If you’re dealing with rosacea, you’ll know it’s more than just a bit of redness. It can feel unpredictable, uncomfortable, and sometimes really frustrating to manage – especially when flare-ups appear without warning or your usual products suddenly stop working.
Whether you’re looking for ways to get rid of rosacea bumps or to get rid of the redness on the face that is so typical of rosacea, know that there are effective ways to manage the symptoms and achieve calmer, more balanced skin.
Although it can be challenging to find the rosacea treatment that truly works for your skin, don’t give up, as with time and patience, it is possible.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what causes rosacea, why it shows up differently from one person to the next, and which treatments are worth trying – from skincare changes to the professional skin treatments we offer at BodyTonic in Cleveland.
What is rosacea – and what causes it?
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that is surprisingly common, affecting around 16 million Americans alone. It’s more than just “sensitive skin,” but people with rosacea definitely fall into the sensitive-skin camp, so finding ways to manage it can be tricky.
It causes redness and sometimes small bumps or pimples, and usually affects the face, most commonly the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Although it’s not a dangerous condition, it can severely affect a person’s confidence, and if it’s chronic and untreated, it can lead to other complications.
There are a few different types of rosacea, which is why the symptoms – and the best treatments – can vary so much:
- Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Persistent redness, flushing, and visible capillaries.
- Papulopustular Rosacea: Red bumps or pus-filled spots that resemble acne.
- Phymatous Rosacea: Can lead to skin thickening, especially around the nose.
- Ocular Rosacea: Affects the eyes, causing dryness, redness, and irritation.
There’s no single cause of rosacea, but it’s thought to involve a mix of genetics, immune system sensitivity, and environmental triggers.
It usually comes and goes in cycles, with flare-ups often being triggered by specific things. These can vary by person, but temperature changes, spicy food, alcohol, stress, sun exposure, or even certain skincare products are all common triggers.
Unfortunately, there’s no permanent cure – but with the right treatment plan, symptoms can be managed beautifully.
Rosacea symptoms: redness, bumps, flushing & more
As there are different types of rosacea, the symptoms from person to person can vary. But the most common signs of rosacea include:
- Persistent redness on the face, which can look like sunburn.
- Frequent flushing (or blushing).
- Tiny visible blood vessels.
- Small, solid red bumps or pus-filled pimples, which can resemble acne.
- Stinging, burning, or general skin sensitivity.
- Dry or irritated eyes (ocular rosacea only).
You might have just one of these symptoms – or a mix. That’s why it’s so important to tailor rosacea treatment to both the type and severity of symptoms, and not just treat it like regular redness or acne.
How to get rid of rosacea bumps and redness
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for getting rid of rosacea, but most effective treatment plans share the same core four elements:
- Avoiding personal triggers.
- Using gentle, rosacea-friendly skincare.
- Professional in-clinic treatments like BBL laser therapy.
- Medication where appropriate.
Avoiding triggers is one of the most important – and often most overlooked – parts of managing rosacea. Everyone’s skin is different, so if you’re not sure, it’s worth keeping a journal to track what may be causing your flare-ups. Identifying and avoiding your unique triggers can make a big difference over time.
Skincare is another crucial pillar. Rosacea-prone skin is highly sensitive, so sticking to a gentle, fragrance-free routine is essential. (We go into more detail on this below.)
But for most people, skincare and avoidance alone aren’t enough, and a combination of clinical medspa treatments and medical support is often what’s needed for real, long-term results.
Laser treatments like BBL (Broadband Light), a type of advanced IPL, is one of the most effective rosacea treatments, which can reduce redness, visible blood vessels, and rosacea bumps. In more persistent cases, you might benefit from oral or topical medications (e.g., metronidazole, ivermectin, doxycycline), which your doctor or dermatologist can prescribe.
Your rosacea might not be “cured” overnight – but with the right support and a tailored approach, it can be controlled. Most clients see meaningful improvement within a few months of starting consistent, targeted care.
Best treatments for rosacea at BodyTonic Cleveland
At BodyTonic, we offer a number of advanced medical-grade treatments that help manage rosacea.
As mentioned, laser treatments (and BBL or IPL in particular) are widely considered the gold-standard clinical treatment for rosacea – especially for persistent redness, visible capillaries, and frequent flushing.
But other treatments can also be very effective (particularly when used alongside BBL) for targeting different aspects of the condition, such as texture, inflammation, or skin barrier repair.
Here’s a breakdown of our best:
BBL Hero for rosacea redness & flushing
BBL (Broadband Light) is one of the most effective tools for treating rosacea-related redness and visible blood vessels, and can also help get rid of rosacea bumps in some cases.
