According to a recent review, a vitamin A derivative, reduced rosacea lesions by 90% and achieved complete remission in 24% of cases.
The review published in Arch Dermatol Res investigated the role of vitamins and minerals in managing rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition marked by flushing, erythema, papules, and pustules. The study suggested potential of dietary modifications and nutrient supplementation as safe and cost-effective alternatives to traditional treatments.
Researchers covered studies from 1998-2023, that were summarized and evaluated for quality and relevance in rosacea management. They noted oral isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, demonstrated significant efficacy, reducing lesions by 90%, showed complete remission in 24% of cases, and marked over 50% improvement in patients. Vitamin B3 derivatives, including topical 1-methylnicotinamide and NADH, showed improved symptoms in 76.4% and 80% of patients, respectively. Zinc sulfate solution 5% also showed reduced severity of acne rosacea, with 40% and 60% of patients showing moderate or good responses, respectively. While omega-3 fatty acids significantly alleviated xerophthalmia in 64% of patients with ocular rosacea.
Outcomes for vitamin D, vitamin C, and other vitamins were shown to vary across studies
“Recent literature increasingly examines the impact of vitamins and minerals on rosacea, emphasizing their potential as adjunctive therapies,” noted researchers. Despite the results of the analysis, they mentioned that no established recommendations currently exist for the supplementation of vitamins and minerals in rosacea management.
“This review aims to fill this gap, providing evidence-based recommendations regarding supplementation and topical treatment for rosacea with the vitamins and minerals discussed. The current scarcity of data on the serum levels of vitamins and minerals in relation to rosacea highlights the need for further research in this area.”
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.