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What is the Best Treatment for Rosacea? And Why it Varies…
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Whether it’s persistent facial burning, stinging to other signs or symptoms, rosacea can cause major discomfort. What’s more, this medical condition can look and feel different on everyone’s skin type. Which means that the action taken depends on the person, from the extent of the rosacea, to symptoms associated.
See how below:
What is Rosacea?
In Australia, rosacea is an ongoing skin condition diagnosed by a general practitioner or dermatologist. This is associated with signs of skin redness, facial burning, bumps, pimples and visible blood vessels or capillaries. The areas of the face where rosacea is prominent include the cheeks, chin and nose. Rosacea can occur as a result of both a genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
When it comes to rosacea, there are four different subtypes that may be diagnosed. The scope of symptoms can vary from one subtype, to more than one. This means oftentimes the signs and the symptoms experienced are an indicator of your rosacea type. According to a PubMed article, global data indicate ETR and PPR as being the most common kinds of rosacea.
Explore the types of rosacea below:
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)
This rosacea subtype features some of the most well-known signs and symptoms. This ranges from facial redness, skin flushing, swelling and even a stinging sensation on affected skin. The most commonly affected areas are both the cheeks and nose.
Papulopustular Rosacea (PPR)
This rosacea is known to be inflammatory, often appearing as persistent redness and acne breakouts. This is precisely why it’s often mistaken for acne-prone skin. It has a visible appearance of the pus filled and red spots, yet without blackheads and whiteheads.
Phymatous Rosacea (PHR, RIII)
This kind of rosacea type is characterised by a rough, bumpy skin texture. It ranges from the appearance of enlarged pores, skin becoming thicker and a solid raised bump. The most commonly affected area is the nose, which appears as more large and bumpy.
Ocular Rosacea (OR)
Unlike the other types of rosacea, OR is a condition that affects the eyes and eyelids. It causes feelings of dryness, grittiness and other forms of irritation. This inflammatory rosacea condition can appear as eyes that are watery, bloodshot and red.
*Unsure of the kind of rosacea subtype you may have? Consult with your medical practitioner or dermatologist for further information regarding your diagnosis.
Why Rosacea Requires Ongoing Treatment Management
Rosacea is a medical condition that can’t be resolved with a one-off solution. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, rosacea doesn’t have a cure, but “treatment can reduce flare-ups”. This means that this skin condition demands ongoing treatment management through targeted means. To do so, this depends on factors such as targeting the type of rosacea, alongside avoiding your skin triggers.
The Prescription-Based Rosacea Treatment Options
In many instances, a medical provider will prescribe medication to mitigate any rosacea signs and symptoms. This can be prescribed by a general practitioner or dermatologist. The type of prescription medication typically depends on the nature of the rosacea. From mild, moderate to extreme skin signs and symptoms.
See prescription rosacea treatments below:
Topical Prescription
Topical medications are often first-line treatment for mild to moderate rosacea. This is typically effective in treating bumps, redness and other kinds of skin inflammation.
According to a PubMed article, 6 commonly prescribed topical drugs for rosacea were reviewed for their efficacy. Some findings suggested that active ingredients such as brimonidine and oxymetazoline can effectively reduce facial redness. Additionally, well-known ingredients such as azelaic acid generally showed stronger results for rosacea management when compared with metronidazole.
- Gels: Lightweight in consistency, these are typically more suitable to oilier, acne-prone skin types.
- Creams: Providing a thicker product application, it’s more compatible with drier, sensitive skin types.
Oral Prescription
When rosacea signs and symptoms are moderate to extreme, this is when an oral medication may be prescribed. The most commonly prescribed treatments are antibiotics, as these can effectively decrease bumps, facial flushing and other inflammation. This is also prescribed for ocular rosacea to treat symptoms of watering and redness.
An oral rosacea medication that may be prescribed is
- Isotretinoin: Regulates oil glands to reduce papule formation.
- Doxycycline: Reduces redness and inflammation across multiple rosacea subtypes.
*If you experience prolonged, severe side effects such as skin irritation, nausea or stomach upset, see your medical provider. As soon as you experience these, it’s important to contact your dermatologist or general practitioner immediately.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) rosacea treatment is a non-invasive, clinically proven option for managing persistent redness and flushing. It works by emitting multiple light wavelengths that target dilated blood vessels beneath the skin surface. The light energy is absorbed by the particles responsible for facial redness, breaking them down and reducing visible redness over the course of sessions.
