A tiny berry may offer big benefits to people suffering from rosacea. Sea-buckthorn oil appears to ease the facial redness, itching and inflammation of rosacea by eliminating microscopic mites that may contribute to the skin disorder.

According to the National Rosacea Society, an estimated 14 million Americans suffer from the disorder. Research funded by the society demonstrates a possible link between bacteria associated with mites (Demodex folliculorum) that inhabit hair follicles and the development of rosacea.

Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae thamnoides) is a deciduous shrub, native to Eurasia, whose nutrient-rich berries have been used indigenously for healing and medicinal purposes since ancient times. Recent findings by Chinese and Russian researchers and the University of Turku, in Finland, indicate that oil extracted from the berries may help protect and regenerate mucous membranes and skin. The oil is high in vitamins A, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), C and K, as well as carotenes, essential fatty acids, and tocopherols, or vitamin E-type antioxidants.

Research into the Demodex-rosacea link indicates that while the mite does not cause adverse symptoms in most people, it is more prevalent and active in rosacea patients. Applied in a facial soap formulation, sea-buckthorn oil’s anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits work to help eliminate the mites, reduce inflammation under the skin, and provide relief from the mechanisms causing rosacea symptoms.

For more information about sea-buckthorn oil and to locate sea-buckthorn oil soap, contact www.facedoctor.ca .