Rosacea, Redness and Excel V: A Different Approach to Laser
"What is the best way to treat redness on my nose and cheeks?"
Rosacea and facial redness respond best to a comprehensive approach combining clinical skincare, daily sun protection and, where indicated, targeted vascular laser treatment. Each plays a distinct role, and together they deliver the most sustained improvement.
It is one of the most common questions we are asked in clinic, and the answer is rarely a single treatment.
Rosacea and facial redness are best managed with a comprehensive approach that combines an appropriate skincare routine, meticulous sun protection and, where indicated, targeted laser treatment. Each plays a different role, and together they deliver the best long term results.
Daily sun protection is the cornerstone of rosacea management. We recommend a broad spectrum SPF 50+, ideally a mineral, zinc based tinted sunscreen. In addition to protecting against UV damage, the iron oxides in tinted formulations help reduce the visible appearance of redness while protecting against visible light, which can also contribute to pigmentation in susceptible individuals.
Skincare should focus on supporting the skin barrier rather than over treating it. A gentle, non foaming cleanser, combined with ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, ectoin and glycerin, helps replenish hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce irritation. At the same time, it is important to avoid unnecessary exfoliation and harsh active ingredients that can further compromise sensitive, rosacea prone skin.
When the skincare foundation is in place, vascular lasers such as Excel V can precisely target the visible blood vessels and persistent redness that topical products simply cannot treat, providing clearer skin and longer lasting improvement.
"Vascular lasers such as Excel V can precisely target the visible blood vessels and persistent redness that topical products simply cannot treat."
Where Excel V comes in
For established redness and visible blood vessels, vascular laser treatment is often the most effective option.
IPL and Excel V both target redness, but they do so in different ways. IPL is excellent for reducing diffuse background redness and improving overall skin tone across larger areas of the face. Excel V is a highly targeted vascular laser that is particularly effective for treating larger, deeper and more persistent visible blood vessels that are less responsive to IPL alone.
Many patients benefit from a combination of both treatments. By addressing different types and depths of blood vessels, we can achieve a more comprehensive improvement in rosacea associated redness and vascular change.
Rosacea is more than just flushing
Many people think rosacea is simply a tendency to flush easily, but it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a much broader range of features.
In addition to episodes of flushing, rosacea commonly causes persistent facial redness, permanently enlarged blood vessels, skin sensitivity and, in some patients, acne like inflammatory spots. Unlike acne, rosacea does not produce blackheads and requires a very different treatment approach.
Rosacea triggers also vary considerably from person to person. Heat, sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, vigorous exercise and emotional stress are all common triggers, but identifying individual patterns is an important part of long term management. This is why treatment is rarely one size fits all.
What treatment actually involves
Most patients benefit from a course of four to six treatments, performed approximately four to six weeks apart. Treatments are well tolerated, and most people return to their usual activities immediately afterwards, with any temporary redness or mild swelling settling within a few days.
Laser treatment improves the redness and visible blood vessels that are already present, but ongoing skincare and meticulous daily sun protection remain essential to help maintain results and reduce future flare ups.
Excel V versus IPL
IPL
Ideal for treating diffuse background redness, sun damage and uneven skin tone across larger areas of the face.
Excel V
A precision vascular laser that selectively targets persistent redness and visible blood vessels, including larger and more resistant facial vessels.
Often used together
Because rosacea frequently involves several different types of vascular change, combining IPL and Excel V often provides the most comprehensive improvement.
Considering Excel V paired with PhilArt Eye this summer?
Rosacea does not only affect the cheeks and nose. The delicate skin around the eyes also loses collagen, elasticity and hydration over time.
While Excel V targets persistent redness and visible blood vessels, PhilArt Eye improves the quality of the under eye skin by enhancing hydration, elasticity and collagen production. Together, they address both vascular concerns and skin quality, delivering a more complete facial rejuvenation.
Enjoy 10% off Excel V + PhilArt Eye throughout July and August.
Treatments must be booked and completed before 31 August.
Book online via Phorest, call the Cosmetic Suite, or visit us in person to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Excel V different from IPL?
IPL is ideal for diffuse facial redness and overall skin rejuvenation. Excel V is a more precise vascular laser designed to treat persistent redness and visible blood vessels. Many patients achieve the best results by combining both treatments.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients benefit from a course of four to six treatments, spaced approximately four to six weeks apart, although the exact number depends on the severity of your rosacea and your treatment goals.
Will skincare alone be enough?
A gentle skincare routine and daily broad spectrum SPF are the foundation of rosacea management. However, once visible blood vessels have developed, topical skincare cannot remove them. Laser treatment is often the most effective way to reduce established redness and vascular change.
Is Excel V suitable for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin?
Yes. Excel V is specifically designed for vascular conditions and is well tolerated by most patients. Treatments are performed by experienced clinicians at the Institute of Dermatologists, with protocols tailored to your skin type and level of sensitivity.
What should I do to maintain my results after laser treatment?
Daily broad spectrum SPF 50+ is essential after any vascular laser treatment. A consistent, barrier-supportive skincare routine helps reduce the likelihood of future flare ups and supports the skin between treatment sessions.
