Couperosis on the face: causes and main methods of treatment

Cuperosis is a chronic vascular disease, the pathogenesis of which is represented by the expansion of small blood vessels of the dermis and epidermis against the background of a persistent disorder of microcirculation. A more modern term used today by plastic and vascular surgeons to denote the presence of vascular defects in the skin is “telangiectasia.” Vascular networks and asterisks in rosacea can appear on any part of the body, but they cause severe discomfort to the patient if they occur on the face and legs (the most exposed areas).

Treatment of rosacea with laser

The standard in the fight against rosacea of ​​various localizations is sclerotherapy - a method of treating vascular diseases based on the administration of special drugs that “glue” the walls of blood vessels. Despite its high efficiency, this method cannot be used by everyone, as it is associated with a fairly high risk of complications. For this reason, safer methods have recently been used to correct the external manifestations of telangiectasia, in particular laser therapy.

Why do you need to treat rosacea?

Cuperosis is a fairly common disease, the cause of which can be both external factors (increased strength and dynamic loads, stress, abuse of solarium, etc.) and internal problems associated with a disorder of the body’s endocrine function and hormonal imbalance. In women, rosacea is the third most common side effect when taking oral contraceptives, so any methods of treating the pathology are only a temporary measure if complete abolition of COCs is not possible. Low effectiveness of sclerotherapy and laser coagulation in the long-term treatment of telangiectasias was noted in individuals who abuse alcohol, smoking, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.

Common causes of rosacea

External manifestations of rosacea are various vascular defects: networks, stars, dots, capillary clusters. Their color depends on the degree of expansion of the vessel, as well as its filling with blood. Light pink dots and stars appear at an early stage of the pathology, which can last up to 2-3 years, gradually turning into more severe forms (the color of the vascular patterns changes to a bright red, burgundy or purple hue). Localization in 60% of cases is various areas of the face: chin, wings of the nose, temporal region, cheeks. Less commonly, such defects appear on the legs, arms, back, and buttocks.

Characteristic manifestations of rosacea

Goals and objectives of treatment

Many people consider telangiectasia to be only a cosmetic defect, but rosacea needs to be treated not only for aesthetic reasons. The main danger of the pathology is a persistent disorder of microcirculation. Blood constantly circulates through the blood vessels of the dermis, which contains nutrients, proteins and acids necessary to maintain elasticity and antioxidant protection, as well as oxygen, which affects all metabolic processes in epidermal cells. If the functioning of skin vessels is impaired, the processes of premature aging and withering begin, local immunity decreases, and the regenerative ability of cells slows down.

Dependence of skin aging on microcirculation disorders in tissues

The following cosmetic problems can result from a chronic deficiency of vitamins and oxygen:

• dermal wrinkles;
• withering of the skin (facial skin takes on an earthy tint, becomes dull and lifeless);
• decreased skin turgor;
• slowing down natural regeneration in the cells of the basal, spinous and granular layers of the epidermis (skin);
• decreased hydration (skin becomes too dry, rough spots and redness appear on it).

Premature skin aging can be one of the consequences of rosacea

In women over 35 years of age, in 20.1% of cases, rosacea on the face is combined with signs of skin photoaging. In this case, in the absence of contraindications, laser therapy can be combined with a laser facial rejuvenation procedure (laser peeling or fractional laser photothermolysis).

The best anti-rosacea creams

The TOP 10 rating of the best creams for the treatment of rosacea is based on real reviews and positive results from customers.

Read also: Aging facial skin. How to care?

10 Natura Siberica “Protection and hydration”

An effective cream that has a beneficial effect on the skin with mild rosacea. The cream contains vitamin P, Rhodiola rosea extract, and allantoyl. One of the main advantages of the product is the presence of SPF protective factors. The cream does not contain parabens, dyes, silicones and consists of 99% natural ingredients.

If you prefer products with high-quality composition, Siberika products are exactly what you will like. The drug deeply moisturizes the skin and eliminates areas with redness. To achieve maximum effect, the product must be used every day, applying it in a thin layer under makeup. Also, the advantages include the presence of a dispenser (economical use) and the fight against early wrinkles.

9 Bark capillary protector

Quality at a reasonable price from a domestic manufacturer. The product contains verbena extract, thermal water, Japanese sophora oil, vitamin C, shea and avocado butter, green tea extract.

The cream strengthens the walls of capillaries, moisturizes the skin, helps eliminate not only capillary cobwebs on the face, but also signs of early aging. With daily use 2 times a day, the fair sex noted a decrease in the symptoms of rosacea and a noticeable improvement in the overall condition of the skin.

The disadvantages of the product include the lack of a dispenser.

8 Uriage Roseliane

An effective cream with all the necessary quality certificates from pharmacists and dermatologists. Product composition: red algae, ginseng, thermal water, patented and “SK5R”.

The cream eliminates peeling, dryness, irritation, symptoms of rosacea and even burning. Most users noted that the cream is an excellent solution for combating capillary mesh on the face during the cold season, because... its functions include protection from external negative factors. The cream can be used as a base for makeup and as a treatment.