78% of patients reported reduced flushing and improved skin texture following an average of 7.2 IPL treatments at 1-3 week intervals, in a study of 102 patients with moderate to severe rosacea. Source: PubMed — IPL Efficacy in Rosacea.
What to Expect: Intense Pulsed Light Laser Session
At Results Laser Clinic, we offer intense pulsed light technology for our in-clinic rosacea treatment process.
Most clients see meaningful improvement within 4 to 6 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Because rosacea is a progressive, chronic condition, a maintenance schedule after your initial course helps to keep results stable over time
- Initial Consultation: Our skin therapist will discuss the treatment plan with you in detail.
- Skin preparation: The skin is gently cleansed and a cooling gel is applied for added comfort during treatment.
- Treatment process: The IPL handpiece is passed across the skin in small, controlled pulses. Most clients describe a mild warmth or a light elastic flick sensation. Total session time is 20 to 30 minutes.
- Post-treatment advice: Our team will discuss potential side effects with you, providing custom skincare advice. Some mild redness is normal and typically settles within 1 to 2 days.
- Ongoing treatments (optional): Our therapist will discuss when to book the following treatment as part of the wider plan.
*If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment plan, or are looking to explore further skin treatments, contact us. Our friendly team at Results Laser Clinic are here to help.
How To: Ongoing Treatment Management for Rosacea
When it comes to providing the best rosacea treatment, it’s all about consistency for your skin. Since this is an ongoing skin condition, the right management over-time is essential. This all comes down to key factors, including your skincare routine, weather, diet, lifestyle and physical activity. In short, your skin’s needs are unique, and should be treated as such.
What triggers your rosacea varies based on a wide range of factors. It’s important to closely monitor and observe these triggers. This way, you can prevent rosacea flare-ups, such as facial flushing and other symptoms over-time. Helping you to take a proactive, and not reactive approach.
See what could trigger your rosacea:
The Weather
When weather conditions are unpredictable, or there are typically harsh or humid conditions, this can be a major trigger. In Australia, the higher UV exposure from the sun puts those with rosacea at a higher risk of flare-ups.
Diet
Diet has no confirmed link to rosacea, but certain foods and drinks may trigger flare-ups. Common triggers include spicy foods, hot drinks and alcohol, which can increase facial redness.
Lifestyle Habits
Your daily habits can affect how often your rosacea flares. Stress is one of the most common triggers, along with hot showers, saunas, and skincare that contains alcohol, fragrance, or menthol. Noticing these and choosing gentler options where you can may help keep your skin calmer.
Physical Activity
Exercise is key for a healthy lifestyle, so the aim isn’t to avoid it. But intense workouts that heat you up can bring on flushing and redness. Try training in cooler conditions, drinking plenty of water and regular breaks.
Building a Rosacea-Friendly Skincare Routine
A calm, consistent skincare routine is central to long-term rosacea management. The focus should be on gentle, fragrance-free formulations that protect rather than aggravate the skin barrier.
- Cleanser (morning and night): Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin.
- Calming serum or gel: Apply a soothing, hydrating serum to reduce inflammation and restore moisture.
- Moisturiser: Lock in hydration with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser to support the skin barrier.
- SPF (daily, non-negotiable): Sun exposure is one of the most consistent rosacea triggers. A daily broad-spectrum SPF reduces UV-induced flushing and redness.
Looking to build a skincare routine that supports your rosacea treatment? Explore our curated skincare range at Results Laser Clinic, or book a complimentary consultation for personalised product advice.
Next Steps?
Results Laser Clinics is one of Australia’s most trusted providers of Laser Hair Removal, Skin treatments & Cosmetic Aesthetics Treatments. We are committed to delivering results that make you look & feel your best.
Book your free skin analysis and complimentary consultation with our experts today! You can also save time and buy treatments from the comfort of your own home via a Results Online account! Our full-price list can be found here.
Quick Summary
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition causing persistent facial redness, flushing and visible blood vessels. It cannot be cured, but symptoms can be significantly reduced with the right treatment. The best approach depends on your rosacea subtype: topical or oral prescription medication addresses mild to moderate cases, while IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is a proven clinical option for persistent or moderate to severe redness and flushing. Avoiding personal triggers and maintaining a gentle skincare routine are equally important for long-term management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosacea
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Can rosacea be cured?
No. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, rosacea has no known permanent cure. However, treatment can significantly reduce flare-ups, and consistent ongoing management can keep symptoms well controlled.
How many IPL sessions does rosacea require?
Most clients see meaningful improvement within 4 to 6 IPL rosacea treatment sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on your rosacea severity, skin type and subtype. A maintenance schedule is recommended after your initial course to keep results stable.
What foods trigger rosacea flare-ups?
Common dietary triggers include spicy foods containing capsaicin, hot drinks and alcohol. These can dilate blood vessels in the face and worsen redness and flushing. Triggers are individual, so keeping a food diary helps identify yours specifically.
Is rosacea genetic?
Genetics may play a role in rosacea. People are more likely to develop rosacea if they have a family history of the condition, but genetics is not the only factor. Environmental triggers, immune response, skin sensitivity, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors can also contribute to flare-ups.
Does IPL hurt?
Most clients describe IPL for rosacea as a mild warmth or a light elastic flick sensation. A cooling gel is applied before treatment to improve comfort. Total session time is 20 to 30 minutes and you can return to your normal day immediately after, with some mild redness that typically settles within 1 to 2 days.
Can rosacea affect the eyes?
Yes. Ocular rosacea (OR) is a recognised subtype that affects the eyes and eyelids. Symptoms include dryness, grittiness, watering, redness and a bloodshot appearance. If you experience eye-related symptoms alongside facial redness, consult your GP or dermatologist promptly.
How to get rid of rosacea permanently?
Rosacea usually cannot be removed permanently, as it is considered a chronic skin condition. However, the symptoms can often be managed with the right treatment plan, gentle skincare, sun protection, and by avoiding personal triggers. A dermatologist or skin professional can recommend options such as topical medication, oral medication, laser or IPL treatments depending on the type and severity of rosacea.
Is alcoholic rosacea reversible?
Alcohol does not directly cause rosacea, but it can trigger flushing and redness in some people. If alcohol is making rosacea worse, reducing or avoiding alcohol may help calm flare-ups over time. However, long-term redness, visible vessels, or skin thickening may need professional treatment to improve.
Does dairy cause rosacea?
Dairy does not cause rosacea for everyone, and there is no confirmed direct link between dairy and rosacea. However, some people notice that milk, cheese, yoghurt, or other dairy products can trigger flare-ups. Keeping a food and symptom diary can help identify whether dairy affects your skin personally.
Is microneedling good for rosacea?
Microneedling is not usually the first treatment recommended for active rosacea, especially if the skin is inflamed, flushed, or highly sensitive. In some cases, it may irritate the skin further. Treatments such as IPL, laser therapy, prescription creams, and barrier-repair skincare are often more suitable for redness and visible blood vessels. Always seek professional advice before having microneedling if you have rosacea.
What ingredients should you avoid if you have rosacea?
If you have rosacea, it is best to avoid harsh or irritating skincare ingredients that can trigger redness and sensitivity. Common ingredients to avoid include alcohol, fragrance, menthol, eucalyptus oil, witch hazel, strong exfoliating acids, abrasive scrubs, and high-strength retinoids unless prescribed. Gentle, fragrance-free and barrier-supporting products are usually better suited to rosacea-prone skin.
Can gluten cause rosacea?
Gluten does not appear to be a proven direct cause of rosacea. However, some people may find that gluten-containing foods trigger inflammation or flare-ups, especially if they have gluten sensitivity or coeliac disease. If you suspect gluten is affecting your rosacea, it may help to track your symptoms and speak with a healthcare professional before removing it from your diet.
Can rosacea go away on its own?
Rosacea usually does not go away on its own. It may calm down for periods, but flare-ups can return when triggered by sun exposure, heat, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, harsh skincare, or other personal factors. Early treatment and ongoing management can help reduce symptoms and prevent them from becoming worse.
Does rosacea go away?
Rosacea can improve significantly with the right care, but it is usually an ongoing condition rather than something that disappears completely. Many people manage rosacea successfully with prescription treatments, IPL or laser therapy, gentle skincare, and lifestyle changes that reduce flare-ups.
Is rosacea an autoimmune disease?
Rosacea is not generally classified as an autoimmune disease. It is an inflammatory skin condition linked to factors such as immune response, blood vessel sensitivity, skin barrier disruption, Demodex mites, genetics, and environmental triggers. Some studies have explored associations between rosacea and autoimmune conditions, but rosacea itself is not usually described as autoimmune.
