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Neurohormonal-Immune Dysregulation in Rosacea: Emerging Perspectives from the Skin-Gut-Brain Axis.

Authors · Shi L, Li S, Yao X et al.
Journal · Drug Des Devel Ther · January 2026
What this means for you

The plain-language read

Existing evidence suggests that its pathogenesis may be associated with dysregulation of the neuro-hormone-immune network within the skin-gut-brain axis framework. In erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, glucocorticoid resistance within keratinocytes may induce CCL20-driven Th17 inflammation, while catecholamines released by sympathetic nerves are associated with neurovascular flushing. Ocular rosacea is associated with gut-derived low-grade systemic inflammation and neurogenic inflammation.

Key findings
  • Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a global prevalence of approximately 5.1%.
  • Adjunctive interventions such as eradication of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a low glycemic index diet, and mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy also demonstrate potential.Taken together, existing evidence supports viewing rosacea as a systemic disease potentially mediated by the skin-gut-brain axis and characterized by dysregulation of the neuro-hormone-immune network.
Practical note

Relevant if you experience acne and rosacea.

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What this means for your routine

AM/PM routine5.1%

If you're targeting acne, this research adds to the evidence base, look at the key findings for the mechanism the study describes.

Translated from this study's findings, not a personal prescription. Pair with your existing protocol and your practitioner's guidance.

Technical Summary, For Professional Reference

Clinical context

1. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2026 Jun 16;20:608151. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S608151. eCollection 2026. Neurohormonal-Immune Dysregulation in Rosacea: Emerging Perspectives from the Skin-Gut-Brain Axis. Shi L(1), Li S(1), Yao X(1), Zhang Z(2), Dong Q(2), Zhang H(1), Wang X(1), Bai J(1), Han H(1), Fu X(2), Zheng K(1), Liang L(1)(2).

Full abstract→

1. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2026 Jun 16;20:608151. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S608151. eCollection 2026. Neurohormonal-Immune Dysregulation in Rosacea: Emerging Perspectives from the Skin-Gut-Brain Axis. Shi L(1), Li S(1), Yao X(1), Zhang Z(2), Dong Q(2), Zhang H(1), Wang X(1), Bai J(1), Han H(1), Fu X(2), Zheng K(1), Liang L(1)(2). Author information: (1)The Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, Department of Shanxi Provincial People' s Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, People's Republic of China. (2)The Third Clinical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a global prevalence of approximately 5.1%. Existing evidence suggests that its pathogenesis may be associated with dysregulation of the neuro-hormone-immune network within the skin-gut-brain axis framework. This review summarizes the potential roles of stress hormones, sex hormones, and insulin-like growth factor-1 in the four major subtypes. In erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, glucocorticoid resistance within keratinocytes may induce CCL20-driven Th17 inflammation, while catecholamines released by sympathetic nerves are associated with neurovascular flushing. In papulopustular rosacea, androgen excess, relative estrogen deficiency, LL-37-mediated innate immune activation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis may collectively contribute to the formation of inflammatory skin lesions.In the phymatous type, insulin-like growth factor-1 and androgens may interact through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and FoxO1 pathways, promoting sebaceous gland hyperplasia and fibrosis. Ocular rosacea is associated with gut-derived low-grade systemic inflammation and neurogenic inflammation. For treatment, β-receptor blockers such as carvedilol and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine can be used for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea; anti-androgen drugs like spironolactone and metformin may be explored for papulopustular rosacea; metformin for the phymatous type; and for ocular rosacea, topical corticosteroids can be used cautiously for a short term under ophthalmological supervision. Adjunctive interventions such as eradication of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a low glycemic index diet, and mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy also demonstrate potential.Taken together, existing evidence supports viewing rosacea as a systemic disease potentially mediated by the skin-gut-brain axis and characterized by dysregulation of the neuro-hormone-immune network. However, more high-quality randomized controlled trials and stratified studies guided by hormone-related biomarkers are currently needed to further validate its mechanisms and advance precision treatment. © 2026 Shi et al. DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S608151 PMCID: PMC13282955 PMID: 42325915 [Indexed for MEDLINE] Conflict of interest statement: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional for medical concerns. Full disclaimer →