How to Live with Rosacea and Which Lifestyle Changes Can Help
Couperose - What Lies Behind the Red Veins on the Face and How to Treat Them Gently
At first glance, it may appear as innocent skin redness that arises after a glass of wine, a walk in the cold, or during embarrassment. However, if the redness persists, often accompanied by visible red veins—most commonly on the cheeks, chin, or nose—it could be couperose. This condition, often confused or interchangeable with rosacea, is not only an aesthetic concern. Couperose skin signals that the skin's vascular system is weakened and requires gentle but targeted care.
What is Couperose and How Does it Differ from Rosacea
Couperose is a skin condition where there is excessive dilation and loss of elasticity of small blood capillaries in the skin. The result is visible red or purple veins—also known as spider veins—that usually appear on the cheeks, around the nose, or on the chin. Couperose on the nose is one of the most common and often most noticeable forms, as the nose is more exposed to external influences than other parts of the face.
Many confuse couperose with rosacea, which is a related but clinically distinct issue. Rosacea (rosacea couperose, as some laypeople call it) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often follows couperose. Common signs include skin redness, burning sensations, itching, and eventually the appearance of pimples. Couperose can thus be both a standalone condition and a precursor to rosacea, making it crucial for early detection and proper care.
Why Does Couperose Occur?
There are numerous causes for the development of couperose. It is most often a combination of genetic predispositions and external influences. If one of the parents had "sensitive skin with veins," it is not uncommon for a similar issue to appear in other family members. However, genetics is not fate—lifestyle, skincare, and the influence of external factors also play a crucial role.
The main triggers of couperose include:
- Exposure to extreme temperatures—both cold and heat weaken capillaries.
- UV radiation—the sun is one of the greatest enemies of couperose-prone skin.
- Alcohol and spicy foods—they cause blood vessels to expand.
- Stress and emotional fluctuations—psychosomatic reactions lead to increased facial blood flow.
- Harsh cosmetics and aggressive skin cleansing.
- Hormonal changes and the use of corticosteroids.
A practical example is Mrs. Jana, 42 years old, who first encountered couperose after a skiing holiday in the Alps. After a week in the mountains and frequent transitions from the cold to overheated restaurants, the first noticeable veins appeared on her cheeks and around her nose. "I thought it was just irritation, but the veins didn't disappear. It was only after seeing a dermatologist that I was explained that it was couperose and that my skin needed a different approach," she recalls.
Living with Couperose - What Helps and What to Avoid
Couperose-prone skin requires above all gentleness, regularity, and the right composition of cosmetic care. Aggressive peels, perfumes, alcohol in products, or silicones can worsen the condition. The first step should be a change in cosmetics—products designed for sensitive, reactive skin, ideally labeled "anti-redness" or "with couperose" are sought. Suitable are natural creams containing extracts from horse chestnut, calendula, witch hazel, or green tea, which strengthen blood vessel walls and soothe irritation.
Protection against sun exposure is also important. Sunscreen with high SPF should be a year-round part of skincare, not just in the summer. UV rays penetrate even in cloudy weather and contribute to faster skin aging, weakening of blood vessels, and deepening of redness.
In addition to cosmetic care, some lifestyle changes also bring relief. It is worth reducing alcohol consumption, especially red wine, and minimizing the intake of very spicy foods. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, hydration, and avoiding extreme temperatures help maintain the skin's vascular system in better condition.
An interesting approach that combines skincare and overall health is the use of adaptogens—natural substances that help the body better manage stress. For example, ashwagandha or reishi can positively affect hormonal balance and inflammatory reactions, which can also be reflected in skin quality.
Can Couperose be Treated?
Couperose itself is not a disease, but its transition into rosacea warrants professional treatment. If the condition worsens, pimples appear, or painful inflammation occurs, it is advisable to see a dermatologist. They may recommend laser treatment, which is one of the most effective methods of removing dilated veins. It works on the principle of selective heating of blood in the vessel, destroying the vessel without damaging the surrounding tissue.
However, the laser is suitable only in certain stages and does not replace regular care. Without changes in habits and cosmetics, the veins may soon reappear. For this reason, more attention is turning to prevention and a long-term approach—not a "one-time solution," but a strategy of everyday calm for the skin.
Some natural brands focused on a healthy lifestyle and ecology today offer comprehensive lines for couperose-prone skin. These use herbal extracts, thermal water, probiotics, and other ingredients that not only soothe but actively support regeneration and strengthening of blood vessels. The advantage is that they do not contain synthetic substances that could further irritate the skin.
Try our natural products
Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
If the skin starts to become redder, it signals that something is out of balance. Often, just a few small steps are needed that lead to long-term relief. Replacing conventional cosmetics with natural ones, adding a protective factor to the daily routine, reducing alcohol, and perhaps even replacing aggressive cleaning agents in the household with ecological alternatives—because everything that comes into contact with the skin has its impact.
Couperose does not have to be a nightmare. With awareness of what causes it and tools to mitigate it, it is possible to live with this condition without limitations. As dermatologist MUDr. Eva Horská says: "Redness is the language of the skin, telling us that it needs a gentler touch."
And that, combined with mindful skincare and lifestyle, is the best start to healthier, calmer, and happier skin.
