Rosacea Treatment
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Rosacea Treatment

Discover relief and renewed confidence with Anue’s tailored solutions for rosacea, a persistent skin condition that can affect anyone. Experience the difference with our comprehensive approach, designed to provide effective, evidence-based rosacea treatment.

Say goodbye to redness and irritation as you embrace a smoother, more radiant complexion with Anue’s specialist care.

Rosacea is a chronic medical condition of the skin that causes redness of the face. There are four main components of rosacea that often require different treatments to achieve control. Anue offers a range of evidence-based treatment options to help reduce redness and limit irritation.

On this page we mostly focus on the treatment of rosacea. Please see our Definitive Guide to Rosacea to learn more about the condition.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common condition affecting about 5% to 10% of the population. On the skin, it presents with different phenotypes (symptoms and signs):

  • Erythema (redness) of the face
  • Papules and pustules (similar to acne)
  • Phymatous change: thickening skin with irregular surface
  • Intermittent flushing
  • Telangiectasia: enlarged blood vessels in the superficial skin
  • Burning and/or stinging sensation
  • Appearance of dry skin: feeling rough and scaly

It is important to note that not everyone with the condition will exhibit all symptoms. Nonetheless, the redness can have a significant impact on confidence and self-esteem. This can lead to people avoiding activities and enjoying life to the full.

rosacea treatment for types of rosacea

Rosacea treatment options

rosacea treatment, rosacea

Unfortunately, there is no unifying rosacea treatment that resolves all components of the condition. Essentially, each treatment needs to be targeted for each specific symptom.

This emphasises the importance of customising treatment to the individual. The most important part of your treatment is listening to what your concerns are so that we can tailor treatment to your individual needs.


Rosacea treatment with skin care

Moisturiser

Applying moisturiser twice a day has been proven to reduce the symptoms of skin sensitivity, discomfort, dryness, and roughness.1Del Rosso JQ. The use of moisturizers as an integral component of topical therapy for rosacea: clinical results based on the Assessment of Skin Characteristics Study. Cutis. 2009 Aug;84(2):72-6,2Laquieze S, Czernielewski J, Baltas E. Beneficial use of Cetaphil moisturizing cream as part of a daily skin care regimen for individuals with rosacea. J Dermatolog Treat. 2007;18(3):158-62. doi: 10.1080/09546630601121078

Cleanser

Cleansing the face at least once daily with lukewarm water and soap-free cleansers is recommended. Aim for a cleaner with a pH level of around 4.0–6.5. 3Wilkin JK. Use of topical products for maintaining remission in rosacea. Arch Dermatol. 1999 Jan;135(1):79-80. doi: 10.1001/archderm.135.1.79.,4Draelos ZD. Cosmetics in acne and rosacea. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2001 Sep;20(3):209-14. doi: 10.1053/sder.2001.27556

Sunscreen

Sunscreen with the highest SPF available is recommended (at least SPF50+, aim for SPF100). Ideal sunscreens contain protective silicones (e.g., dimethicone, cyclomethicone) rather than alcohol-based vehicles, which generally cause irritation.5Pelle MT, Crawford GH, James WD. Rosacea: II. Therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Oct;51(4):499-512; quiz 513-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.03.033,6Nichols K, Desai N, Lebwohl MG. Effective sunscreen ingredients and cutaneous irritation in patients with rosacea. Cutis. 1998 Jun;61(6):344-6

Others

Toners, irritants, and chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids should be avoided. Mechanical exfoliants such as rough cloths or scrubs should be avoided as well. Ideally, avoid alcohol-based products such as gels and lotions. Creams and foams are generally less irritating.7Draelos ZD. Cosmetics in acne and rosacea. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2001 Sep;20(3):209-14. doi: 10.1053/sder.2001.27556,8Draelos ZD. Facial hygiene and comprehensive management of rosacea. Cutis. 2004 Mar;73(3):183-7.

