What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and inflammatory lesions such as papules/pustules (red spots/yellow spots). It can be triggered by stress, spicy food, alcohol, temperature changes, and skincare irritants. Managing rosacea involves reducing inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and avoiding triggers. Learn more about the symptoms, triggers and treatment options for rosacea in our Expert Guide.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy for Rosasea
At the Institute of Dermatologists, IPL is our most popular rosacea treatment, particularly for reducing facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. Using controlled pulses of light, it targets underlying vascular irregularities while calming inflammation and evening out skin tone. Safe, non-invasive, and with minimal downtime, IPL offers consistent, noticeable improvement for most rosacea patients.
Other Recommended Treatments
Excel V+ combines two laser wavelengths to target both superficial and deeper vascular lesions. It is particularly effective for treating broken capillaries and flushing, common in moderate to severe rosacea.
Emfusion enhances penetration of anti-inflammatory and calming actives directly into the skin using electrical energy. This helps soothe irritation, reduce redness, and support skin barrier recovery in rosacea-prone skin.
Best Skincare for Rosacea
Elta MD UV Elements - This multitasking tinted mineral sunscreen is the most effective daily defence for rosacea-prone skin. It combines high-level SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection with antioxidant defence and calming ingredients such as bisabolol and ginger root. The addition of hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated, while zinc oxide and titanium dioxide create a soothing shield against UV and blue light, helping to visibly reduce redness and prevent future flare-ups.
Other Recommended Products
- EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex: Clinically proven to restore the skin barrier within 24 hours. Formulated with ceramides, squalane, biotin, and enzymes, it hydrates dry skin, soothes redness, and improves texture. Ideal for compromised, rosacea-prone skin.
- EltaMD Oil in Gel Cleanser: A gentle, non-stripping cleanser ideal for sensitive skin. Removes impurities without aggravating rosacea or damaging the skin barrier.
- EltaMD PM Restore Moisturiser: A night-time moisturiser designed to repair and restore skin. Ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide strengthen the skin, reduce inflammation, and support overnight regeneration.
- EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner: Alcohol-free and calming, this toner helps balance and hydrate skin after cleansing. Prepares the skin to better absorb treatment serums and moisturisers while soothing irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Harsh cleansers, alcohol-based toners, fragranced products and potent topical retinoids can exacerbate rosacea. It's essential to choose fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and barrier-supportive formulations.
Absolutely. UV exposure is a known rosacea trigger. Mineral sunscreens such as the EltaMD UV AOX Elements protect against UVA, UVB, and blue light, helping to prevent flare-ups.
While there is no permanent cure, rosacea can be well managed with appropriate treatments, skincare, and lifestyle modifications.
Avoid alcohol, menthol, eucalyptus oil, exfoliating acids, and high concentrations of retinoids. These can irritate the skin and trigger flare-ups.
No. Although rosacea can include what appears to be acne-like bumps, these are in fact inflammatory lesions of rosacea, whereas in acne the primary lesion is the comedone (blackhead). Rosacea is a different condition and should be treated with gentler, anti-inflammatory options and focus on strengthening the skin barrier.