Rosacea — integrated across triggers and treatment

What rosacea is

Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the centre of the face. It usually shows as a mix of flushing, persistent redness, visible small blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. Some people also have gritty, irritated eyes. It is common in fair skin but occurs in all skin types, and it can be harder to recognise on darker skin.

Rosacea is managed rather than cured. The aim is to calm the skin, reduce redness and flare-ups, and give you a routine you can keep.

Who this is for

Adults with established rosacea: the vascular type (redness and visible vessels), the papulopustular type (inflamed bumps), or a mix. It suits people who are ready to look at their triggers as well as their treatment. Severe eye symptoms are not managed here; we refer you on.

Common rosacea triggers

Triggers are personal, and finding yours is often the most useful part of treatment. Common ones include:

• Alcohol, particularly red wine
• Hot drinks and spicy food
• Heat, hot baths and saunas, and strenuous exercise
• Sun exposure and wind
• Stress
• Some skincare ingredients, including fragrance and harsh exfoliants

We give you a simple trigger diary to help identify patterns over a few weeks.

How we assess rosacea

Your consultation (£65, redeemable in full against treatment) includes a clinical examination, photography, a conversation about your triggers and patterns, and a review of your current skincare. We work out how much of your rosacea is vascular and how much is inflammatory, because the two respond to different treatments.

Treatment options

• Facial thread vein treatment with IPL or laser for persistent redness and visible vessels. Most people need a course of sessions, around four weeks apart. Our comparison of IPL vs BBL explains how the two light-based options differ.
• Clinical skincare: a gentle, barrier-supporting routine with daily SPF, prescribed for your skin.
• LED light therapy as a gentle supporting treatment for redness-prone skin.
• Nutrition support: our nutritional therapist can help if you suspect food triggers, alongside your medical care.
• Prescription medication: where tablets or prescription creams may help, we refer you to your GP or a dermatologist.

What results to expect

Patients describe meaningful improvement across the treatment course — IPL typically produces a visible reduction in redness by session 2-3, with continued improvement through the course. The inflammatory component responds to skincare and trigger management over weeks to months. Rosacea is managed, not cured — patients who maintain skincare and trigger awareness see the best long-term outcomes, and flares that do occur are addressed with maintenance protocols. Our IPL aftercare guidance explains what to expect between sessions.

When to see your GP or a specialist

Please see your GP promptly if your eyes are sore, red or sensitive to light, if your symptoms change quickly, or if the skin on your nose is thickening. These need medical assessment, and we will refer you if we see them at consultation.

“Rosacea management requires telling patients honestly what triggers their flares. Most don’t want to hear that alcohol is the culprit. We say it anyway.” — Dr Vishal Patel, Principal Dentist & Clinical Director

Clinical leadDr Vishal Patel, GDC 103127

Experience10 years in facial aesthetics

TrainedIFAAS · IBSA · NeoStrata

Rated4.7★ · 300+ Google reviews

Clinic222 Essex Road, N1 · since 2009

Who treats you

Dr Vishal Patel

Principal Dentist · Sole aesthetic prescriber · 10 years in facial aesthetics

BDS Liverpool · MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry (Manchester) · GDC 103127 · International Fellowship in Advanced Aesthetic Science (IFAAS) · Facial anatomy and cadaver course with Dr Ali Pirayesh, University of Amsterdam · Harley Academy · IBSA and NeoStrata trained

We will tell you when a treatment is not the right answer. That honesty is part of the treatment.

Read Dr Patel’s profile →

Begin with a conversation

Calmer skin, one step at a time.

1. Discovery call — free, 20 minutes

   A phone call to answer your questions before you book.

2. Consultation — £65

   Examination, photography, a trigger conversation and a skincare review. Redeemable in full against treatment.

3. Your plan

   Skincare, a trigger diary and, where suitable, a course of facial vessel treatment.

4. Reviews

   We review your skin at around 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, and adjust the plan.

Book your consultation

Start with a rosacea consultation

• £65, redeemable in full against treatment
• Vascular and inflammatory components assessed
• Referral to your GP or a dermatologist where medication may help

Book online

Or call 020 8127 4567 · WhatsApp +44 7974 910222
222 Essex Road, Islington N1 3AP · Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm

If you are still weighing up your options, our overview of IPL photofacial brings them together in one place.