What causes rosacea?

Couperose, often associated with rosacea, is a chronic skin condition characterized by persistent redness and visible small blood vessels on the face. Although it is frequently observed in fair-skinned people, its exact causes remain poorly understood. However, several factors may contribute to its appearance and aggravation.

What's the difference between rosacea and rosacea?

• Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that mainly affects the face. It manifests itself through a variety of symptoms, including persistent redness, flushing, papules and pustules (similar to acne), and, in some cases, ocular involvement or skin thickening. Rosacea has several forms, each with different characteristics.

• Couperose: Couperose is one of the symptoms of rosacea, more specifically the vascular form. It is characterized by persistent redness and the presence of small dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias) visible on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Unlike other forms of rosacea, couperose does not include active inflammation with papules or pustules.

What are the symptoms of rosacea and couperose?

Rosacea

The manifestations of rosacea can vary considerably depending on its form:

• Vascular form: persistent redness, flushing and visible dilated blood vessels (couperose).
• Papulo-pustular form: Appearance of small red bumps (papules) and pustules that resemble acne.
• Ocular rosacea: Affects the eyes, causing redness, irritation, burning and dryness.
• Hypertrophic (or phymatous) form: Thickening of the skin, often on the nose, which can become bulbous (rhinophyma).

Couperose

It specifically concerns the diffuse redness and telangiectasias (small, dilated blood vessels) that appear on the face. It is not accompanied by the papules, pustules or ocular symptoms seen in other forms of rosacea.

• Persistent redness: Appears mainly on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. They may intensify with changes in temperature, alcohol consumption, stress or sun exposure.
• Small, visible blood vessels: Dilated capillaries, also known as telangiectasias, are often visible on the skin surface, giving the appearance of "red threads".
• Sensations of heat or burning: The skin may also experience burning or tingling sensations, particularly when applying cosmetic products or when exposed to irritating factors.

What causes rosacea and rosacea?

The precise cause of rosacea, and by extension couperose, has yet to be clearly established. However, several factors may contribute to its development and the aggravation of symptoms:

1. Genetic predisposition: Couperose mainly affects fair-skinned people, suggesting a genetic component.
2. Vascular reactions: A common symptom of rosacea is flushing, which causes small blood vessels to dilate. These reactions are often triggered by factors such as stress, heat, alcohol, spicy foods or sun exposure.
3. Chronic inflammation: Rosacea is an inflammatory disease, and persistent inflammation can damage blood vessels, leading to facial redness and capillary dilation.
4. Environmental factors and lifestyle: Climate, pollution, certain cosmetic products and inappropriate local treatments can also aggravate rosacea symptoms.
5. Microbial factors: Certain micro-organisms, such as Demodex folliculorum (a mite found on the skin), are more abundant in people with rosacea, which could play a role in its onset.

Treatments available for couperose and rosacea

There is no definitive cure for couperose or rosacea, but several treatment options help manage symptoms and improve skin appearance:

• Local treatments: Creams and gels containing metronidazole, azelaic acid or brimonidine can reduce redness and inflammation.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics such as doxycycline are often used to treat more severe forms, such as papulopustular rosacea, due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Laser and pulsed light: These treatments are effective in reducing persistent redness and dilated blood vessels.
• Lifestyle changes: Avoiding known triggers (heat, alcohol, spicy foods, etc.) can help prevent flare-ups and worsen symptoms.

 

What beauty routine for rosacea?

A beauty routine adapted to couperose aims to soothe the skin, reduce redness, protect weakened blood vessels, and prevent irritation. Here's a daily beauty routine designed for skin suffering from couperose:

1. Gentle cleansing (morning and evening)

Choose a gentle, soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser that respects the skin barrier. Opt for moisturizing and soothing formulas, such as those containingthermal spring water,aloe vera or lipid-replenishing agents (like glycerin). Avoid foaming cleansers or those containing alcohol, which can irritate and dry out the skin.

• Product example: Gentle cleansing gel or soothing cleansing milk.

2. Soothing toner (morning and evening)

Use an alcohol-free toner enriched with soothing ingredients such asrosewater, chamomile or niacinamide to reduce redness and calm the skin. Apply gently with a cotton pad or pat in with your hands.

• Product example: Moisturizing toner with rosewater or toner with niacinamide.

3. Anti-redness serum (Morning)

Apply a serum specially formulated for couperose-prone skin, containing anti-inflammatory and soothing active ingredients such as niacinamide,azelaic acid andlicorice extract. These ingredients help strengthen capillaries and reduce the appearance of redness.

• Product example: Anti-redness serum with niacinamide or azelaic acid.

4. Soothing moisturizer (morning and evening)

Choose a moisturizing cream formulated for sensitive skin or skin prone to couperose, rich in soothing ingredients such asthermal spring waterceramidesor bisabolol. Look for products that strengthen the skin barrier, minimize inflammation and provide intense hydration.

• Product example: Soothing moisturizing cream with thermal spring water or ceramides.

5. Sun protection (Morning)

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum) every morning, even on cloudy days. UV rays aggravate couperose by damaging capillaries and triggering inflammation. Choose mineral filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), which are less irritating for sensitive skin.

• Product example: Mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.

6. Corrective make-up (if desired)

Use a green concealer to neutralize redness, followed by a tinted cream or foundation formulated for sensitive skin. Choose non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products enriched with soothing agents.

• Product example: Green redness corrector and soothing foundation for sensitive skin.

7. Special care (Evenings)

Incorporate specific treatments such as serums or creams withazelaic acid or ceramides to help repair skin and reduce redness over time. Consult a dermatologist for recommendations tailored to your specific case.

8. Soothing masks (1-2 times a week)

Apply a moisturizing, soothing mask to comfort the skin and reduce redness. Look for ingredients such as honey,aloe vera, orcolloidal oatmeal for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Product example: Moisturizing mask with aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal.

Additional tips for couperose-prone skin:

• Avoid triggers: Limit sun exposure, avoid alcohol, spicy foods, hot drinks and stress as much as possible.
• Use lukewarm water: Wash your face with lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can dilate blood vessels.
• Choose soft textiles: Use towels and pillows made from soft fabrics (such as cotton or silk) to avoid chafing.
• Consult a dermatologist: If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a professional for appropriate medical treatment.