What is Rosacea and Acne Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that typically affects the face. It causes a red face and visible blood vessels generally around the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. Rosacea can also cause small red bumps which fill with pus; this is known as acne rosacea. These signs and symptoms can flare up for weeks/months and then go away.

When someone is experiencing a bout of Rosacea, they will notice red flushing or a number of red blood vessels on the skin, such as red veins, thread veins, or spider veins. These are just tiny capillaries that are filled with blood.

Both rosacea and acne rosacea are treated effectively with medical-grade IPL and Laser platform known as the Alma Harmony (click this link to view the treatment).

What is the main cause of Rosacea and Acne Rosacea?

The cause of rosacea and acne rosacea is unknown; it’s simply inflammation of the skin. There are many things that can trigger a flare-up, such as heat, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, cheese, caffeine, hot drinks and exercising. Rosacea can often also be genetic. Click here for more information on the causes of rosacea and acne rosacea.

How to treat Rosacea:

The best treatments for rosacea and acne rosacea to reduce facial redness are IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Laser Treatments. At Fiji, we now offer 5 different IPL & Lasers to dramatically improve the look, feel, and health of your skin. Up to 4 of these handpieces can be used in just one appointment.

IPL Photo Facials are excellent because the heat generated by the IPL cauterises blood vessels and spider veins. We use medical-grade IPL, so results are noticeable after just one treatment; however, we always recommend a course for optimum results. IPL facials control the symptoms and stop them from getting any worse; maintenance treatments are recommended. The IPL Dye VL also provides complete skin rejuvenation, they are incredible for stimulating more collagen and elastin to keep your skin looking younger. IPL photo treatments also minimise pores, tighten skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce redness! We even have a specific IPL handpiece called the Iris Acne that targets and kills the bacteria causing any breakouts.

During the same appointment, we can stack IPL with another laser to reduce redness and promote healing; it’s called the ClearVas Laser. For more aggressive and deep breakouts and scarring, the Clear Skin Pro is always included. It’s important to note that both these lasers are also suitable for all skin tones, unlike IPL.

Naturally, results are longer-lasting when specific skin supplements are combined with a calming rosacea cream and other skin care products. It’s essential to repair the skin barrier with milder forms of vitamin A and protect it with a sensitive SPF. Internal supplementation works really well for this skin type as it treats from within and makes skin healthier.

What not to do if you have Rosacea

You should avoid aggressive exfoliation and the use of acids such as glycolic and salicylic! Retinol and prescription-strength vitamin A should also be avoided in the early days until it is under control and the skin is healthier. We definitely wouldn’t recommend Laser Resurfacing, chemical peels, Microdermabrasion or Radio Frequency Micro Needling until the skin barrier is repaired and the condition is under control.