When I have rosacea

My testimony

For about ten years now, the skin on my face has been turning red very quickly when the temperature changes. I’ve never complained about it, and never thought it could be a medical condition until recently. As I was talking to someone I knew about her couperose, she asked me what I was doing about mine… I’d never thought about it, but yes, this rapid reddening in the heat or cold must be an early manifestation of couperose. As are those little purplish vessels I see from time to time on my cheekbones. Since prevention is easier said than done, it’s time to do everything we can to limit its development!

My tip

On a daily basis, I use witch hazel hydrosol to cleanse my face, morning and night. I benefit from its toning properties on small vessels. At weekends, I replace the witch hazel hydrosol with matricaria hydrosol, and apply calophylla vegetable oil to the still damp skin, which also has interesting properties for microcirculation.
To limit blushing, I try to carry a decongestant emulsion with me at all times, which I use when necessary. To do this, I mix 20 ml calophylla vegetable oil, 20 ml witch hazel hydrosol and 40 ml peppermint hydrosol in a 100 ml pump bottle. I shake the bottle a little before misting this emulsion onto my face and massaging it in. Peppermint’s cooling effect helps to reduce blushing.
Whenever possible, I avoid excessive temperature variations to avoid amplifying these symptoms. For some people, alcohol, hot foods or drinks, or even certain spices, can accentuate skin redness. This is not the case for me.

What does phytotherapy have to say?

Couperose is a visible dilation of the small vessels of the face. Although it has long been known to affect many people, its causes have not yet been identified. A genetic cause is suspected, as the condition mainly affects people with fair skin and eyes, hence the name “Celtic curse”. A dysfunction of the facial veins could explain its clinical manifestations, which are progressive. Phytotherapy can help slow down this evolution and prevent it from becoming inflammatory (rosacea). Circulatory and decongestant plants are used. Witch hazel and red vine facilitate blood circulation. Witch hazel hydrolate, a venous tonic and vasoconstrictor, is highly effective on cutaneous microcirculation; it is widely used for reactive and blotchy skin.

Did you know?

Witch hazel is one of the few plants that do not contain an essential oil, and is distilled solely for its hydrolate, which has so many interesting properties Witch hazel hydrolate is used for hemorrhoidal problems, heavy legs, edema, mild skin inflammation, rosacea, varicose veins and microcirculatory disorders. Its astringency is also very useful for oily skin problems

I use hydrolats SAFELY

These tips have no particular contraindications, even over a prolonged period, as they are used for classic cosmetic purposes.

HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA Witch hazel

Witch hazel is a shrub of North American origin, with twisted branches and large, hazelnut-like leaves, earning it the nickname “witches’ hazel”. The yellow, spider-shaped flowers bloom in autumn. Witch hazel has vasoconstrictor, hemostatic and astringent properties, the latter two being due to the tannins present in the leaves. The use of witch hazel to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids and local skin inflammations has been endorsed by the WHO and the European Commission.