Rosacea skin care

Vascular rosacea treatment

Topical brimonidine (Mirvaso) can be an effective rosacea treatment by reducing erythema in about 25% of people.9Fowler J Jr, Jackson M, Moore A, Jarratt M, Jones T, Meadows K, Steinhoff M, Rudisill D, Leoni M. Efficacy and safety of once-daily topical brimonidine tartrate gel 0.5% for the treatment of moderate to severe facial erythema of rosacea: results of two randomized, double-blind, and vehicle-controlled pivotal studies. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Jun 1;12(6):650-6,10Fowler J, Jarratt M, Moore A, Meadows K, Pollack A, Steinhoff M, Liu Y, Leoni M; Brimonidine Phase II Study Group. Once-daily topical brimonidine tartrate gel 0·5% is a novel treatment for moderate to severe facial erythema of rosacea: results of two multicentre, randomized and vehicle-controlled studies. Br J Dermatol. 2012 Mar;166(3):633-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10716.x,11van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Tan J, van der Linden MMD, Arents BWM, Carter B, Charland L. Interventions for rosacea based on the phenotype approach: an updated systematic review including GRADE assessments. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Jul;181(1):65-79. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17590 However, it is expensive and needs to be applied every day as the results wear off after several hours.

Laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Vascular lasers and IPL provide more durable results and have been used extensively for the vascular components of rosacea. Their efficacy for telangiectasias, erythema, and flushing is well established.12Neuhaus IM, Zane LT, Tope WD. Comparative efficacy of nonpurpuragenic pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Dermatol Surg. 2009 Jun;35(6):920-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01156.x,13Taub AF, Devita EC. Successful treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea with pulsed light and radiofrequency. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2008 May;1(1):37-40,14Kassir R, Kolluru A, Kassir M. Intense pulsed light for the treatment of rosacea and telangiectasias. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2011 Oct;13(5):216-22. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2011.613480,15Bernstein EF, Kligman A. Rosacea treatment using the new-generation, high-energy, 595 nm, long pulse-duration pulsed-dye laser. Lasers Surg Med. 2008 Apr;40(4):233-9. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20621 Due to their superior efficacy, they should be considered a first-line treatment for the vascular components of rosacea.

See our page on laser and IPL treatments to learn why our lasers result in less burning, fewer adverse effects and shorter recovery times than traditional devices.

rosacea treatment laser

Papules and pustules

rosacea treatment pills

Numerous treatments are available for this component of rosacea. Fortunately, good control is normally relatively straightforward to achieve when the correct treatment is used.

Treatment options include:

Topical agents

Metronidazole (Rozex) has historically been the main topical treatment. However, newer treatments have shown improved effectiveness.16van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Tan J, van der Linden MMD, Arents BWM, Carter B, Charland L. Interventions for rosacea based on the phenotype approach: an updated systematic review including GRADE assessments. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Jul;181(1):65-79. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17590

Oral medication

Tetracycline antibiotics and retinoids are the main oral medications used. Both medications are very effective at clearing papules and pustules.17Sneddon IB. A clinical trial of tetracycline in rosacea. Br J Dermatol. 1966 Dec;78(12):649-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1966.tb12168.x,18Webster GF. An open-label, community-based, 12-week assessment of the effectiveness and safety of monotherapy with doxycycline 40 mg (30-mg immediate-release and 10-mg delayed-release beads). Cutis. 2010 Nov;86(5 Suppl):7-15,19Ertl GA, Levine N, Kligman AM. A comparison of the efficacy of topical tretinoin and low-dose oral isotretinoin in rosacea. Arch Dermatol. 1994 Mar;130(3):319-24,20Hoting E, Paul E, Plewig G. Treatment of rosacea with isotretinoin. Int J Dermatol. 1986 Dec;25(10):660-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4362.1986.tb04533.x,21Erdogan FG, Yurtsever P, Aksoy D, Eskioglu F. Efficacy of low-dose isotretinoin in patients with treatment-resistant rosacea. Arch Dermatol. 1998 Jul;134(7):884-5. doi: 10.1001/archderm.134.7.884,22Gollnick H, Blume-Peytavi U, Szabó EL, Meyer KG, Hauptmann P, Popp G, Sebastian M, Zwingers T, Willers C, von der Weth R. Systemic isotretinoin in the treatment of rosacea – doxycycline- and placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010 Jul;8(7):505-15. English, German. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07345.x


