Understanding Your Skin
Visible redness, flushing and reactive skin are among the concerns we're asked about most. Learn what may be contributing to facial redness and the gentle options we can discuss to help calm and support your skin.
Understanding the concern
"Redness and rosacea" covers a group of related skin changes rather than a single condition. These are some of the appearances we're most often asked about in clinic.
Redness across the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go, or be present much of the time. It can range from a mild flush to persistent, noticeable redness.
Some skin flushes easily in response to heat, exercise, spicy food, alcohol or skincare products. Over time, frequent flushing can contribute to ongoing redness and sensitivity.
Small, fine blood vessels near the skin's surface can become visible, particularly on the cheeks and around the nose. These are sometimes described as broken capillaries or telangiectasia.
Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that can cause persistent redness, flushing and, in some people, bumps or pimple-like changes. It often follows a pattern of flares and quieter periods. Rosacea is a medical skin condition, and its assessment and management sit with an appropriate healthcare professional — we can discuss supportive skin care alongside any medical care you're receiving.
Skin that stings, tightens or reacts to products that once suited it may have a weakened skin barrier. Supporting the barrier is often the first step before considering any other treatment for redness.
Relevant Treatments at AJA
Depending on your individual assessment, these are some of the treatments and support we may discuss for redness-prone skin. Suitability depends on the cause and type of redness, and is always confirmed during consultation.
For appropriately assessed vascular concerns — such as visible capillaries and generalised facial redness — IPL may be considered. We'll assess whether your type of redness is suitable, as IPL is not appropriate for all causes of redness.
Learn more about IPL Skin RejuvenationWhere appropriate, LED light therapy may be used to support the appearance of redness-prone skin. It is gentle, painless and well tolerated by most people, including those with sensitive skin.
Learn more about Dermalux LEDA considered, non-irritating skincare routine — including daily sun protection — can help support a compromised skin barrier. We can recommend products suited to sensitive, reactive skin.
Learn more about SkincareSkin consultations are complimentary and carry no obligation to proceed with treatment.
Why it happens
A tendency towards redness, flushing and visible capillaries often runs in families.
Sun damage can weaken capillary walls and contribute to both redness and visible vessels over time.
Heat, wind, cold, and sudden temperature changes can all provoke flushing and flare redness.
Alcohol, spicy foods, and stress are common triggers for many people with reactive skin.
Harsh or over-used products, strong exfoliants and fragranced skincare can aggravate redness-prone skin.
When the skin's protective barrier is impaired, skin loses moisture more easily and reacts more readily.
Capillaries can become more visible as skin matures and naturally thins.
Conditions such as rosacea, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis can each cause facial redness and need appropriate medical assessment.
Our approach
Every face is different, and so is every cause of redness. During a consultation we take the time to understand your skin history, what triggers your redness, and what your skin responds to. We'll explain the options that may suit you, what they involve, and what results could reasonably be expected.
Not every case of redness is suitable for light-based treatment. We assess your skin, discuss your medical history and, where redness is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, we may recommend review by your doctor or dermatologist before any cosmetic treatment.
For suitably assessed vascular concerns, IPL may be discussed; for others, a supportive approach built around skin barrier care, LED light therapy and gentle products may be more appropriate. Suitability is always determined individually.
Visible capillaries and rosacea-related redness generally can't be permanently "cured" with cosmetic treatments. We'll talk candidly about what treatment can and can't achieve, so you can decide what feels right for you.
Important: IPL does not cure rosacea, and is not suitable for every type of redness. Persistent or worsening facial redness may require medical assessment. Any light-based treatment is only considered where an individual assessment indicates it is appropriate.
Your visit
We'll talk through your redness — when it appears, what triggers it, what you've tried and any diagnosed skin conditions.
We'll look at your skin, its barrier and sensitivity, and identify the type of redness we're seeing so any advice is appropriate to it.
We'll explain which options may suit you — and which wouldn't — including whether medical review is advisable before any cosmetic treatment.
Good to know
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Learn MoreBook a complimentary skin consultation and we'll talk through your concerns, review your current skincare and explore the options best suited to your skin.