Go to homepage
€0.00*
Beauty Payback Bonussystem
Collect points and save
Free items with your order A matter of course for us
Beauty Deals Valuable originals and limited editions
Book a personal consultation 40 years of experience in natural cosmetics

Redness, rosacea and couperose:

A Belladonna Beauty Guide

Sensitive skin that blushes easily, feels tight or reacts to even the slightest irritants presents a daily challenge for many people. Visible broken capillaries, persistent redness or recurring flare-ups can alter the skin’s appearance and affect one’s sense of well-being. These symptoms are often caused by skin conditions such as couperose or the chronic inflammatory skin condition rosacea.

The good news is that a skincare routine tailored to the needs of sensitive skin can specifically support the skin barrier and protect the skin from unnecessary irritation. Natural skincare products in particular, containing skin-soothing and moisturising ingredients, can help to care for the skin and promote its balance – without any unnecessary strain from harsh or highly irritating ingredients.

In this guide, you’ll learn how rosacea differs from couperose, what might be causing facial redness, and what a gentle, natural skincare routine looks like. We’ll also introduce you to tried-and-tested active ingredients and offer practical tips on how to ease the strain on your skin in everyday life and strengthen its natural protective function.


Redness, rosacea and couperose:

A Belladonna Beauty Guide

Sensitive skin that blushes easily, feels tight or reacts to even the slightest irritants presents a daily challenge for many people. Visible broken capillaries, persistent redness or recurring flare-ups can alter the skin’s appearance and affect one’s sense of well-being. These symptoms are often caused by skin conditions such as couperose or the chronic inflammatory skin condition rosacea.

The good news is that a skincare routine tailored to the needs of sensitive skin can specifically support the skin barrier and protect the skin from unnecessary irritation. Natural skincare products in particular, containing skin-soothing and moisturising ingredients, can help to care for the skin and promote its balance – without any unnecessary strain from harsh or highly irritating ingredients.

In this guide, you’ll learn how rosacea differs from couperose, what might be causing facial redness, and what a gentle, natural skincare routine looks like. We’ll also introduce you to tried-and-tested active ingredients and offer practical tips on how to ease the strain on your skin in everyday life and strengthen its natural protective function.


What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the central areas of the face, such as the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin, and should be treated by a healthcare professional. Typical symptoms include persistent or intermittent redness, visible broken capillaries and a burning or stinging sensation on the skin. As the condition progresses, inflammatory papules and pustules may also develop, which is why rosacea is often confused with acne – although they are two distinct skin conditions. 

According to current medical understanding, a compromised skin barrier, increased reactivity of the blood vessels and a dysregulated immune response in the skin play a key role in its development. Triggers such as UV radiation, heat, cold, spicy food, alcohol or stress can exacerbate the symptoms and trigger so-called flare-ups. 

Gentle, low-irritant skincare can help to strengthen the skin barrier and soothe sensitive skin. In addition, consistent sun protection is important, as UV radiation is one of the most common triggers. Although rosacea cannot be cured, the condition can often be well managed with appropriate skincare and by avoiding individual triggers.

What is couperose? 

Couperose is not a skin condition in its own right, but rather describes a skin appearance with permanently dilated, fine blood vessels that are visible as red veins, particularly on the cheeks and nose. The skin is often prone to diffuse redness and is sensitive to external factors such as the sun, temperature fluctuations or alcohol. 

Unlike rosacea, however, couperose does not usually involve inflammatory papules or pustules. The dilated blood vessels result from reduced elasticity of the vessel walls and increased vascular sensitivity, often exacerbated by a genetic predisposition. As the skin is usually sensitive, it benefits from gentle, moisturising care that strengthens the skin barrier and prevents further irritation. 

Soothing active ingredients such as panthenol, beta-glucan, niacinamide or liquorice root extract can help to improve the skin’s feel and visually reduce redness. Daily sun protection also helps to shield the delicate blood vessels from UV-induced damage. Couperose can occur on its own, but in some people it is also considered an early sign or a symptom of rosacea.

Which ingredients help to alleviate redness, couperose and rosacea?