Phymatous change

Surgery and ablative laser treatments are typically used to quickly remove phyma tissue. Retinoids can be used to induce some improvement in phyma as well as for maintenance or preventative treatment.23Gollnick H, Blume-Peytavi U, Szabó EL, Meyer KG, et al. Systemic isotretinoin in the treatment of rosacea – doxycycline- and placebo-controlled, randomised clinical study. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010 Jul;8(7):505-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07345.x,24Plewig G, Nikolowski J, Wolff HH. Action of isotretinoin in acne rosacea and gram-negative folliculitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1982 Apr;6(4 Pt 2 Suppl):766-85. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(82)70067-2

What are the benefits of rosacea treatment?

Being a dermatologist-led clinic allows us to achieve good long-term results. We are able to offer the best evidence-based treatments available particularly when this requires a prescription cream or tablet. We can often settle the papules and pustules into a longer-term remission. Our laser treatments can have a long-lasting effect, but they may need to be maintenance treatments up after a few years.


What to expect

An experienced healthcare provider will conduct your first appointment as a consultation. The first thing they will ascertain is what your skin concerns are and what your desired outcome is. Next, they will undertake a comprehensive assessment of your skin and provide their expert recommendations regarding treatment. Then they will develop a treatment plan tailored to your skin.

Our optimal goal is to help you achieve long-term results and not have to keep coming back for appointments.

rosacea treatment document

Rosacea Treatment with Anue

We believe our clients deserve access to expert, evidence-based rosacea treatments. That is why we offer our services by our trusted team, supervised by renowned specialist dermatologist, Dr. David Lim.

By using refined techniques, qualified professionals, and high-quality products, we aim to make you look and feel your best. Our rosacea treatments are safe and effective at helping you achieve your goals.

NEXT STEPS

Rosacea treatment with Anue

At Anue, we provide routine follow-up care so you are not left unsupported.

We believe our clients deserve access to the safest administration and quality rosacea treatments available.

Look after you, book in with Anue.

More Information

Rosacea treatment pricing

Therapist Consultation (Redeemable)$100
Dermatologist Consultation$420
IPL spot treatment$100
IPL treatment – full face$450
IPL treatment – half face$350
IPL treatment – neck$350
IPL treatment – face and neck$750
IPL treatment – face, neck, decolletage$1,050
Small Nd:YAG spot treatment
$180
Large Nd:YAG spot treatment
$280
Discount for three treatments (same area)10%
Prices are indicative only and fluctuate with time.
The cost of reedemable consultations (where indicated) may be deducted from treatments within three months.
For best results, other treatments or even a package of treatment may be recommended - pricing will be discussed prior to treatment.

Preparing for your appointment

Please bring a list of your full medical history and current medications. It may seem irrelevant, but our team needs to be aware of your history so that we can tailor your treatment to your individual needs and situation. Also, please bring a list of previous and current treatments for your rosacea.

Aftercare

Depending on the rosacea treatment you opt for, they will have some specific aftercare practices. Information sheets are provided for each treatment’s aftercare specifics, and the downtime for the different treatments will vary.

We recommend a two-week follow-up appointment after your first treatment to assess results, ensure you have no concerns, and discuss the ongoing treatment plan (if appropriate).

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimers

General

Most people respond well to treatment. However, because you are an invdividual, treatment effects can vary and as such cannot be guaranteed. We of course, do our best to ensure you are happy with your treatment.

Our Artisans are committed to transparent communication and pricing. We encourage you to ask questions or voice your concerns throughout the process, including before, during and after treatment.

