How can I get rid of blotchy red skin?

by Helen Smith
(Perth, Western australia)

Xmas 2007 me as a reindeer

I have a red blotchy face. Can anything be done to get ride of this redness? I am 55 and overweight. I don't eat the right foods but am trying. I also don't exercise much but am intending to start aqua fitness classes soon.

The skin on my face and neck are my main concern. I don't have a beauty regime. The only things I do is wash my face (under the shower) and moisturize with a non-oily moisturizer that my daughter uses. I want to know what products to use. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a product that doesn't work for me. I've been told (by my daughters) that I need to cleanse and tone and moisturize etc. But I don't know how to use them or what to use.

I don't wear makeup and only occasionally wear sunscreen on my face. I do wear a hat when in the sun though, and I do drink lots of water. I know I'm pretty bad but can you help me?

Dear Helen,
thank you for writing to me. I agree with your daughters and think with the right skin care regime you can improve the condition of your skin.

By the way, I think you look fantastic for your age. Keep up your good efforts of eating a healthy balanced diet and exercise regime. Aquarobics is a great choice.

The redness and blotchiness that you experience is most likely a skin condition called Couperose skin. Here is a technical description of Couperose skin:

Characterized by a general coloring to the superficial skin layers that is generally permanent. It appears as a constant flushed appearance due to the dilation of capillaries. Couperose skin may be due to many factors such as genetics and lack of protection from environmental conditions. Telangiectasia may also be seen on top of the couperose condition (Telangiectasia - Capillaries that dilate due to various reasons such as trauma, environmental factors or a genetic predisposition.)

It is important to protect your skin from extreme hot and cold temperatures. Wash your skin only with lukewarm water. Protect your skin from the sun and wind. Avoid sauna’s, steam baths and spa pools. Avoid or have only little caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods.

You can strengthen your capillaries by eating foods rich in vitamin P.
Vitamin P, also called Bioflavonoids, improves capillary strength, lowers blood pressure and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

A good skin care regime will help to reduce redness and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Instead of showergel, I would like you to start using a gentle cleanser that will not irritate your skin. Followed by a specific treatment for couperose skin and a protective moisturiser for day and night time.

You can use any product that is suitable for sensitive skin.
I like to use organic skin care that is free of chemicals. I would suggest following products from Miessence , an Australian Organic skin care range that I use myself. The products are also reasonably priced, effective and smell devine.

Your skin care regime:

Step 1: Miessence Soothing Cleanser $44.50 (250ml)
Use am and pm. Dampen your face with a lukewarm flannel. Use 1 to 2 pumps of cleanser and massage into your face and neck in circular motion. Rinse off. Repeat if you have worn make up.

Step 2: Miessence Soothing Couperose Gel $24.50 (30ml)
Use am/pm. Apply 1 to 2 pumps onto your fintertips and smooth over your face and neck.

Step 3: Miessence Soothing Moisturiser $53.59 (50ml)
Use am/pm. Apply 2 pumps onto your fintertips and smooth over your face and neck.

All products are available to order as samples if you wish to try first.

I hope these suggestions are helpful. Please contact me if you have any more questions or concerns.

All the best.

Daniela