Cons – oily texture, the product is only suitable for dry or combination skin.

7 Ciracle "Anti-redness K"

A remedy for rosacea from a trusted Korean manufacturer. The composition includes vitamin K, hyaluronic acid, jojoba, lavender and sunflower oil, Asian centella extract, lecithin.

Thanks to an active, natural complex of components, the cream effectively fights redness, inflammation, fine wrinkles and the initial stage of rosacea. The product is suitable for combination and dry skin. For good results, use the cream daily.

Disadvantages – not suitable for oily skin, clogs pores in summer.

6 Boiderma "Sensibioforte"

A cream with a comprehensive effect on dermatological problems from a French manufacturer. The product is universal; it can be used to restore skin after burn injuries, aggressive exposure to external factors and cosmetic procedures.

Read also: Causes and treatment of facial skin redness

Product composition: patented thermal plankton, vitamin E, licorice root, shea butter, beeswax, allantoin. Representatives of the fair sex note the high effectiveness of the product in a short period of time of use. The cream moisturizes, soothes the skin and relieves inflammation. The drug is considered one of the best SOS creams.

Disadvantages - cannot be used in case of individual intolerance to bee waste products, in the summer.

5 La Roche-Posai “Rosaliac uv riche”

A high-quality cream from a manufacturer that has long earned a good reputation among consumers. The cream not only helps eliminate the manifestations of rosacea, but also relieves burning and flaking of the skin.

Ingredients: caffeine, shea and shea butter, vitamins PP, C + SPF filters.

One of the main advantages of the product is that it is hypoallergenic, suitable for any skin type and suitable for use in the summer. The product has a convenient bottle with a dispenser for economical consumption.

4 Avene antirougers forte

French remedy for eliminating dermatological problems on the face. The use of the cream is especially effective in the initial stages of rosacea with minor areas of redness. It eliminates swelling, burning, translucent capillary networks, peeling and redness. The result of using the cream will be noticeable within 3-4 weeks.

Ingredients: crayfish extract, Avene thermal water + SPF filters.

The downside is that to maintain the effect, the cream must be used regularly, on an ongoing basis.

3 Holy land day care bio repair

Israeli product from a professional cosmetic line. The products of this brand are used by many cosmetologists due to their naturalness and high efficiency. The product helps eliminate early manifestations of rosacea, fights early wrinkles and signs of aging, flaking and dryness. The cream can be used under makeup, or as a separate product. Application frequency: 2 times a day.

Composition: collagen, elastin, vitamin E, bifidobacteria lysate, glycine, inositol, sodium lactate + benzophenone-3, which provides reliable protection against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.

Disadvantages - not suitable for use in winter.

2 Lierac Rosilogie

Another high-quality drug from a French manufacturer with effectiveness proven by many real customers. The cream actively fights the manifestations of rosacea, moisturizes the skin, eliminates burning, redness, increases the elasticity of capillaries, normalizes the water balance and microflora of the skin. One of the main advantages of the product is its rapid effect, the result is noticeable after a week of use. A lasting effect can be expected within a month. The cream must be applied 2 times a day to previously cleansed skin.

Ingredients: shea butter and prebiotic, sea water, horsetail, ivy and mantle extract, butcher's broom extract, prebiotic, green pearlescent pigments.

1 Vichy-Idealia

The leading position, according to reviews from real customers, is occupied by Vichy cream, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. The manufacturer promises a visible effect after the first use. With regular application, you will quickly notice smoothing of the skin, evening out color, elimination of fine wrinkles, redness, rosacea, peeling and burning. Suitable for combination, normal and dry skin.

Read also: How to get rid of peeling and redness of the skin on the face?

The composition of the cream is thermal, mineralizing water from Vichy, black tea and blueberry extract, adenosine.

Disadvantages are the lack of a dispenser and high cost, but the result is worth it.

Advantages and disadvantages of laser therapy in the treatment of telangiectasia

Laser therapy today is considered one of the most popular methods of hardware cosmetology. The procedure has a fairly low degree of tissue trauma, is characterized by a rapid healing period, no need to issue a sick leave certificate, and low intensity of pain. All this distinguishes laser therapy from other methods of treating rosacea, the main of which are sclerotherapy and plastic surgery.

Laser therapy is the most effective method of treating rosacea

Some vascular surgeons still prefer sclerotherapy as a highly effective method of correcting vascular defects, but in practice, the use of such techniques is increasingly associated with the risks of severe complications in patients with diseases of the heart, blood vessels and blood circulation. In almost 11% of cases, which is a fairly high rate in surgery, after the procedure of “gluing” small vessels (capillaries, venules, arterioles), patients are diagnosed with consequences in the form of acute cerebrovascular accident (stroke, transient ischemic attack). Another serious complication is the penetration of sclerosant (medicine) into the vessels of the brain and lungs, but such cases are extremely rare.

