Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects the center of the face: the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. It is sometimes called “acne rosacea.” It causes redness, burning, stinging, visible capillaries and, at times, pimple-like bumps. Rosacea treatment aims to calm these symptoms and keep flare-ups under control.

Despite the word “acne,” rosacea is a different condition from teenage acne. In rosacea, the skin barrier is more sensitive and permeable, and the small blood vessels tend to widen. The condition usually moves between flare-ups and calmer periods.

Rosacea most often appears after age 30 and in people with fair skin. It is more common in women but can be more severe in men. If it isn’t brought under control early, the redness may become persistent and the capillaries more visible.

The exact cause is not fully understood. Genetics, an overactive immune response, changes in the blood vessels and an increase in demodex mites, which normally live on the skin, may all play a part.

Rosacea shows up differently in different people. The most common symptoms are:

• Flushing and heat: Redness that appears easily on the face and may become persistent over time.
• Visible capillaries: Fine vessels that become visible on the cheeks and sides of the nose.
• Pimple-like bumps: Red and pus-filled bumps without blackheads.
• Sensitivity: Burning, stinging and intolerance to many products.
• Eye symptoms: Dryness, redness and a gritty feeling in the eyes in some people.
• Thickened nose skin: In advanced and rare cases, the skin of the nose may thicken (rhinophyma).

Triggers vary from person to person. Sun, sudden changes between hot and cold, spicy food, very hot drinks, alcohol, stress and irritating cosmetics are the most commonly reported.

Symptoms can be mistaken for allergy, eczema or acne, and several may occur together, so the diagnosis and type of rosacea should be determined by a doctor.

Rosacea treatment starts with an examination. The type of symptoms, the extent of redness and visible vessels, and the degree of inflammation are assessed. If there are eye symptoms, you are referred to an eye doctor. Pimple-like lesions may need creams or oral medicines, planned by the doctor.

At our clinic, these treatments complement medical therapy:

• Light and laser treatments: Systems such as BBL laser target the widened capillaries that cause redness. Over time the vessels shrink, which helps reduce redness. Prominent vessels can also be addressed with spider vein treatment.
• Golden needle: Scarlet X fractional radiofrequency, used in a mode and depth suitable for rosacea, may help support the skin barrier and the resilience of the tissue.
• Mesotherapy: Blends containing salmon DNA and amino acids may be used to support repair of sensitive skin.
• Home care plan: Cleansers suited to sensitive skin, soothing moisturizers and mineral sunscreens are recommended.

Depending on your symptoms, the plan includes one or more of these methods. Because rosacea-prone skin is easily irritated, device settings and session frequency are adjusted to this sensitivity. Unsuitable settings can increase redness, so treatment should be planned and followed by a doctor.

For rosacea, the goal of skincare is to protect the skin barrier and avoid triggering flare-ups, so keep your daily routine simple.

• Gentle cleansing: Use lukewarm water and a soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser; pat dry without rubbing.
• Moisturizing: Choose a barrier-supporting moisturizer without alcohol or fragrance.
• Sun protection: Use a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide every day.
• What to avoid: Grainy scrubs, alcohol-based toners, menthol and heavily perfumed products can trigger flare-ups.
• Makeup: Mineral-based products made for sensitive skin can be used; green-tinted concealers help camouflage redness.

Testing a new product on a small area first shows you how your skin reacts. Covering your face with a scarf in windy and cold weather may also help reduce flare-ups. Makeup is not recommended for the first 24–48 hours after clinic treatments.

Rosacea is a chronic condition, and there is currently no treatment that removes it for good. With the right treatment and skincare, however, symptoms can largely be controlled and flare-ups may become less frequent.

Vessels closed with laser and light treatments usually don’t come back, but new ones may form over time. Avoiding triggers, keeping up your home care and, when needed, having one or two maintenance sessions a year help lengthen calm periods. If symptoms increase again, a check-up is recommended. Because the course of rosacea varies from person to person, the plan is updated over time.

After laser, mild redness, swelling or small bruises may last a few days; these usually settle on their own. Avoiding hot environments and intense exercise during this time helps the skin calm down.