In the treatment of rosacea, both dermatological active ingredients and cosmetic or natural cosmetic ingredients are used. The following ingredients have a soothing, anti-inflammatory and skin-barrier-strengthening effect and have therefore proven effective in the care of rosacea and skin prone to redness:

Which ingredients help to alleviate redness, couperose and rosacea?

In the treatment of rosacea, both dermatological active ingredients and cosmetic or natural cosmetic ingredients are used. The following ingredients have a soothing, anti-inflammatory and skin-barrier-strengthening effect and have therefore proven effective in the care of rosacea and skin prone to redness:

Supportive skincare for couperose, rosacea and redness

When it comes to skincare for rosacea, the guiding principle is: as much as necessary, as little as possible. The aim is not to use as many active ingredients as possible, but to strengthen the skin barrier, minimise inflammatory triggers and retain moisture. A natural skincare routine should therefore be low in irritants, low in fragrance and as simple as possible. 

Many people with rosacea benefit from a deliberately simplified routine using just three to four products. Frequently changing skincare products or introducing several new active ingredients at once can unnecessarily irritate the skin. New products should therefore ideally be introduced one at a time and tested for a few weeks to assess their tolerability. With rosacea in particular, a consistent, simple skincare routine is often more successful than a complex regimen based on active ingredients.

Supportive skincare for couperose, rosacea and redness

When it comes to skincare for rosacea, the guiding principle is: as much as necessary, as little as possible. The aim is not to use as many active ingredients as possible, but to strengthen the skin barrier, minimise inflammatory triggers and retain moisture. A natural skincare routine should therefore be low in irritants, low in fragrance and as simple as possible. 

Many people with rosacea benefit from a deliberately simplified routine using just three to four products. Frequently changing skincare products or introducing several new active ingredients at once can unnecessarily irritate the skin. New products should therefore ideally be introduced one at a time and tested for a few weeks to assess their tolerability. With rosacea in particular, a consistent, simple skincare routine is often more successful than a complex regimen based on active ingredients.

1. Gentle cleansing

Gentle cleansing removes make-up and impurities from the skin and forms the basis of a skincare routine. For those with rosacea, cleansers should be gentle and free from excessive fragrances and additives. Many sufferers benefit from a cleanser that is neither degreasing nor overly moisturising, and which is not occlusive and does not clog the pores.

1. Gentle cleansing

Gentle cleansing removes make-up and impurities from the skin and forms the basis of a skincare routine. For those with rosacea, cleansers should be gentle and free from excessive fragrances and additives. Many sufferers benefit from a cleanser that is neither degreasing nor overly moisturising, and which is not occlusive and does not clog the pores.

Pharmos Cleansing Cream gently cleanses the skin without surfactants or fragrances. It removes make-up and impurities and strengthens the skin’s natural acid mantle.

Shop now

The ESSE Sensitive Cleanser gently and thoroughly removes make-up and is also suitable for the sensitive eye area. At the same time, probiotics support the skin’s microbiome.

Shop now

Dr Hauck Cleanser gently and thoroughly removes make-up and is particularly suitable for dry skin. Its creamy formula instantly soothes even the most sensitive skin.

Shop now

The SantaVerde pure refine Cleanser gently and thoroughly cleanses skin prone to inflammation and blemishes. Seaweed and willow bark help to soothe irritation and stabilise the skin.

Shop now

DadoSens Sensacea Cleansing Gel gently cleanses highly sensitive skin and skin affected by rosacea. Red algae, liquorice and aloe vera provide long-lasting relief for irritated skin.

Shop now 

Bioturm Cleansing Milk gently removes make-up and impurities and is particularly suitable for highly sensitive, dry skin. The Lacto-Intensive Complex has a highly moisturising effect and helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier.

Shop now

2. Serums and targeted active ingredients

Moisturising serums and facial gels provide the skin with targeted soothing, vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory active ingredients. They also provide plenty of moisture without feeling heavy on the skin. In the case of rosacea, it is advisable to use only a few, carefully selected active ingredients to avoid unnecessarily irritating the skin.

2. Serums and targeted active ingredients

Moisturising serums and facial gels provide the skin with targeted soothing, vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory active ingredients. They also provide plenty of moisture without feeling heavy on the skin. In the case of rosacea, it is advisable to use only a few, carefully selected active ingredients to avoid unnecessarily irritating the skin.