Sclerotherapy can cause serious complications

The main methods of treating rosacea: comparative characteristics

Disadvantages of the method

When using laser therapy, the risk of side effects and consequences is minimal, although this procedure has a list of negative consequences in the annotation to the application protocol, including:

• cicatricial changes in the skin at the site of use (extremely rare);
• increased melanin production, leading to the appearance of hyperpigmented areas;
• destruction of sweat glands;
• exacerbation of inflammatory skin diseases (if asepsis measures are violated during the procedure or during the rehabilitation period).

Hyperpigmentation is one of the side effects of laser treatment

Note! One of the main disadvantages of laser in the treatment of rosacea is the risk of relapse, which is minimal with open surgery or radiofrequency ablation. To minimize the re-expansion of dermal vessels, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination and carry out combination therapy for possible causes of telangiectasias.

Prevention of disease development

Skin prone to the appearance of spider veins needs special care. It is important to always remember the fragility of blood vessels. All procedures and means related to stimulating blood circulation are contraindicated, namely:

• enhanced manual facial massage. The skin should not be rubbed or stretched;
• cosmetics containing alcohol;
• masks based on fruits and berries, as well as any products with acids;
• “ice” or contrast washes, using too hot water;
• scrubs with coarse particles (for example, ground apricot kernels, coffee);
• vacuum facial massage;
• chemical peeling;
• bathhouse, sauna, solarium;
• using masks with honey and menthol.

In order to prevent the occurrence of rosacea, it is worth following several recommendations:

• always apply sunscreen to your skin;
• In winter, it is important to nourish the skin without allowing it to dry out;
• give up alcohol and foods high in preservatives;
• minimize visits to bathhouses and solariums;
• monitor your own body weight, avoiding sudden fluctuations;
• eat vitamins and microelements that have a beneficial effect on the elasticity of blood vessels: nicotinic, ascorbic acid, vitamin P, tocopherol.

Cosmetic procedures are pointless if the skin does not receive the required amount of vitamins and minerals from food

What vascular defects can be removed with a laser?

Laser therapy is indicated if the patient is diagnosed with the following manifestations of rosacea:

• hemangiomas (simple vascular tumors formed by endothelial cells);
• spider veins and dots;
• venous networks and capillary clusters;
• vascular defects on the upper and lower extremities (including deeply located pathologically altered vessels, the diameter of which reaches 2 mm);
• “port-wine stains” (vascular moles that are burgundy-red in color and consist of superficial and deep capillaries).

Manifestations of rosacea for which laser therapy is indicated

Depending on the location and size of the defect, 2-3 procedures may be required. In severe cases, laser therapy sessions are carried out up to 4-5 times.

Period after the procedure

Laser correction of rosacea is safe for health and easily tolerated by patients. Side effects after the procedure are minimized, and skin care is simple and not burdensome.

During the first two days, pronounced redness remains in the treated area until it disappears; it is better for the patient not to wash his face, but to treat the skin with gentle antiseptics (Miramistin or Chlorhexidine) applied to a cotton pad. This will clean the surface of the skin, prevent the possibility of infection and the development of inflammatory processes.

The next stage is the formation of a crust at the site of redness. They do not remove it, but wait until it falls off on its own; this will happen within about a week. It is possible to speed up the process of its disappearance, as well as skin restoration, by regularly (2-3 times a day) using Panthenol, a moisturizing and softening cream usually used for burns.

For the first two weeks after the laser procedure, you should not sunbathe or visit baths or steam rooms. In the future, these activities should also be limited. Before each trip outside, it is recommended to use a product that protects the surface of the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

How does a laser work?

The mechanism of action of laser flow on the vascular wall is based on the thermolysis method. Under the influence of a laser beam, steam bubbles form in the blood that circulates in the pathologically altered vessel, which damage the endothelial layer when heated. The result of this reaction is the thickening of proteins in the subendothelial space and destruction of the endothelium, which has a leading clinical significance in the outcome of the therapy.

The mechanism of laser action on the skin

Micro-burns formed on the vascular walls as a result of laser exposure lead to a change in their structure, after which the vessel walls “stick together” and the visual defect disappears. The result of laser exposure can be assessed by the end of the first week, when the process of alteration and coagulation of the vascular trunk is completely completed.

The type of laser used for laser coagulation is selected depending on the defect.

What laser is used to treat rosacea?

What are the possible contraindications?

Laser treatment of rosacea is contraindicated in the following pathological conditions:

• oncological diseases;
• any neoplasms of unknown etiology in the affected area;
• infectious diseases;
• inflammatory skin pathologies in the acute stage;
• somatic diseases in the acute stage;
• disorders of the hematopoietic system.

Women are not recommended to undergo laser therapy during menstruation.

Laser treatment is contraindicated during menstruation

Treatment of rosacea with a laser is a fairly effective and comfortable procedure for the patient with a low degree of injury, a quick recovery period and an affordable cost. To get rid of rosacea forever, it is necessary to combine laser therapy with the correction of hormonal levels, eating behavior and complex treatment of chronic diseases.

Price

The cost of laser correction of rosacea directly depends on two factors, the location of the disease and the number of light flashes required to eliminate it.

Additional services (anesthesia, consultations) are paid separately according to the establishment’s pricing policy.