What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects small blood vessels in the face and leads to their hyperactivity. There are four subtypes of rosacea:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, which manifests itself mainly as redness.
• Papulopustular rosacea, recognisable by the appearance of papules and pustules
• Phymatous or hypertropic rosacea, which most often affects men and produces swelling of the skin accompanied by dilation of the pores of the nose
• Ocular rosacea, identifiable by watering, irritation and photosensitivity of the eyes.

Rosacea appears mainly in the center of the face, i.e. on the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. It can progress from the erythematotelangiectatic subtype to other forms such as the papulopustular subtype.

Approximately 3% of the world's population is affected by this condition, including 25% of adults. It is rare in children (otherwise, it manifests itself as redness of the cheeks). People with rosacea are generally over 30, although the first signs can appear as early as 20. Women are twice as likely as men to develop rosacea.

People with rosacea can suffer from the visibility of its symptoms. It's a condition often described as "psychological, rather than physiological".

The causes are still poorly understood, but scientists are studying a correlation between the onset of rosacea and : 

• Genetics: rosacea most often develops in individuals with fair eyes, hair and skin.
• Immune dysfunction 
• Skin reaction to sun exposure
• Intense activity of the blood vessels in the face, causing them to dilate, resulting in redness.
• The presence and proliferation of Demodex folliculorum bacteria on the surface of the face
• Consumption of certain spicy foods, alcohol and hot beverages

People with rosacea can suffer as a result of the visibility of its symptoms. It's a condition often described as "psychological, rather than physiological".

The causes are still poorly understood, but scientists are studying a correlation between the onset of rosacea and : 

• Genetics: rosacea most often develops in individuals with fair eyes, hair and skin.
• Immune dysfunction 
• Skin reaction to sun exposure
• Intense activity of the blood vessels in the face, causing them to dilate, resulting in redness.
• the presence and proliferation of Demodex folliculorum bacteria on the surface of the face
• consumption of certain spicy foods, alcohol and hot beverages

Rosacea and couperose, what's the difference?

The terms rosacea and couperose are often confused. Although they are both related, there is a difference.

Rosacea is the scientific and general name for the condition that causes redness of the face, sometimes even papules and pustules. Couperose, on the other hand, corresponds to one of the symptoms of rosacea, namely dilation of the small blood vessels in the face. Other symptoms of rosacea include

• Hot flashes accompanied by a burning sensation 
• Dry, sensitive skin 
• Papules and pustules (in the case of papulopustular rosacea)
• Swollen eyelids and eye irritation combined with dryness (in the case of ocular rosacea)

How can CBD soothe rosacea?

There are many creams available today to treat rosacea and reduce the frequency of flare-ups (rosacea is rarely completely eliminated). These creams can sometimes contain chemicals or perfumes that are incompatible with application to sensitive or even hypersensitive skin. Diet can sometimes prove effective during rosacea flare-ups. Foods such as nuts, rice or green vegetables rich in vitamin B2 are recommended. Zinc-rich foods are also recommended. 

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the activation of receptors of the endocannabinoid system, more specifically CB2. As with acne and eczema treatments, CBD also has an anti-bacterial action, while moisturizing the skin.

Scientific research, notably at the University of Zurich, supports the plausibility of a positive effect of CBD on the transient receptor ion channels involved in the development of rosacea.

What we offer to soothe rosacea 

To soothe the undesirable effects of rosacea, we recommend our  Huile Précieuse n°6 containing 500 mg CBD. Made from 9 cold-pressed, organic botanical oils and specially formulated for sensitive and atopic skin, it will moisturize your skin without harming it. To find out more about the properties of plant oils, read our article on the subject.

What's more, calendula macerate combined with the virtues of CBD will help reduce inflammation. Jojoba oil helps regulate sebum and prevent the appearance of pustules (pimples containing pus).

To be applied daily to prevent the appearance of symptoms, or occasionally when they have already developed, it's easy to include our Huile Précieuse in your daily skincare routine. See our article on how to apply the oil to the skin.

As rosacea sufferers generally have sensitive or even hypersensitive skin, we advise you not to add boosters to your oils, and to use them neutrally.

For targeted action, discover our roll-on repair care specially designed to soothe rosacea. Featuring a cryoapplicator and a formula concentrated in CBD and CBG, hemp oil, calendula oil and vitamin E, our brand-new treatment will relieve the undesirable effects of rosacea naturally and at any time. In fact, its format means you can take it anywhere.

The use of cosmetics in the treatment of rosacea does not replace the importance of professional medical advice (doctors, dermatologists).

Sources:

 Precious oil n°6 - Sensitive or atopic skin. (n.d.). Sowé Lab., from https://www.sowelab.com/products/huile-precieuse-6

Le Soin Réparateur roll-on - https://www.sowelab.com/products/soin-reparateur-pour-eliminer-boutons-et-inflammations

Redness, rosacea and rosacea: definitions and causes (n.d.). ameli.fr | Assuré. https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/rosacee-couperose/definition-facteurs-favorisants

(2021). Cannabinoids interaction with transient receptor potential family and implications in the treatment of rosacea. Dematologic Therapy, 34(6). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dth.15162

Rousseau, L. (2022). Rosacea. https://www.passeportsante.net/. https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Maux/Problemes/Fiche.aspx?doc=couperose_pm

Nb. (n. d.). Why cannabis stems inflammation. ETHLife - ETH Zuerich. https://www.ethlife.ethz.ch/archive_articles/080627_Hanf_Paper/index_EN.html