LaBrains Rosa Cease Care Serum contains chlorophyll and instantly neutralises redness. Antioxidants, probiotics and plant stem cells strengthen the skin over the long term.

Dr. Hauck Calming Serum instantly soothes irritated and reddened skin with a complex of active ingredients comprising bisabolol, comfrey tincture and aloe vera. Antioxidants protect against photo-induced skin ageing.

Shop now

Oceanwell Cell-Activating Sea Gel stimulates cellular metabolism with highly concentrated Laminaria seaweed extract and seawater. It can be used on its own as a skincare product for oily skin.

Shop now

Pharmos Revitalising Gel is pure, top-quality aloe vera leaf gel. It has powerful moisturising, firming, regenerating and wound-healing properties, and is suitable even for the most sensitive skin types.

Shop now

The SantaVerde Pure Refining Serum refines the complexion and soothes redness, thanks to its formula based on pure aloe vera leaf gel. Hyaluronic acid and pansy extract have a plumping and anti-inflammatory effect.

Shop now

The Annemarie Börlind Facial Firming Gel has a firming effect, refines the pores and helps to stabilise dilated capillaries. Celandine helps to promote the drainage of vascular congestion, whilst witch hazel and larch sponge help to refine the pores.

Shop now

3. Moisturising

A daily moisturiser protects the skin from environmental factors and can strengthen and soothe it. For rosacea, your day cream should be as light as possible, non-greasy and non-occlusive, and should not contain heavy oils. Instead, light, mattifying creams and lotions have proven effective, as they allow the skin to ‘breathe’ and do not cause the skin to overheat.

3. Moisturising

A daily moisturiser protects the skin from environmental factors and can strengthen and soothe it. For rosacea, your day cream should be as light as possible, non-greasy and non-occlusive, and should not contain heavy oils. Instead, light, mattifying creams and lotions have proven effective, as they allow the skin to ‘breathe’ and do not cause the skin to overheat.

LaBrains RosaCease & Strike Back Cream was developed specifically as an anti-ageing treatment for skin affected by rosacea and couperose. Hyaluronic acid, brown algae and antioxidants derived from Nordic plants strengthen the blood vessels and the skin microbiome, and help to combat the signs of ageing.

Shop now

The lightweight, mattifying Pharmos Balancing Cream has a regenerating effect and helps to manage couperose and rosacea. Pure aloe vera leaf gel moisturises, whilst marshmallow extract soothes redness and irritation.

Shop now

The lightweight Coeur de Beauté Vitamin B5 Fluid is ideal for caring for reddened, inflamed and blemish-prone skin. Panthenol and allantoin have regenerating and soothing effects, whilst Rügen healing chalk has a mattifying and detoxifying effect.

Shop now

SantaVerde Pure Mattifying Fluid offers a very light, mattifying treatment for inflamed, reddened and blemish-prone skin. Pansy extract and oils from evening primrose and wild rose have a regenerating and strengthening effect.

Shop now

The DadoSens Sensacea Facial Emulsion cares for skin prone to couperose and rosacea with proven active ingredients such as aloe vera, liquorice root, red algae and colloidal oat flour. Its light texture is quickly absorbed and moisturises the skin.

Shop now

Bioturm Anti-Redness Cream provides long-lasting hydration to the skin thanks to the Lacto-Intensive Complex. Extracts of balloon vine and purple red algae help to stabilise blood vessels and reduce redness.

Shop now

4. Treatments & Immediate Relief

In acute cases where the skin is severely reddened, our products provide immediate relief: they have a cooling effect and soothe reddened skin straight away. Targeted probiotics help to restore the skin’s microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier.

4. Treatments & Immediate Relief

In acute cases where the skin is severely reddened, our products provide immediate relief: they have a cooling effect and soothe reddened skin straight away. Targeted probiotics help to restore the skin’s microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier.

Dr. Hauschka Calm & Balance Ampoules can be used either as a four-week treatment course or as immediate relief for reddened, sensitive skin and skin affected by rosacea. They have a cooling effect and instantly soothe redness, irritation and even sunburn.

Shop now

ESSE Sensitive Serum R1 contains over a billion live Lactobacillus microbes, which help to restore an imbalanced skin microbiome and thus treat a common cause of redness and inflammation. The serum is used as a course of treatment until the skin’s condition improves.

