What is an angiopausine?
Angiopausine™ is a patented, natural-origin active ingredient, developed by the skincare brand Avène, specifically to address chronic and temporary facial redness. It is not a broad medical term but a specific, proprietary component of certain dermo-cosmetic products. The ingredient is derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum, and acts to restore vascular stability in the skin. In clinical tests, products containing Angiopausine have been shown to significantly reduce the intensity of visible redness.
How Angiopausine™ targets the root cause of redness
Facial redness, especially that associated with conditions like rosacea, is often caused by microcirculation abnormalities in the skin. This process, known as superficial hypervascularization, involves a proliferation of unstable and fragile blood vessels near the skin's surface. The result is persistent redness, flushing, and feelings of heat or discomfort.
Angiopausine™ works by inhibiting the action of a specific protein called angiopoietin-2, which is involved in vascular instability. When levels of angiopoietin-2 increase, blood vessels become weaker and more dilated. By limiting this action, Angiopausine™ helps to:
- Restore vascular stability: It helps strengthen the walls of superficial blood vessels, preventing them from becoming dilated and visible.
- Decrease hypervascularization: By promoting healthier blood vessels, it reduces the overall proliferation of capillaries that contribute to chronic redness.
- Limit recurrence: A key benefit of this targeted action is its anti-recurrence effect, which helps to keep redness from reappearing after initial treatment.
The role of milk thistle extract
The milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum) has a long history in herbal medicine and is well-known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The specific extract from milk thistle that provides the benefits in Angiopausine™ contains compounds like silymarin, which is known to have protective effects on blood vessels. This natural-origin basis is part of what makes Angiopausine™ suitable for sensitive and reactive skin. The ingredient is formulated to be gentle yet effective, minimizing the risk of irritation that other anti-redness treatments can sometimes cause.
Angiopausine™ products and benefits
The most prominent products featuring Angiopausine™ are from the Avène Rosamed and Redness Expert lines. These products combine the patented active ingredient with Avène Thermal Spring Water, which is clinically proven to soothe, soften, and calm irritated skin.
Key benefits reported by users and clinical studies include:
- Significant reduction in redness: Clinical data from Avène shows a noticeable reduction in the intensity of visible redness, with studies demonstrating a reduction of nearly 50% in redness intensity over a period of 29 days.
- Immediate soothing effect: Users often report an instant feeling of freshness and relief from overheating and discomfort associated with flushed skin.
- Long-lasting hydration: The formulations provide continuous hydration for up to 24 hours, restoring skin comfort.
- Gentle formulation: The products are typically fragrance-free, non-greasy, and contain a high percentage of natural-origin ingredients, making them ideal for sensitive, reactive, and intolerant skin.
- Versatile use: They can be used alone for daily care or as adjunctive therapy alongside prescription medications or post-laser treatments for conditions like rosacea.
Comparison with other anti-redness treatments
Angiopausine™ offers a different approach compared to many common anti-redness treatments. The table below outlines how it compares to other options.
| Feature | Angiopausine™-based Products | Green-Tinted Creams/Primers | Azelaic Acid Products | Prescription Oral Medications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Targets and stabilizes micro-blood vessels at the source of the problem. | Provides temporary color correction to mask redness on the surface. | Reduces inflammation and can help kill bacteria in some forms of rosacea. | Systemic action; anti-inflammatory effects can reduce redness over time. |
| Action | Long-term and preventive action by restoring vascular stability. | Short-term, cosmetic concealment that does not treat the root cause. | Therapeutic, addresses some underlying inflammatory issues. | Powerful therapeutic action, but with potential for systemic side effects. |
| Main Benefit | Reduces established redness and limits recurrence over time. | Provides immediate visual improvement for special occasions. | Treats inflammatory lesions (bumps and pimples) associated with rosacea. | Treats severe or systemic rosacea symptoms not managed by topical therapy. |
| Best For | Sensitive, reactive skin with chronic redness and flushing. | Quick, temporary cosmetic camouflage. | Inflammatory rosacea, requires medical guidance. | Severe rosacea cases, requires close medical supervision. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin; fragrance-free. | Minimal, usually limited to skin sensitivity to other ingredients. | May cause initial stinging, burning, or dryness. | Potential for systemic side effects; not a first-line treatment for simple redness. |
For those managing conditions like rosacea, a product containing Angiopausine™ can be a valuable part of a broader skincare strategy. The ingredient's ability to address the underlying vascular instability is a notable advantage over temporary camouflage products and can be combined with other therapies for a more comprehensive approach. For additional insights on managing rosacea, the National Rosacea Society offers a wealth of information.
Conclusion
In summary, angiopausine is a patented, milk thistle-derived ingredient found in specialized skincare products designed to treat chronic and temporary skin redness. It works by restoring stability to the micro-blood vessels in the skin, which in turn reduces superficial hypervascularization, flushing, and feelings of heat. This targeted action offers a long-term solution for managing redness, providing significant visible improvement and helping to prevent recurrence. For individuals with sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin, products containing Angiopausine™ represent a well-tolerated and effective dermo-cosmetic option for achieving a more calm and even-toned complexion.
