ROSACEA FAQs

What causes Rosacea?

Rosacea remains a condition with an unidentified exact cause, but research indicates that multiple etiological factors contribute to its exacerbation.

Key contributing elements include genetics, as the condition can be hereditary, hormonal imbalances during life states such as menopause and pregnancy; environmental triggers like sun exposure  and extreme change in temperatures.  Also external influences  like spicy foods, alcohol, hot showers and certain medications.

The presence of microbial intrafollicular mites has also been newly researched in the cause of rosacea.

Rosacea is classified into four subtypes:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea being the most prevalent: flushing, visible blood vessels.
2. Papulopustular Rosacea
3. Rhinophyma (nose)
4. Ocular (rare: affecting the eyes)

These conditions can severely impact self-esteem, and without treatment, if often worsens over time.  Fortunately, various effective treatment options are available to manage symptoms and significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Other Vascular Conditions

Telangeictasia (Dilated Capillaries):

Telangiectasia are small, widened blood vessels that are visible close to the skins surface. They often appear as fine red, blue, or purple lines and are sometimes described as “spider veins or dilated capillaries” because of their branching pattern.

They most commonly occur on the face—particularly the cheeks and nose—but can also appear on other parts of the body.

They can develop for several reasons, including chronic sun exposure, aging, genetics, or inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea. In these cases, ongoing inflammation can cause the small blood vessels to become permanently dilated and more visible.

While telangiectasia do not typically resolve on their own, they are often treated using laser.

Spider Nevi:

Spider naevi (also called spider angiomas) are small, dilated blood vessels that sit close to the surface of the skin and form a characteristic “spider-like” pattern.

They usually have:

• A central red spot (the main feeding vessel)
• Fine, radiating branches that extend outward like legs

Spider naevi most commonly appear on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms. In many cases, they are harmless and can occur in healthy individuals—especially during hormonal changes such as pregnancy or puberty.

Cherry Angioma:

Cherry angiomas are small, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths made up of clusters of tiny, dilated blood vessels. They typically appear as smooth, round or slightly raised red spots on the skin, ranging in colour from bright red to deep purple.

They most commonly develop on the trunk, arms, and shoulders, and tend to increase in number with age—especially in adults over 30.

Key features of cherry angiomas:

• Small red or purple spots on the skin
• Usually 1–5 mm in size, but can grow slightly larger
• May be flat or slightly raised
• Can appear suddenly and in clusters over time
• Typically painless, though they may bleed if scratched or irritated

The exact cause is not fully understood, but factors such as ageing, genetics, and hormonal influences are thought to contribute. They are generally harmless and do not require treatment unless they become irritated or for cosmetic reasons.

Port Wine Stain:

A port-wine stain is a type of vascular birthmark caused by an abnormal collection of small blood vessels (capillaries) in the skin. It appears as a flat, red to deep purple patch that is present at birth or develops shortly after.

Key characteristics:

• Flat, well-defined patch on the skin
• Colour ranges from pink/red to dark purple
• Most commonly found on the face, neck, arms, or legs
• Tends to grow proportionally with the individual over time
• Does not typically fade on its own and may become darker or thicker with age

Venous Lake:

Venous lakes are characterised as deep blue or violet papules typically found in sun-exposed areas of the skin, particularly on the lips or ears.  The precise etiology of these lesions remains unclear, although they are observed more frequently in males.  Histologically, venous lakes consist of a dilated venules or vein situated within the upper dermis, encased by a thick fibrous wall.  While they are generally benign, their appearance can be concerning, prompting further investigation or treatment in some cases.

Treatment Options For Rosacea & Other Vascular Conditions

Laser Treatments

Vascular lesions are reqularly treated with laser therapy by targeting the haemaglobin within the vessels while leaving the surrounding skin largely unaffected.

The laser emits a focused wavelength of light that is specifically absorbed by haemoglobin (the pigment in blood). When this energy is absorbed, it converts to heat, which causes controlled damage to the abnormal blood vessels. Over time, the body naturally breaks down and reabsorbs these treated vessels, leading to a reduction in redness or coagulates the lesion completely.

How many treatments are required and what is the cost?

On average, around three to four treatment sessions are typically required, spaced around four to 6 weeks apart. Treatment cost is determined at your initial consultation.

A full face dermal laser treatment is around $300 to $350.00 a treatment (depending on the number of devices required).

Lumixa

Lumixa Skin Normalisation utilises fluorescent light energy in order to effectively reduce flushing, redness, and pimples associated with rosacea. This particular treatment is unlike no other as not only does it treat the common signs of rosacea but it also helps treat the sting and the itch rosacea sufferers can also experience with this condition.

Lumixa works to kill underlying bacteria, responsible for the exacerbation of acne. It also helps to reduce inflammation, normalise cellular activity, increase collagen production, include cellular repair, and improve the appearance of acne scarring.

Each Lumixa treatment session takes approximately 45 minutes and involves applying a topical gel to the targeted area. A multi-LED lamp is then placed over the gel and is programmed for a 9-minute cycle. At the end of treatment, post-care products are applied.

As a non-invasive treatment, Lumixa is pain-free, and there is no damage to the skin’s natural barriers. Side-effects to this treatment are minimal; in some cases, the skin may appear red or flushed, though this will generally disappear within 24 to 48 hours after treatment.

Following the first treatment session, notable improvements in skin condition will be visible. The Lumixa Skin Normaslisation program is made up of 5 treatments ideally performed weekly. Following the completion of the program, the skin continues to improve over time, with long lasting results.

Skin Peels

Mild salicylic acid concentrations under 30% have been clinically demonstrated to effectively reduce inflammation and combat underlying bacteria.  This type of chemical peeling treatment works by exfoliating the outer layers of the skin, which not only aids in unclogging pores but also promotes a smoother texture.  

Salicylic acid, a Beta-hydroxy acid, penetrates deeply into the skin, helping to dissolve excess sebum and impurities, thereby enhancing the skin’s natural barrier function.  As a result, patients often experience clearer skin and a reduction in acne-related issues following these treatments, making them a popular choice in dermal therapy care.

How Long To See Results

The length of time required to see results depends on the type of treatment and the severity of the condition. Our advanced laser therapy, Lumixa treatment, and chemical peels are all different types of treatments and work in different ways.

However in majority of cases results will start to be visible following the first treatment and become more noticeable following each subsequent session.

The severity of each case also determines the number of treatments required. This is all discussed during your consultation with our dermal clinician. During your consult, our dermal clinician will discuss the most suitable treatment plan to achieve your skin goals. Your treatment plan includes the most suitable treatment methods, the number of treatments required, potential downtime, pre treatment prepping and costing.

All consultations are $55.00 and this cost is waived when skincare is purchased at the time of the appointment.