondered if he had a unique way of treating the condition. I have tried every medication and topical treatment, eat a clean diet and nothing is working…
I Live in Arkansas and I am 38 years old. My skin is a mess!!!! I have tried several medications and nothing is helping. I really don’t want to continue taking medication. I exercise, eat fairly healthy and take care of my skin…I need help!!!!
I am 66 yrs. old; I have rosacea.
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, I really like your blog!
I live in the UK and am getting married in Vegas next month and I am ordering a few products now via a UK store to try to get my skin in better shape for my wedding. All in all my skin isn’t too bad, but I’m pale, have Rosacea a little, and intend to do my best to get my skin in top condition. I truly believe in Dr P MD’s logic regarding food and am contantly researching good practice and natural ways to do things… I have every faith that they will be good. I cannot afford all of the items in one go as some are expensive – so I am trying a kit and a few items – these will tell me if to look further as I know my own stuff… and I will update you once received and used for say 7-10 days. But I am very impressed with his work and don’t belive its all just good marketing – so lets see
I have rosacea and go through periods where my skin is dry and flaky. I’ve tried so many different products on the market (Prescription, Boutique, Drugstore), but nothing seems to work longterm. I always end up with dryness, redness, fine lines, and really annoying flakes. That said, I’m looking to become brand loyal. But I don’t want a skin regimen that helps with rosacea only; I want something that also combats the normal process of skin aging as well. Is the Perricone regimen the right thing?? I don’t know, but I would love to be a product tester.
I’m 62 and suffered with rosacea since in my mid 40’s. Certain foods make a big difference but I certainly do not by any means have my rosacea under control. Heat, stress and food all being the worst offenders. Not tryed fish oil, will do that. Also going to try your food suggestions.
I am really happy I read this article!!! I had no idea I was actually making my rosacea worse by eating certain foods. My family doctor has given me meds to help but they never worked. My next step was to go see a dermatologist but I haven’t done that yet. My biggest problem is going to be trying to say away from peppers and hot sauce, I love that stuff! Although I can’t wait to try. I hate that I can’t go anywhere without foundation. It would be great to get this even somewhat controlled by changing my eating habits. I have to admit though I am not a fish eater at all. So not sure how that is going to go but I am willing to try! Thank’s again!
Great tips. Anything to help keep the rosacea at bay. Thanks!
Recently diagnosed with rosacea although I’ve had the symptoms for 10 years. It has gotten much worse so I am ready to try this.
I was surprised to read that bananas flares rosacea. I was eating bananas everyday sometimes twice or 3 times a day. Huge difference since I’ve stopped eating them. I read that cherries and black berries reduces red flares… something to think abut
Bill – fish oils help reduce inflammation, which rosacea feeds off. I’m guessing that has something to do with why it helps. Besides – what do you have to lose by trying it? Staying positive instead of coming onto sites like this that are meant to inform and being so negative can probably also go a long way.
Complete B.S. Show me some research to support a ‘rosacea diet’. Anectodotal evidence doesn’t mean jack without research to back it up. Show me a few well controlled, clinical trials and I’ll jump on board ……didn’t thin so
3 comments? Hmmmmmm?
I have done so much research on rosacea triggers that my eyes are getting buggy! No matter what I eat, if I follow it with a steady supply of GLA/borage oil, or/and Omega 3’s , fish, flax, and olive oil….and apply these to the skin directly, there is a huge turn around!!
I have rosacea. I am starting the 28 day diet today. I am expecting my rosacea to improve. I would love to test products to improve my rosacea.
Great info! I am lactose intolerant, and I have noticed that every time I have dairy (together with my lactose supplement pills) I have a bad skin episode where my rosacea blossoms. What you eat definitely controls much of your skins life!!
Great info! I am lactose intolerant, and I have noticed that every time I have dairy (together with my lactose supplement pills) I have a bad skin episode where my rosacea blossoms. What you eat definitely controls much of your skins life!!