
We are grateful to have created space for the topic of rosacea through the perspective of Dr. Tamara Danailova, founder of Mitamedical – a physician specializing in functional medicine and holistic health.
Tamara perceives health as a living, ever-changing process, where understanding the whole is more important than isolating individual parts.
Her philosophy is to find the path the body needs to function in balance – within the gut, skin microbiome, and lifestyle – naturally, safely, and with respect to its needs.
In her work, she emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of each patient, thorough diagnostics, and genuine collaboration leading to long-term health improvement and better quality of life.
This approach brings a deeper understanding of rosacea – seeing it not merely as a skin condition, but as a reflection of internal processes in the body, mind, and lifestyle.
In the following text, Dr. Danailova explains how rosacea develops, what can worsen it, and how functional medicine views it – through the balance between the gut, skin, and overall health.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition typically affecting the face (nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead).
It manifests as redness, visible blood vessels (telangiectasia), and acne-like bumps (papules or pustules).
There are four main subtypes of rosacea:
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Erythematotelangiectatic
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Papulopustular
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Phymatous
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Ocular
Patients may experience symptoms of multiple subtypes at once, and these can change over time.
Possible Causes and Triggers
The gut-skin connection:
The gut and skin microbiome play crucial roles. The balance of bacteria and the body’s inflammatory response are key to maintaining skin health.
Gut imbalances (e.g., SIBO, H. pylori, food intolerances, histamine intolerance) can trigger skin inflammation.
An overgrowth of Demodex mites on the skin may worsen symptoms.
Common triggers:
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UV radiation
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Extreme weather (heat or cold)
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Spicy foods
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Alcohol
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Hot baths
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Emotional stress
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Intense exercise
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Histamine-rich foods
Treatment Options
1. Medication
Topical treatments: metronidazole, ivermectin, azelaic acid
Oral medication: low-dose doxycycline
However, side effects often lead patients to discontinue treatment prematurely.
2. Botanical Alternatives
There is growing interest in plant-based therapies containing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins, which have fewer side effects.
Holistic and Lifestyle Strategies
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Testing: Identifying root causes such as gut microbiome imbalance or food intolerances.
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Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory diets and elimination of known triggers can significantly help.
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Supplements: Probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc can support both gut and skin health.
Psychosomatics and Rosacea
From a psychosomatic perspective, the skin represents the boundary between our inner world and the external environment.
It acts as a shield of protection, but also mirrors our relationship with others and our willingness to open up to the world.
Skin conditions are often linked to difficulties in contact and communication – either resistance to external influences or suppression of emotions and thoughts we fear to express.
Rosacea can signal low self-worth, emotional repression, or inner conflict that manifests outwardly through the skin.
Healing involves self-acceptance, self-love, and authentic emotional expression – not superficial optimism, but allowing oneself to feel sadness, pain, or fear.
How MALINNA Helped Me with Rosacea
I started using Elixir Mint. Thanks to its active ingredients, it has anti-inflammatory effects, supports digestion, and helps harmonize the gut microbiome.
Within a few weeks, the first results were visible – of course, along with proper nutrition. Initially, I took one pipette once a day, later increasing to 2–3 times daily.
I complemented internal care with Skin Toner and Lavender Cream, which nourish the skin microbiome with unique ingredients like karanja oil, neem oil, and lavender.
They reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, calm irritation, and help maintain balance. I used both twice a day – morning and evening.
Of course, the foundation of care is cleansing – twice daily – with a gentle cleansing foam that prepares the skin to absorb active ingredients.
Products Recommended by Dr. Tamara Danailova
Discover the collection designed for sensitive, reactive, and redness-prone skin.
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