Shop now

The Annemarie Börlind Sensitive Cream Mask instantly soothes reddened and irritated skin. Balloon vine and blackcurrant seed oil strengthen the skin’s barrier and have a stabilising effect.

Shop now

5. Sun protection

Sun exposure is a major trigger for rosacea flare-ups and increased redness. Applying sun protection daily protects the skin from UV radiation and can therefore help prevent rosacea flare-ups. Mineral filters based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often particularly well tolerated. Alternatively, modern organic sun filters can be used.

5. Sun protection

Sun exposure is a major trigger for rosacea flare-ups and increased redness. Applying sun protection daily protects the skin from UV radiation and can therefore help prevent rosacea flare-ups. Mineral filters based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often particularly well tolerated. Alternatively, modern organic sun filters can be used.

T.O.P. Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 effectively protects the skin from UV radiation using non-nano mineral sun filters. Triple-molecular hyaluronic acid provides additional moisturising benefits, whilst carrot root extract acts as an antioxidant.

Shop now

Midi12 Sun Cream SPF50+ effectively protects the skin from UV radiation using advanced organic sun filters. Coconut extract and panthenol also help to moisturise and regenerate the skin.

Shop now

ESSE Sunscreen SPF30 protects the skin from the sun’s rays using non-nano zinc oxide. Antioxidants from rooibos and olive leaves also neutralise free radicals and help to combat skin ageing.

Shop now

Which ingredients should you try to avoid?

Alcohol Denat.: Denatured alcohol can dry out the skin and cause further irritation

Perfume & fragrances: Synthetic fragrances and some essential oils can irritate the skin

Chemical peels and acids: Fruit acids (AHAs) and other exfoliating acids can put additional strain on the already weakened skin barrier and make the skin more sensitive to external irritants.

Vitamin C: Highly concentrated or very acidic vitamin C formulations can irritate sensitive rosacea-prone skin and exacerbate burning or redness, which is why well-tolerated derivatives or lower concentrations are often the better choice.

Scrubs & mechanical exfoliants: these can be irritating and may further damage the compromised skin barrier

Petroleum-based lipids and paraffins: although these are generally very well tolerated, they have a strong occlusive effect and can lead to heat build-up.

Which ingredients should you try to avoid?

Alcohol Denat.: Denatured alcohol can dry out the skin and cause further irritation

Perfume & fragrances: Synthetic fragrances and some essential oils can irritate the skin

Chemical peels and acids: Fruit acids (AHAs) and other exfoliating acids can put additional strain on the already weakened skin barrier and make the skin more sensitive to external irritants.

Vitamin C: Highly concentrated or very acidic vitamin C formulations can irritate sensitive rosacea-prone skin and exacerbate burning or redness, which is why well-tolerated derivatives or lower concentrations are often the better choice.

Scrubs & mechanical exfoliants: these can be irritating and may further damage the compromised skin barrier

Petroleum-based lipids and paraffins: although these are generally very well tolerated, they have a strong occlusive effect and can lead to heat build-up.

Are you unsure which skin care is best suited to you?

Are you unsure which skin care is best suited to you?

Our offer for you: your personalised 20-minute beauty consultation

online or by telephone

Take advantage of our free offer and book an appointment for your personalised beauty consultation. We’ll help you choose the skincare routine that suits you best and assist you in finding the ideal products for your skin. The consultation takes place online via video call or by telephone, lasts 20 minutes and is conducted by our experienced beauty consultants.

Book now

Tips for managing rosacea – what you can do for your skin

As well as a suitable skincare routine and medical treatment, everyday habits can also have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin. As rosacea varies from person to person, it is worth keeping an eye on your own triggers and adjusting your lifestyle accordingly.

1. Identify your personal triggers 

Not everyone with rosacea reacts to the same triggers. Keeping a skin diary can help you spot links between redness and factors such as diet, weather or stress, and enable you to specifically avoid your personal triggers.  

2. Avoid extreme temperatures  

Intense heat, sauna sessions, hot baths or freezing cold can cause blood vessels to dilate and increase redness. Sudden changes in temperature should also be avoided where possible.  

