By Liane Scior
Director of Education

Couperose is often one of the earliest visible signs that a client’s skin is prone to vascular fragility, a common precursor to rosacea. Characterised by persistent redness and a network of fine, dilated capillaries, it typically appears across the cheeks, nose, and chin. Beyond simple flushing, couperose reflects underlying weaknesses in the capillary walls and an imbalance in microcirculation. These changes are frequently driven by a combination of genetic predisposition, UV damage, temperature extremes, and repeated exposure to environmental stressors. Over time, these triggers compromise vascular integrity, leaving the skin more reactive, sensitive, and prone to chronic redness.

If left unmanaged, couperose may evolve into chronic rosacea, characterized by persistent inflammation, papules, pustules, and in some cases, ocular involvement. Early recognition and intervention at the couperose stage are critical to preserving vascular integrity and preventing progression. Targeted care with Pevonia’s RS2 system addresses vascular fragility by reinforcing capillary walls, modulating inflammation, and supporting dermal recovery.

RS2 Professional and Home Care Synergy

The Pevonia RS2 line is designed as a dual-phase corrective system integrating professional treatment with at-home maintenance. This synergy ensures consistent control of redness, vascular reactivity, and overall skin function.

Professional Application: RS2 Rosacea Facial Mask Treatment

This advanced treatment harnesses a bi-thermal mechanism to optimize both dermal absorption and vascular resilience. The initial warming phase, infused with mineral-rich seaweed, gently induces vasodilation, expanding the capillaries to boost oxygen flow and enhance the penetration of active ingredients. The following cooling phase triggers vasoconstriction, contracting the capillaries to restore tone and calm visible redness. This rhythmic alternation between dilation and constriction effectively “exercises” the microcapillary network, encouraging improved elasticity and strengthening the vessel walls over time. The result is a more balanced, resilient complexion with visibly reduced vascular reactivity.

Clinical feedback and in-salon observations indicate up to 80% reduction in erythema post-treatment. Seaweed supplies vital trace minerals to strengthen vessel walls and bind moisture, while green tea polyphenols and liquorice extract (Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate) deliver potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting the inflammatory mediators responsible for redness and irritation.

Home Care Continuity: RS2 Collection

The RS2 Collection is a comprehensive skincare system meticulously formulated to calm, strengthen, and restore skin prone to redness and vascular fragility. It includes the RS2 Gentle Cleanser, RS2 Gentle Lotion, RS2 Concentrate, and RS2 Care Cream, a synergistic regimen that layers active ingredients for faster, longer-lasting results. Each product works in harmony to reinforce skin resilience and maintain the gains achieved through professional treatment.

At the heart of the collection is a potent botanical complex featuring Green Tea Extract, a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, calms inflammation, and fortifies the skin’s defences. Liquorice Root Extract helps reduce redness and irritation while brightening uneven tone for a more uniform complexion. Chamomile Flower Extract soothes hypersensitive skin, easing inflammation and discomfort, while French Rose Extract envelopes the skin in lasting softness and hydration, restoring balance to fragile or sensitised areas. Completing the blend, Olibanum (Frankincense) Extract supports the skin’s natural healing process and strengthens its protective barrier.

The RS2 Collection not only continues the repair process by improving vascular elasticity and hydration but also safeguards the skin from recurring sensitivity. Consistent daily use ensures lasting comfort, clarity, and visible calm.

Frankincense and liquorice act as bioactive modulators that mimic the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids without compromising barrier integrity. Together, they suppress overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, minimizing flare frequency and intensity. Clients typically report improved tone, comfort, and uniformity within 2–3 weeks of consistent use.

Supporting Protocol: Managing Inflammatory Triggers

Effective vascular management extends beyond topical therapy. Educating clients on lifestyle and environmental modulation enhances long-term results.

Key recommendations for couperose and rosacea-prone skin:

• Reduce exposure to internal and external triggers such as alcohol, spicy foods, aged cheeses, and rapid temperature fluctuations.
• Encourage regular consumption of green tea (EGCG-rich) and flavonoid-dense fruits and vegetables to fortify capillary health. (see below)
• Recommend low-impact exercise options, for example, restorative yoga or swimming, to stimulate circulation while avoiding overheating.
• Reinforce hydration targets of 2–3 litres of water daily to support lymphatic drainage and tissue resilience.
• Emphasize consistent photoprotection using mineral-based sunscreens and protective attire.
• Incorporate calming tools such as jade rollers or cold compresses post-sun exposure to stabilize vasculature and minimize post-inflammatory stress.
• Therapists should guide clients in journaling potential triggers, enabling customized management plans based on observed vascular responses.

