The present invention relates generally to methods of use and compositions useful for treating skin. The composition includes a combination of Phoenix dactylifera extract, tea tree oil, Myrothamnus flabellifolia extract, and saccharide isomerate. This combination can be used to create topical skin compositions that reduce rosacea, erythema, and/or inflammation, and inhibit nitric oxide synthase, increase α2A adrenergic receptor agonist activity, reduce oxidation, increase anti-oxidant capacity of a composition or of skin, inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) production, inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, inhibit interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) production, reduce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production, increase collagen stimulation, increase lysyl oxidase expression, inhibit matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) activity, increase occludin production, increase filaggrin production, and increase skin moisturization. This combination can also be used to reduce transient or persistent erythema, telangiectasia, inflammatory papules and/or pustules, transient or persistent flushing of the skin, and/or hyperplasia of a connective tissue.
