How to differentiate between couperose and rosacea

Rosacea and couperose: How to differentiate between them… and minimize their impact!

Today, I'm going to talk about a skin condition that affects many Canadians: rosacea. We'll give a brief overview to demystify the condition, and I'll discuss the proper skincare routine.

My name is Josée Gauthier, and I'm the owner of Argola Cosmétique, a company that manufactures products for sensitive skin. Our company works with sea buckthorn oil, a wonderful oil for relieving skin problems such as couperose and rosacea, as well as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. This oil regenerates skin cells, gives a radiant complexion, and effectively soothes conditions like couperose, which I'm discussing today. I create products for women who want to avoid harsh, chemical solutions in favor of gentle, natural ones.

From 3 to 10%: that's the proportion of Canadian adults affected by rosacea or couperose – a skin problem that affects people of all ages, but especially women between 30 and 50 years old.

ROSACEA AND COUPEROSE: A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Rosacea is a progressive and irreversible disease that manifests itself in flare-ups and can take different forms.

Initially, redness is most noticeable in the middle of the face. Over time, small dilated blood vessels may become visible, along with more significant and permanent redness: this is rosacea.

People with rosacea may experience a burning, stinging, or prickling sensation. In more advanced stages, raised skin lesions resembling acne, or a thickening of the skin called rhinophyma, may appear.

CARING FOR DAMAGED SKIN: THE RIGHT STEPS

Rosacea and couperose affect the appearance and health of the skin, starting with increased sensitivity. Therefore, when it comes to beauty routines, certain golden rules should be followed: avoid abrasive formulas, such as lotions or exfoliating creams, protect your skin from the sun's rays, and opt for soothing, gentle skincare products.

CLEANER

Choose an unscented product, free of alcohol and soap, and apply it with your fingertips, without excessive rubbing. A no-rinse formula, such as micellar water, is also an option.

After cleansing, be sure to pat the skin dry gently and above all, do not rub!

Tonic or floral water

I suggest using witch hazel or chamomile water, or a blend often called a tonic. Rich in minerals and trace elements, these beneficial waters help the skin regenerate while softening and smoothing it. Spritz a little on to maximize hydration after cleansing, and keep a spray bottle in your bag: a few spritzes throughout the day will relieve tightness, discomfort, and inflammation.

SUITABLE MOISTURIZER

Rosacea can dry out the skin, making the application of a good moisturizer morning and night even more important. Opt for non-irritating lotions, creams, or gels, preferably water-based, which provide lasting hydration and prevent the dilation of blood vessels.

TARGETED PRODUCTS

You can use other products in a more targeted way. Here are some vegetable and essential oils that are effective for couperose and rosacea.

• Hemp and sea buckthorn oil
• Immortelle essential oil
• Rockrose essential oil (Cistus ladaniferum)
• German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) essential oil
• Calophyllum vegetable oil

I hope this article will help you better understand couperose and rosacea. I invite you to share your thoughts and suggest topics you'd like us to cover in a future post. Feel free to ask me any questions.