Rosacea and Hippophae rhamnoides: A Phytonutrient Approach to Skin Repair (The Systematic Review)

Background and Objectives: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis with a complex pathophysiology that continues to challenge effective long-term disease management. Rosacea is characterized by immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, neurovascular dysfunction, and impaired epidermal barrier integrity, while current therapeutic options remain limited. Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) is a phytochemically rich medicinal plant with reported anti-inflammatory and dermo-reparative properties. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using the PubMed database. Studies published from 2020 onward evaluating sea buckthorn extracts, oils, or isolate bioactive compounds in the in vitro, in vivo, and limited clinical contexts were included, with emphasis on rosacea relevant mechanisms. Results: Twenty-six studies show that sea buckthorn compounds modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular and immune responses, and barrier function in preclinical models. They consistently reduce pro-inflammatory mediators, improve barrier integrity, and attenuate immune or vascular activation, suggesting potential benefits for inflammatory skin disorders such as rosacea. Conclusions: Hippophae rhamnoides shows promising anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing effects that may benefit patients with rosacea. However, most evidence comes from preclinical studies, and clinical data specifically for rosacea are limited. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating this condition.