Relief for rosacea: UK woman finds life-changing relief after caper-extract serum

Rebecca Daley, 39, of Chorley, Lancashire, has battled rosacea for 14 years. The condition leaves her skin bright red, causes irritation and pain, and at times can swell her nose to several times its normal size. The emotional toll was severe enough to keep her homebound for long stretches, and she says nothing she tried offered lasting relief. A turning point came when she tried Kalme, a serum made with caper extract, which she says instantly calmed flare-ups. After months of use and eventually buying her own supplies when samples ran out, she began to regain confidence and control over her skin. Her nose has returned to a normal size on most days, and she now competes in bodybuilding contests, a goal she says she could barely imagine a few years ago.

Rosacea first became evident after the birth of her first son, Elliot, in 2011. The baby was delivered feet first and stopped breathing at times, with doctors taking 22 minutes to resuscitate him; he spent about two-and-a-half weeks in intensive care. Rebecca believes the stress of that period may have triggered physical changes in her body. 'I had no skin problems at all before the birth,' she recalls, 'but it didn't go away. It was itchy and burned.' A GP visit later confirmed the diagnosis of rosacea, but she says she was told it was something many people have and that she would just have to put up with it. 'The nose is in the centre of the face, you can't hide it,' she adds, recalling winter months when she felt she looked like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and people would shout, 'Come guide my sleigh!'.

Official estimates place rosacea in about 2.9 million UK adults. Dr Vani Agarwal, a consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, describes the condition as causing facial flushing and persistent visible blood vessels, often with small bumps and pus-filled spots similar to acne. It can also lead to rhinophyma—overgrowth of the oil-secreting glands on the nose that can cause swelling— and, in rare cases, impair nasal airways. Rosacea usually begins between ages 30 and 50 and is more common in women and people with fair skin. Triggers include stress, alcohol, spicy foods, exercise and hot drinks. Dr Derrick Phillips, a consultant dermatologist at OneWelbeck in London, notes that stress releases hormones such as cortisol that increase inflammation and make blood vessels more reactive, contributing to flare-ups. Pregnancy hormones can have a similar effect, altering blood flow and skin sensitivity and potentially worsening symptoms.

For many sufferers, management involves a combination of topical and systemic therapies tailored to the rosacea type. Antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties, such as doxycycline, lymecycline and erythromycin, are commonly used, and isotretinoin (Roaccutane) can be effective in severe cases by reducing oil production. Rhinophyma is typically treated with resurfacing lasers such as CO2 or Er:YAG to shrink enlarged vessels and thin thickened skin. In some NHS dermatology settings, devices such as DermaV are available to target persistent redness and visible vessels. Rebecca tried several regimens over six years, including creams and prescribed antibiotics, but none provided lasting relief. Roaccutane dried her lips and face without delivering the desired improvement, and she stopped after weeks.

In a digital moment of connection in 2019, Rebecca posted a photo of herself on Instagram. She says dozens of women replied, telling her she was brave to speak out and lamenting that doctors had not addressed their concerns adequately. 'There was no point hiding any more,' she says. 'I started a personal page and found that many others were in the same boat.' Soon after, she was approached by companies specializing in rosacea products. Some products helped, others did not, but one serum stood out: Kalme, made with caper extract. 'I’d use it whenever I felt a flare coming and it would instantly calm and soothe,' she says. She continued using Kalme and eventually bought more supplies when samples ran out. She also used a zinc-containing sunscreen to shield her skin from sun triggers.

Medical guidance on rosacea remains individualized. Dermatologists typically tailor treatment to the rosacea subtype, and a combination approach is common. Azelaic acid and ivermectin 1% cream, used with anti-inflammatory antibiotics such as doxycycline, can address papules and pustules, though redness may persist. For persistent facial redness, lasers can precisely target and reduce visible blood vessels. Lasers such as DermaV are available in NHS dermatology and plastic-surgery departments in some regions.

Beyond targeted skin therapies, a growing number of clinicians are adopting a holistic approach that considers gut health and the microbiome. Some experts argue that imbalances in gut flora can fuel systemic inflammation that worsens skin sensitivity. Dr Justine Hextall, a consultant dermatologist at the private Tarrant Street Clinic in Arundel, notes that some patients may benefit from probiotics and a diet rich in prebiotic foods such as leeks, broccoli, apples and bananas, which help feed beneficial microbes and may support skin barrier function. Research indicates that sun sensitivity affects up to 85% of rosacea patients, underscoring the importance of year-round protection. Dr Agarwal reinforces this, advising a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or SPF 50 daily, even in winter.

Rebecca now helps others with rosacea through her own networks and continues to manage flare-ups with a combination of targeted treatments and lifestyle adjustments. While there is no cure for rosacea, she says the condition is now largely under control. Her nose is back to a normal size on most days, her self-confidence has returned, and she continues to compete in bodybuilding—an activity she previously believed was out of reach because of how she felt about her skin. 'There is no cure for my condition,' she says, 'but I am learning to live with it and not let Rudolph define me.'