If we don't think a treatment will work well we will do our best to warn you and suggest alternative options.

We prioritise the safety and satisfaction of our patients at Anue. This means we may refuse treatment if we think it is inappropriate or we feel your expectations are unrealistic.

At Anue, only trained professionals administer treatments, supervised by a Dermatologist registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

It is important that patients disclose any and all their medical history including current medications during their consultation. This allows us to adjust your treatment to optimise outcomes and minimise risk. Despite a thorough evaluation of potential risks, side effects may still develop from treatment.

Patients are responsible for covering the cost of their treatments, and clinic fees are applicable. The effects of treatments may not be permanent as this depends on the underlying driver of the condition. Your treatment provider may recommend additional treatment courses.

 

We offer vascular and ablative lasers as trusted solutions for addressing specific concerns. Our Artisans carefully assess each patient's unique anatomy and requirements before recommending and administering vascular and ablative lasers.

It is important to realise that there may be a recovery period following treatment and that you organise your activities around this period so that your treatment results are not compromised.

We will provide you with guidance about how to look after the treatment area along with activities you can and can't do.

Rozex® Statement

Rozex® is prescription medicine for the treatment of inflammatory papules, pustules and erythema of rosacea. Rozex® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Rozex® is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor.

For details on precautions and side effects consult your doctor or go to medsafe.govt.nz.

Clinic fees will apply and you will need to have your Rozex® prescription dispensed at a pharmacy which you will need to pay for.

Rozex® can be prescribed for up to three months per prescription. Follow-up appointments and repeat prescriptions may be necessary to complete a course of treatment. Rozex® should only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

Contains 50g of 0.75% metronidazole cream. Galderma (NZ) Limited, Auckland.

Mirvaso® Statement

Mirvaso® is prescription medicine for the treatment of facial erythema in rosacea. Mirvaso® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Mirvaso® is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor.

For details on precautions and side effects consult your doctor or go to medsafe.govt.nz.

Clinic fees will apply and you will need to have your Mirvaso® prescription dispensed at a pharmacy which you will need to pay for.

Mirvaso® can be prescribed for up to three months per prescription. Follow-up appointments and repeat prescriptions may be necessary to complete a course of treatment. Mirvaso® should only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

Contains 30g of 3.3mg/g brimonidine gel. Galderma (NZ) Limited, Auckland.

