Capers: a natural answer to rosacea
16/11/2009
Rosacea is a skin condition recognised by a reddening, particularly on the cheeks. It can also produce painful spots, broken blood capillaries, pustules and livid looking skin. But many people, including TV star Lisa Faulkner, have discovered that a skincare product including capers can have a hugely beneficial effect.
Rosacea affects approximately one in ten of us and commonly occurs from the age of 30 onwards in both sexes; but while it is more prevalent in women, it is more severe in men.
TV's 'Spooks' star Lisa Faulkner, 37, was diagnosed with rosacea
seven years ago. “For most of my teens and 20s people just thought I was shy because I kept blushing. But after I became an actress, it was clear that I wasn’t shy at all, but I was still going red all the time. In the end I want to see a dermatologist and was diagnosed with rosacea,” says Lisa.
Its exact cause is unknown. However contrary to popular belief that is it a surface skin condition like ordinary acne, rosacea is caused by abnormalities in facial blood vessels that cause them to dilate, resulting in flushing and skin inflammation. The condition is characterised by flare-ups - the skin can be relatively normal in between, although beyond the age of fifty, the redness can become more permanently visible.
Triggers for flare ups are wide ranging and particular to the individual but can include sun (including winter sun), wind, temperature changes, alcohol, spicy food, embarrassment and stress. Rosacea is not thought to be linked to hormonal fluctuations nor is it hereditary.
"I was prescribed a steroid cream and the antibiotic Tetracycline, which is often given to treat acne. I was only allowed to take the antibiotic for a short period, but it did work really well."
Lisa has spent a fortune testing 'non-drug' lotions and potions. “I wasn’t happy to keep on taking antibiotics and steroids regularly. I tried everything from acupuncture and homeopathy to yoga. Nothing helped much or if it did it stopped working quite quickly, although yoga helps me de-stress, which helps my skin. An over-the-counter acne treatment was a huge mistake as it made my skin dry and painful.”
But six months ago Lisa discovered a new skincare range called Kalme.
There are four products (night and day creams, cleanser and tinted moisturiser) and the range includes a natural caper extract proven to
reduce redness by up to 70%.
“I liked the sound of the products because although they claimed to have an impressive anti-redness action, they were the first rosacea care products that recognised there was more to rosacea than just redness - they also addressed dryness, sensitivity and spots too,” says Lisa.
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The KALME skincare contains four ingredients to combat red skin, including
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A patented caper extract which has been proven in clinical trials
to reduce skin redness (including rosacea) and sensitivity by 70% -
A patented antioxidant called NDGA, that is up to100 times more
effective than vitamin E, C or grape seed and proven in clinical
trials to reduce skin inflammation and combat spots -
A patented ingredient called Indinyl, that has a certified 24-hour
moisturising action to combat skin dryness and dehydration -
And a new patented form of micronised zinc oxide called NanoSun.
This gives a transparent finish on the skin and a certified chemical-
free Sun Protection Factor of 25.
“I've been using the KALME products for several months and they have
reduced the small pimples on my forehead dramatically and the redness
on my cheeks is vastly improved. The tinted moisturiser gives me an added calming effect yet doesn’t make my skin dry at all. All in all my skin looks far more even, less dry and much calmer. As the KALME range is non-chemical it means I can use it every day, which I think is helping manage my skin far more effectively,” says Lisa.
The complete KALME skincare range (including day & night creams,
cleanser and tinted moisturiser) costs £59.99 (plus P&P) Available
from www.skinshop.co.uk (linked below) or call: 0844 700 9975.
Special Xmas offer!
Skin Shop are offering all Mature Times readers a special Christmas
10% discount on any KALME product bought before Jan 1st 2010. To
benefit from this offer, quote reference MTS1.
Ten tips to manage rosacea:
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Always wear an SPF of at least 15 - even in winter. Sun is a
prime culprit for red skin flare ups. Rosacea-prone skin is very
sensitive to SPF creams so use one that is chemical-free and tested
for very sensitive skin. -
Identify triggers for red skin flare ups and avoid them when ever
possible. -
Use a water-free and mild cleanser on rosacea-prone skin. Using
water can make the condition worse. -
Never use anti-acne creams on rosacea-prone skin
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Fizzy alcohol or red wine tend to be the worst culprits for flare
ups, so stick to clear still alcohol when possible. -
Many cosmetics and skincare products can make rosacea worse, so
try and avoid those that are oil-based or have lots of preservatives
and perfumes in – go natural where ever possible. -
When applying make up, use a base coat of a tinted moisturiser
that does not inflame or irritate skin before applying other
cosmetics over the top to try and protect the skin as much as possible. -
In cold weather protect cheeks, nose and chin from wind and
abrasive elements by using a soft, preferably cotton scarf. -
Any form of calming therapy or practice such as yoga or
meditation can help with rosacea as stress is a major trigger and a
vicious cycle of stress and redness can build up. -
Anti-oxidants can help reduce the inflammation associated with
rosacea, so use skincare products that include antioxidants, and eat
a diet rich in them. Antioxidants teas such as green tea can also help.