Can Capsicum cream-gel be used every day?

Capsicum cream-gel is designed for targeted application to specific areas — the shoulders, back, lower back, arms or legs — in situations where a warming effect is needed: after a workout, a long walk in the cold or prolonged muscle tension. It is not an all-purpose moisturiser for daily care of the skin all over the body.

If you want to use it regularly, be guided by how your skin reacts. The three active ingredients — capsaicin, methyl nicotinate and fir oil — have a pronounced irritant and vasodilating effect. With frequent application to the same areas, the skin may become more sensitive to the burning sensation, and the redness may become more noticeable.

• Start with a small amount, especially if your skin tends to be sensitive.
• Take breaks between applications if you notice that the irritation does not go away.
• Do not apply to broken, irritated or inflamed skin.
• Avoid contact with mucous membranes and the eye area — even traces on your hands are enough to cause severe burning, so wash your hands thoroughly after application.

If you have a chronic skin condition or are taking medicines that affect the blood vessels, it is worth consulting a specialist before using it regularly.