References

  • 1
    Del Rosso JQ. The use of moisturizers as an integral component of topical therapy for rosacea: clinical results based on the Assessment of Skin Characteristics Study. Cutis. 2009 Aug;84(2):72-6
  • 2
    Laquieze S, Czernielewski J, Baltas E. Beneficial use of Cetaphil moisturizing cream as part of a daily skin care regimen for individuals with rosacea. J Dermatolog Treat. 2007;18(3):158-62. doi: 10.1080/09546630601121078
  • 3
    Wilkin JK. Use of topical products for maintaining remission in rosacea. Arch Dermatol. 1999 Jan;135(1):79-80. doi: 10.1001/archderm.135.1.79.
  • 4
    Draelos ZD. Cosmetics in acne and rosacea. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2001 Sep;20(3):209-14. doi: 10.1053/sder.2001.27556
  • 5
    Pelle MT, Crawford GH, James WD. Rosacea: II. Therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Oct;51(4):499-512; quiz 513-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.03.033
  • 6
    Nichols K, Desai N, Lebwohl MG. Effective sunscreen ingredients and cutaneous irritation in patients with rosacea. Cutis. 1998 Jun;61(6):344-6
  • 7
    Draelos ZD. Cosmetics in acne and rosacea. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2001 Sep;20(3):209-14. doi: 10.1053/sder.2001.27556
  • 8
    Draelos ZD. Facial hygiene and comprehensive management of rosacea. Cutis. 2004 Mar;73(3):183-7.
  • 9
    Fowler J Jr, Jackson M, Moore A, Jarratt M, Jones T, Meadows K, Steinhoff M, Rudisill D, Leoni M. Efficacy and safety of once-daily topical brimonidine tartrate gel 0.5% for the treatment of moderate to severe facial erythema of rosacea: results of two randomized, double-blind, and vehicle-controlled pivotal studies. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Jun 1;12(6):650-6
  • 10
    Fowler J, Jarratt M, Moore A, Meadows K, Pollack A, Steinhoff M, Liu Y, Leoni M; Brimonidine Phase II Study Group. Once-daily topical brimonidine tartrate gel 0·5% is a novel treatment for moderate to severe facial erythema of rosacea: results of two multicentre, randomized and vehicle-controlled studies. Br J Dermatol. 2012 Mar;166(3):633-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10716.x
  • 11
    van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Tan J, van der Linden MMD, Arents BWM, Carter B, Charland L. Interventions for rosacea based on the phenotype approach: an updated systematic review including GRADE assessments. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Jul;181(1):65-79. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17590
  • 12
    Neuhaus IM, Zane LT, Tope WD. Comparative efficacy of nonpurpuragenic pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Dermatol Surg. 2009 Jun;35(6):920-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01156.x
  • 13
    Taub AF, Devita EC. Successful treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea with pulsed light and radiofrequency. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2008 May;1(1):37-40
  • 14
    Kassir R, Kolluru A, Kassir M. Intense pulsed light for the treatment of rosacea and telangiectasias. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2011 Oct;13(5):216-22. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2011.613480
  • 15
    Bernstein EF, Kligman A. Rosacea treatment using the new-generation, high-energy, 595 nm, long pulse-duration pulsed-dye laser. Lasers Surg Med. 2008 Apr;40(4):233-9. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20621
  • 16
    van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Tan J, van der Linden MMD, Arents BWM, Carter B, Charland L. Interventions for rosacea based on the phenotype approach: an updated systematic review including GRADE assessments. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Jul;181(1):65-79. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17590
  • 17
    Sneddon IB. A clinical trial of tetracycline in rosacea. Br J Dermatol. 1966 Dec;78(12):649-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1966.tb12168.x
  • 18
    Webster GF. An open-label, community-based, 12-week assessment of the effectiveness and safety of monotherapy with doxycycline 40 mg (30-mg immediate-release and 10-mg delayed-release beads). Cutis. 2010 Nov;86(5 Suppl):7-15
  • 19
    Ertl GA, Levine N, Kligman AM. A comparison of the efficacy of topical tretinoin and low-dose oral isotretinoin in rosacea. Arch Dermatol. 1994 Mar;130(3):319-24
  • 20
    Hoting E, Paul E, Plewig G. Treatment of rosacea with isotretinoin. Int J Dermatol. 1986 Dec;25(10):660-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4362.1986.tb04533.x
  • 21
    Erdogan FG, Yurtsever P, Aksoy D, Eskioglu F. Efficacy of low-dose isotretinoin in patients with treatment-resistant rosacea. Arch Dermatol. 1998 Jul;134(7):884-5. doi: 10.1001/archderm.134.7.884
  • 22
    Gollnick H, Blume-Peytavi U, Szabó EL, Meyer KG, Hauptmann P, Popp G, Sebastian M, Zwingers T, Willers C, von der Weth R. Systemic isotretinoin in the treatment of rosacea – doxycycline- and placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010 Jul;8(7):505-15. English, German. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07345.x
  • 23
    Gollnick H, Blume-Peytavi U, Szabó EL, Meyer KG, et al. Systemic isotretinoin in the treatment of rosacea – doxycycline- and placebo-controlled, randomised clinical study. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010 Jul;8(7):505-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07345.x
  • 24
    Plewig G, Nikolowski J, Wolff HH. Action of isotretinoin in acne rosacea and gram-negative folliculitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1982 Apr;6(4 Pt 2 Suppl):766-85. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(82)70067-2