Couperose & redness: Your skin turns red whenever it likes.

Not quite. Almost everyone experiences temporary redness — for example, during exercise or when feeling excited. Couperose is the term used when fine blood vessels become permanently dilated and remain visible as red or purple veins, usually on the cheeks and nose, often on sensitive, easily irritated skin. The redness not only appears, but it also doesn’t fade properly. It is precisely these dilated blood vessels that can be treated specifically.

This is because certain stimuli cause your blood vessels to dilate directly. Heat, alcohol, spicy food or changes in temperature activate receptors in the skin—known as TRP channels—which trigger vasodilation: the typical flushing reaction. In sensitive, reactive skin, this reaction is more pronounced and subsides more slowly. Over time, the constant dilation can lead to the formation of permanent broken capillaries.

Source: Therapeutic strategies targeting immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation in rosacea. 2024.

Yes, and there is strong evidence to support this. A systematic review concludes that IPL effectively reduces redness and dilated blood vessels, and that the effect lasts after treatment. The principle: the light is specifically absorbed by the haemoglobin in the blood vessels and gently coagulates them, causing them to fade. Creams cannot achieve this — they can soothe inflamed skin, but cannot close blood vessels that have already dilated.

Source: Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light in rosacea: A systematic review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2024.

It has a soothing effect. Red light and near-infrared light have anti-inflammatory properties and support the skin barrier — they are gentle and well-tolerated, particularly on reactive skin. Light-based therapies are generally recognised as established methods for treating facial redness. LED does not replace IPL: we target the blood vessels with IPL, whilst LED soothes the skin. Together, they complement each other.

Source: Husein-ElAhmed H, Steinhoff M. Light-based therapies in the management of rosacea: a systematic review with meta-analysis. International Journal of Dermatology. 2022;61(2):216–225.

The two go hand in hand. A weakened barrier keeps the skin sensitive and reactive — it then reacts more strongly to every trigger. When the skin is calm, biorevitalisation with NCTF® (hyaluronic acid plus 59 active ingredients) provides deep hydration and antioxidants; studies show that this improves skin hydration and quality. More resilient skin is less likely to overreact — and this complements vascular treatment.

Source: Performance and Safety of a New Micro-Needle Technology Using a Biorevitalising Solution (NCTF® 135HA): A Randomised Split-Face/Neck Study. 2024.

This is because UV light is one of the strongest triggers and damages the supporting tissue around the blood vessels — both of which make the redness worse. In research, consistent sun protection is therefore considered a key component in managing reddened skin. High sun protection, all year round, is the most effective measure you can take yourself — and it also protects the results of your treatments.

Source: Morgado-Carrasco D et al., Impact of ultraviolet radiation and the exposome on rosacea. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021.

Probably too much of a good thing. Harsh exfoliants, alcohol-based toners, rough brushes or too many active ingredients strip away the already weakened barrier — and the weaker the barrier, the more reactive the skin becomes. When it comes to couperose, the rule is: less is more, but make sure it’s the right products. A gentle, moisturising routine is the foundation. Find out more about how to rebuild a weakened barrier at Dehydrated skin →.

We hear this a lot — and it’s only half true. Topical and oral medications control the inflammation, i.e. spots and diffuse redness; they have little effect on already visible, dilated blood vessels. This is precisely why devices such as IPL exist, which are now also recommended in treatment guidelines for visible blood vessels. The two approaches complement each other: the doctor treats the inflammation, whilst we treat the visible blood vessels.

Visible broken capillaries can be significantly reduced with IPL, often to the point where they are barely visible. But the underlying predisposition remains: sensitive skin and a tendency for blood vessels to dilate. That is why it is more honest to talk about management — with a course of treatments, touch-ups as needed, sun protection and an awareness of your triggers, the redness can be kept at a low level in the long term. A promise that it will be "gone forever" would be unrealistic.

It depends on the treatment plan — usually a course of IPL treatments, accompanied by soothing and barrier-strengthening skincare. You can find an overview of the treatments on our Prices page →. Still unsure? Our Skin Quiz → gives you a quick overview in five minutes.