Top Flavonoid-Dense Fruits

Flavonoids are potent plant compounds with antioxidant properties, abundant in colourful fruits that support skin health by combating inflammation and oxidative stress, key for conditions like couperose and rosacea. Berries lead the pack due to their high anthocyanin content.

Blueberries: Exceptionally rich in anthocyanins and flavanols, offering strong anti-inflammatory benefits for vascular skin.

Blackberries: Contain all six flavonoid subclasses, particularly potent anthocyanins for skin barrier support.

Strawberries: High in anthocyanins and chalcones, aiding redness reduction and hydration.

Raspberries and cranberries: Deliver concentrated anthocyanins to calm irritation and brighten tone.

Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit): Packed with flavanones that soothe sensitive, fragile skin.

Top Flavonoid-Dense Vegetables

Leafy greens and alliums provide flavanols and flavones, complementing skincare actives like green tea by enhancing microcirculation and elasticity.

Kale: A flavanol powerhouse, ideal for reducing inflammation in reactive skin.

Onions: Rich in quercetin (a flavanol) to minimize redness and strengthen capillaries.

Red cabbage: Loaded with anthocyanins for protective effects against environmental stressors.

Parsley: Tops flavone content, supporting healing like frankincense in topical formulas.

Incorporating these into daily diets amplifies professional treatments, sustaining gains in vascular tone and dermal resilience.

Considerations for Hormonal and Climatic Influences

Menopausal skin often reveals an increase in vascular reactivity, a direct result of declining oestrogen levels. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin thickness and collagen integrity. As its levels drop, the dermal matrix becomes thinner, and collagen support around superficial capillaries weakens, making these vessels far more reactive to internal and external stimuli.

This physiological change means menopausal clients are more prone to flushing, redness, and visible capillary activity, especially in response to heat, emotional stress, or spicy foods. These episodes often coincide with hot flashes and heightened temperature sensitivity, creating a cycle of repeated erythema and increased barrier fragility.

For skin therapists, this is an important sign to watch for, as recurrent vascular dilation can contribute to longer-term issues such as persistent facial redness, telangiectasia formation, and overall barrier disruption.

The RS2 system provides targeted support by helping rebuild dermal density, strengthen capillary walls, and normalize vascular tone. This helps minimise flare-ups and maintain skin comfort during hormonal transitions. Incorporating these formulations into menopausal care protocols supports both visible skin function and client well-being through this sensitive physiological phase.

Climate control is equally critical when supporting clients with Rosacea, particularly in Australian conditions. During the warmer months, elevated UV radiation, humidity, and heat spikes can intensify vasodilation and oxidative stress, heightening the frequency and severity of flushing or erythema episodes.

Encourage clients to be mindful of keeping cool throughout the day, especially during outdoor activities or periods of environmental stress. Suggest strategies such as staying in air‑conditioned environments, using portable fans or cooling mists, wearing light, breathable fabrics, and avoiding direct sun and heat exposure whenever possible.

Sun protection is a key management strategy, as UV exposure further weakens capillary walls and triggers inflammatory responses in already reactive skin. Recommend daily application of broad‑spectrum SPF, diligent reapplication during outdoor exposure, and the inclusion of antioxidant‑rich skincare formulations to reinforce the skin’s resilience against photo‑induced inflammation.

To maintain vascular stability and reduce flare escalation during these seasonal or environmental stressors, therapists should recommend increasing the frequency of professional RS2 Facial treatments. More regular sessions support dermal recovery, fortify capillary integrity, and deliver cumulative soothing benefits, helping to maintain comfort and balance in Rosacea‑prone skin.

Professional Outlook

Preventing couperose from advancing to rosacea relies on early identification, product consistency, and lifestyle education. The RS2 system provides comprehensive support through clinical efficiency, antioxidant potency, and vascular repair. By integrating professional protocols with daily maintenance and client education, therapists can deliver measurable, visible improvement, strengthening both skin health and client trust.