3. Consciously reduce stress 

Psychological stress can promote inflammatory processes and trigger flare-ups of rosacea. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or regular walks can help to improve your general well-being. 

4. Pay close attention to your diet 

There is no specific ‘rosacea diet’. However, many sufferers report that spicy foods, alcohol or very hot drinks can exacerbate their symptoms. Keep an eye on which foods or drinks affect your skin and adjust your diet accordingly. 

5. Protect your skin from wind and cold 

Cold air and strong wind can further irritate sensitive skin and increase redness. A scarf or other form of face cover, along with a protective skincare product, can help shield your skin from the elements.

Tips for managing rosacea – what you can do for your skin

As well as a suitable skincare routine and medical treatment, everyday habits can also have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin. As rosacea varies from person to person, it is worth keeping an eye on your own triggers and adjusting your lifestyle accordingly.

1. Identify your personal triggers 

Not everyone with rosacea reacts to the same triggers. Keeping a skin diary can help you spot links between redness and factors such as diet, weather or stress, and enable you to specifically avoid your personal triggers.  

2. Avoid extreme temperatures  

Intense heat, sauna sessions, hot baths or freezing cold can cause blood vessels to dilate and increase redness. Sudden changes in temperature should also be avoided where possible.  

3. Consciously reduce stress 

Psychological stress can promote inflammatory processes and trigger flare-ups of rosacea. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or regular walks can help to improve your general well-being. 

4. Pay close attention to your diet 

There is no specific ‘rosacea diet’. However, many sufferers report that spicy foods, alcohol or very hot drinks can exacerbate their symptoms. Keep an eye on which foods or drinks affect your skin and adjust your diet accordingly. 

5. Protect your skin from wind and cold 

Cold air and strong wind can further irritate sensitive skin and increase redness. A scarf or other form of face cover, along with a protective skincare product, can help shield your skin from the elements.

Treat yourself: a treatment at our beauty salon

Our experienced beautician invites you to leave the stresses of everyday life behind and relax with a soothing beauty treatment. Our treatments are also suitable for challenging skin conditions such as rosacea, couperose and redness, as well as very sensitive skin. We tailor the treatment to your individual skin type, so that you can go home feeling relaxed and see long-term improvements in your skin’s appearance.

To our Beauty Salon

Our top brands for rosacea, couperose and redness

Tried-and-tested natural skincare brands with a dermatological and holistic approach

Our top brands for rosacea, couperose and redness

Tried-and-tested natural skincare brands with a dermatological and holistic approach

Pharmos Natur’s cosmetics are based on the healing properties of the aloe vera plant. Pure aloe leaf gel and selected, highly pure natural active ingredients penetrate deep into the skin, moisturise it and strengthen its natural barrier.

LaBrains specialises in scientifically proven active-ingredient skincare for problem skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. The range utilises Nordic medicinal plants, plant stem cells and probiotics.

ESSE Skincare aims to treat the causes of inflamed and reddened skin and to strengthen the skin barrier. The products contain live probiotics and prebiotics, which help to rebuild and specifically support the skin’s microbiome.

SantaVerde offers high-purity aloe vera skincare products based on pure aloe leaf gel. The Skin Refine range soothes and stabilises inflamed and reddened skin.

Bioturm skincare is based on the Lacto-Intensive Complex and is primarily designed for problem skin. The brand adheres to dermatological standards and relies on tried-and-tested active ingredients such as balloon vine and purple red algae.
The Sensacea range from DadoSens offers scientifically formulated dermocosmetics as a complementary skincare treatment for rosacea and couperose. Ingredients used include purple-red algae and liquorice root.

Dr. Hauck specialises in highly tolerable ‘better ageing’ skincare products free from emulsifiers and fragrances, which are well tolerated even by those with problematic skin. A specially developed complex of active ingredients strengthens the skin barrier and can improve the appearance of the skin in the long term.

Oceanwell offers highly gentle, natural marine skincare products based on Laminaria seaweed and pure seawater, which strengthen the skin barrier and soothe highly sensitive, inflamed skin, making them ideal for the care of reddened skin.

Annemarie Börlind offers a comprehensive skincare range for almost every skin type. For reddened, irritated skin, the range includes prebiotics, probiotics and balloon vine, amongst other ingredients.