Rosacea or couperose

Caring for rosacea and couperose-prone skin

Skin affected by rosacea or couperose can react quickly to temperature changes, sunlight, cosmetics and other triggers. It may appear red or feel warm, dry, tight, stinging or burning. A gentle routine can support the skin barrier and help reduce the appearance of redness.

What is the difference between rosacea and couperose?

Couperose is a cosmetic term for permanently visible, dilated superficial blood vessels. These commonly appear on the cheeks, nose and chin and are not necessarily accompanied by inflammation.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Possible signs include:

• Temporary flushing and recurring flare-ups.
• Persistent redness across the central face.
• Visible blood vessels.
• Burning, stinging or warmth.
• Red bumps and spots without blackheads.
• Dry, sensitive or flaky skin.
• Dry, burning or irritated eyes.

Cosmetic skincare cannot cure rosacea or usually remove permanent visible vessels. Suitable products can, however, soothe, hydrate and protect the skin, making redness and discomfort less noticeable.

Suitable brands and products

Fusion Meso

Gentle options include Deep Cleanser, Hyaluronic Drops, Ceramid Moisturizer, Probiotix Cream, Meso Repair Cream and Cica Post-Care. Meso Shield 50 helps protect the skin from UV radiation during the day.

Ekseption Skincare

Consider Micellar Water Cleanse & Peel, Skin Relief Fluid and the Hyaluronic Flavonoids, Hyaluronic B5 and Hyaluronic Ectoin Mixlab serums. Probio-T Ultra Serum and Post Peel Glacier Mask can provide additional care. Complete the morning routine with All Day Shield SPF 50.

Couperix Peptide Peel and Soft Touch Peel are professional treatments. The skin should be assessed by a trained professional before treatment.

Mila d’Opiz

Gentle choices include Microbiome Wash & Clean, Microbiome Daily Balancing Tonic, Sensitive Aloe Gel, Sensitive Light Cream and Sensitive Rich Cream. Hyaluronic⁷ Serum provides additional hydration. Check the ingredient list when the skin is sensitive to fragrance.

PCA Skin

Choose Gentle Facial Wash or Creamy Cleanser, followed by Hydrating Toner. Anti-Redness Serum or Dual Action Redness Relief can support visibly red skin; introduce one of these products first. ReBalance supports skin comfort, while Silkcoat Balm may suit very dry skin. Hydrating Mask or Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask provides additional hydration.

Matis Paris

The Réponse Délicate collection includes Sensi-Milk, Sensi-Essence, Sensiflora Serum, Sensiflora Cream, Sensi-Calm Gel, Sensi-Cold Cream and Sensi-Petal Mask. Patch test first if the skin reacts to fragrance.

Pascaud

Cleansing Balm and Cleansing Mask Gentle Soothing provide gentle cleansing. Serum Code H, Vernix Caseosa, Repair Complex and Hydrating Emulsion can support hydration and the skin barrier. Sun Guard Cream SPF 30 provides fragrance-free sun protection. UV Defense offers high protection against UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Morning routine

1. Cleanse with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.

2. Apply a mild, alcohol-free lotion if required.

3. Use one soothing or hydrating serum.

4. Apply a barrier-supporting moisturiser.

5. Finish with broad-spectrum sun protection of at least SPF 30.

Evening routine

1. Remove makeup and sunscreen without rubbing the skin.

2. Cleanse with a mild cleanser.

3. Apply one soothing or hydrating serum.

4. Use a moisturiser suited to the skin’s level of dryness.

5. Apply a hydrating mask occasionally when the skin is calm.

Helpful ingredients

• Hyaluronic acid for hydration.
• Panthenol for skin comfort.
• Ceramides and skin-related fatty acids to support the barrier.
• Ectoin for hydration and protection.
• Centella asiatica or cica for soothing care.
• Glycerine to help retain moisture.
• Flavonoids for visibly red skin.
• Niacinamide at a strength the skin tolerates.

What should be avoided?

During a rosacea flare-up, avoid:

• Coarse scrubs and cleansing brushes.
• Strong foaming cleansers and alkaline soap.
• Intensive AHA, BHA and salicylic acid exfoliants.
• Retinol and other highly active ingredients.
• Products containing high levels of drying alcohol.
• Menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus and witch hazel if they cause irritation.
• Very hot water, facial steaming and saunas.
• Introducing several new or active products simultaneously.

Do not use Ekseption Resurfacing Activators, Super Retinol Fluid, Super Salicylic Fluid, Triple Acid Peeling Mask or comparable intensive products during a flare-up. Professional peels should only be considered after an individual assessment.

Identifying personal triggers

Common triggers include UV exposure, heat, cold, wind, stress, strenuous exercise, alcohol, spicy food and hot drinks. Triggers vary between individuals. Keeping a skin diary may help identify patterns.

When should you seek medical advice?

Consult a doctor or dermatologist when redness persists, inflamed bumps develop, the skin becomes thicker or symptoms suddenly worsen. Seek prompt medical advice for dry, painful, swollen or burning eyes and for changes in vision.