At Kent Skin & Laser Clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team provides expert diagnosis and treatment for rosacea. Based in Canterbury, we offer personalised treatment plans including prescription medication, laser and IPL treatments, chemical peels and LED phototherapy for patients across Canterbury and the surrounding areas of Kent.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea affects around one in ten people and is most common in adults aged 30 to 60. It often begins with episodes of facial redness or flushing, particularly on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.
Symptoms can vary but commonly include:
- Persistent facial redness
- Flushing
- Visible blood vessels (thread veins)
- Skin sensitivity
- Dry or itchy skin
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Red bumps and spots
- Facial swelling
- Irritated or watery eyes
Rosacea is a relapsing condition, meaning symptoms can improve and worsen over time. The exact cause is not fully understood, but genetics, environmental factors and the immune system are thought to play a role. Common triggers include alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, stress, sun exposure, heat and vigorous exercise.
Rosacea can sometimes resemble acne, eczema and other skin conditions, so an accurate diagnosis is important before starting treatment. You can read more about the condition itself on our rosacea and redness page.
Treatments We Offer for Rosacea
Although rosacea cannot be cured, a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle measures can help manage symptoms effectively.
Laser and IPL Treatment
Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) are well-established options for reducing redness, flushing and visible facial blood vessels associated with rosacea. At Kent Skin & Laser Clinic, we use medical-grade vascular laser technology and IPL systems to target the blood vessels responsible for redness while protecting the surrounding skin. Laser and IPL sessions are £250 to £350 each.
Benefits may include:
- Reduced facial redness
- Improvement in flushing
- Fewer visible thread veins
- A more even skin tone
Following your clinical assessment, we will advise whether vascular laser or IPL is the more suitable option for your skin. Where thread veins are the main concern, our thread vein removal treatment may also be recommended. Individual results vary.
Prescription Medication
For inflammatory rosacea, including acne rosacea, a prescription treatment may be recommended. This may include oral antibiotics, topical creams or other anti-inflammatory treatments, which can be particularly helpful for reducing red spots, papules and pustules.
Chemical Peels
Carefully selected medical-grade chemical peels may help improve skin texture, reduce inflammation and encourage healthy skin renewal. They can benefit some patients as part of a broader rosacea treatment plan.
Dermalux Tri-Wave MD LED Phototherapy
Tri-Wave MD is a medical-grade LED phototherapy treatment used to support the management of inflammatory skin conditions, including rosacea. It may help to reduce inflammation, calm redness, support skin healing and improve overall skin health, and is often used alongside other rosacea treatments.
Why Choose Kent Skin & Laser Clinic?
Our clinic offers specialist assessment and treatment for rosacea in a safe, medical environment. Patients choose us because we provide:
- Consultant dermatologist-led care
- Accurate diagnosis of rosacea and related skin conditions
- Personalised treatment plans
- Medical-grade vascular laser and IPL technology
- Expertise in medical dermatology and skin treatments
- Ongoing support to help manage rosacea long term
Based in Canterbury, we welcome patients from across Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Deal and the surrounding areas.
What Happens at the Appointment?
Your appointment begins with a detailed medical assessment to confirm the diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your skin. During the consultation, we will:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Examine your skin
- Discuss potential triggers
- Confirm the diagnosis
- Recommend a suitable treatment plan
If laser or IPL treatment is advised, a patch test is carried out on a small area of skin first. Treatment is then usually performed at a separate appointment around one week later.
A cooling device is used during treatment to improve comfort. Most patients describe the sensation as mild heat combined with a brief snapping feeling against the skin. Typically, 2 to 4 treatment sessions are needed, followed by maintenance treatments at longer intervals if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rosacea be cured?
Rosacea cannot currently be cured, but treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and help prevent flare-ups. Most patients manage their rosacea well with a combination of medical treatment, laser or IPL, and practical changes to avoid their personal triggers.
Is rosacea the same as acne?
No. Although rosacea can cause spots, it is a different condition and needs a different treatment approach. Acne treatments can sometimes irritate rosacea-prone skin, which is why an accurate diagnosis from our dermatology team matters before treatment starts.
How many laser or IPL treatments will I need?
Most patients need between 2 and 4 initial sessions, although this varies with the severity of your symptoms. Maintenance treatments at longer intervals can help keep redness under control, and we will plan the right course with you after your patch test.
Is laser treatment painful?
Most patients tolerate treatment well. A cooling device is used throughout the procedure to improve comfort, and most people describe a mild heat with a brief snapping feeling. Any redness afterwards usually settles within a few hours to a couple of days.
Should I see a dermatologist for rosacea?
A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other skin conditions and recommend the most suitable treatment for your individual symptoms. At Kent Skin & Laser Clinic, rosacea care is consultant dermatologist-led, with laser, IPL and skin treatments available under one roof.
Book this treatment
Price
Consultation with Specialty Doctor £250, Consultant Dermatologist £300
Fees
Vary by area and are confirmed at your consultation
Appointment
30 minutes per session
Downtime
Minimal, some temporary redness
Related treatments
“Very friendly, professional and knowledgeable service that doesn’t make you feel as if you are being upsold on treatments for no reason. The IPL treatment for rosacea is incredibly effective and has drastically improved my skin in just two sessions.”
Flora · Patient review
“I have been getting IPL from Dr Alice @ Kent skin and laser to help with my type 1 rosacea. After trying many creams, antibiotics and holistic methods this is the only thing I can say that has made a true and real difference. I’ve had 4 sessions, spaced every 2 weeks and am honestly so pleased with how I am looking after the start of my IPL. I will return in a few months for a maintenance session but the results so far have exceeded my expectations by a long way. Couldn’t recommend this enough ☺️”
Alex · Patient review
“I have, over many years, visited the Skin & Laser Clinic and have always found the staff extremely skilled and friendly, explaining clearly throughout what can be achieved when I’ve requested treatment for pigmentation, rosacea etc. I have the utmost trust in all the clinicians as I know they have had thorough training and I wouldn’t go anywhere else for treatments. Thank you for many years of “being there”.”
Tiggy · Patient review