It works by using intense pulsed light (IPL) to target and shrink damaged vessels beneath the skin. Over time, it helps fade persistent redness, reduces flushing episodes, and reduces the prominence of bumps.
⭐ Best for: Redness, flushing, visible vessels
📅 Recommended plan: 3–4 sessions initially, with maintenance every 6–12 months
Moxi Laser for texture & overall skin tone
Moxi is a non-ablative fractional laser that’s safe for sensitive skin and helps improve tone, texture, and mild pigmentation – including some of the roughness or dullness that can linger after rosacea flare-ups.
When Moxi is combined with BBL Hero, the results of each are further enhanced, making this combo a top choice for addressing all the symptoms of rosacea at once.
⭐ Best for: Bumps, uneven texture, inflammation
📅 Recommended plan: Optimal when used in combination with BBL
CoolPeel CO2 laser for more extensive skin resurfacing
CoolPeel CO2 isn’t recommended as a primary treatment for rosacea as it can be too intense for very sensitive skin. However, if your rosacea is under control, it can offer excellent resurfacing benefits to address lingering texture issues, post-inflammatory roughness, or thickened skin (in rarer cases).
⭐ Best for: Uneven texture, thickened skin
📅 Recommended plan: Custom plan; in conjunction with other rosacea control treatments
Chemical peels for rosacea-prone skin
While not all chemical peels are suitable for rosacea, lighter peels can be effective in reducing some of the symptoms – although they’re not generally recommended for severe cases or active flare-ups.
At BodyTonic, we offer sensitive-skin safe peels that are specifically chosen for their calming, anti-inflammatory properties. These peels help slough off dead skin cells, which helps unclog pores and reduce the appearance of redness and rosacea bumps.
⭐Best for: Post-flare recovery, bumps, redness, uneven texture
📅 Recommended plan: 3–4 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart, then maintenance
Soothing facials: HydraFacial, Glo2Facial, Fire & Ice Facial
These non-invasive treatments help maintain hydration, calm ongoing redness, gently but deeply exfoliate, and strengthen the skin barrier – ideal for sensitive skin prone to rosacea.
- HydraFacial: Deep hydration and gentle exfoliation.
- Glo2Facial: Gentle oxygenation and nutrient infusion.
- Fire & Ice Facial: Cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory.
⭐ Best for: Reducing flare-up frequency, barrier support, hydration
📅 Recommended plan: Monthly or as needed
Microneedling for post-flare-up recovery
Microneedling isn’t suitable during an active flare-up, but once inflammation has calmed, it can help improve skin texture and appearance.
It works by triggering collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of visible vessels, as well as reducing residual redness and improving skin texture.
⭐ Best for: Post-flare-up support, redness, visible vessels, scarring, texture
📅 Recommended plan: 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, then maintenance
LED light therapy for redness reduction
Low-level red and blue LED light can calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support healing. It can be used alone, but works best as an add-on to other treatments – where it enhances the results of your other treatment, provides an added calming effect, and helps your skin recover faster.
⭐ Best for: Sensitive, reactive skin and ongoing maintenance
📅 Recommended plan: As an add-on to all other treatments
Skincare tips for managing rosacea at home
In addition to in-clinic treatments, good skincare habits are key.
Our team will help you understand and choose the right routine, but here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable: Daily SPF 30+ is essential.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers, medical-grade ideally.
- Look for ingredients like azelaic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides.
- Avoid harsh scrubs, AHAs, or retinoids, unless professionally guided.
We offer a selection of medical-grade skincare ranges at BodyTonic, including SkinBetter Science, iS Clinical, and Neocutis – scientifically proven skincare products that contain the concentrations of active ingredients that make all the difference, and aren’t available over the counter.
We can recommend the exact products suited to your type of rosacea and skin condition, and help you curate the at-home skincare routine to perfectly support your in-office treatments, and help keep your rosacea under control. It’s important to remember that, just like in-office treatments, skincare products take a while to work. But within a few months of consistent usage combined with the right treatments, you should find your rosacea is noticeably improved.
Advanced treatments to help get rid of your rosacea, at BodyTonic Cleveland
Rosacea might be a long-term condition, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with constant flare-ups or redness.
At BodyTonic Cleveland, we offer a personalized approach to rosacea skin treatments – combining proven technologies like BBL, CoolPeel, hydrating facials, and professional skincare to calm your skin, restore confidence, and give you long-lasting relief.
Whether you’re looking to get rid of redness on your face, smooth out bumps, or just find a routine that actually works, we’re here to help.Book a consultation at BodyTonic Cleveland today, and get the answers your skin has been waiting for.
