Your skin turns red when it wants to — not when you want it to.
Rosacea isn’t caused by a lack of skincare. It’s actually due to sensitive, reactive skin and fine blood vessels that have dilated and no longer return to their normal state on their own. You can’t simply ‘cream it away’—but you can soothe the skin and treat the condition specifically.
Free AURA 3D skin analysis →CHF 0 · 60 mins · no sales pressure
What helps with redness ↓
Perhaps you've been there:
Your face is often flushed, especially on your cheeks and nose — even for no apparent reason.
When it's hot, you're exercising, drinking alcohol or feeling stressed, your face flushes and the redness lingers longer than you'd like.
You can see fine, dilated blood vessels that won’t go away.
Your skin is sensitive to products that don't bother other people.
You're covering up the redness with make-up instead of getting rid of it.
You've tried plenty of things already — and it feels like there's more of the same rather than a change.
Why the redness persists
Rosacea has several underlying causes that interact with one another. At its core, there are two key factors: sensitive, easily irritated skin with a compromised barrier — and blood vessels that overreact. They dilate at the slightest stimulus and, over time, no longer return to their normal state. Studies show that reddened skin has a compromised barrier with increased moisture loss; this makes the skin more reactive and keeps the inflammation going.
Then there is the genetic predisposition — a tendency to flush often runs in the family. And it’s a vicious circle: the irritated skin barrier allows more stimuli to pass through; these stimuli cause the blood vessels to dilate; and this constant dilation leads to the formation of visible spider veins.
What causes the redness
- A delicate, weakened barrier — the skin loses more moisture, overreacts and becomes inflamed more easily.
- Overreactive blood vessels — they dilate in response to heat, stress or other stimuli and do not return to their normal size (telangiectasia).
- UV / Sun — damages the supporting tissue around the blood vessels and is one of the most significant triggers; sun protection is key here.
- Triggers in everyday life — Heat, cold, temperature changes, alcohol, spicy food and stress can trigger flushing.
- Incorrect, aggressive care — Excessive exfoliation, alcohol-based toners or harsh active ingredients further weaken the skin barrier and exacerbate redness.
The key point is this: dilated blood vessels do not shrink on their own, and no cream can close them. What does help is a two-pronged approach — soothing the skin and strengthening its barrier so that it overreacts less, whilst specifically treating the visible blood vessels. This is exactly where we come in.
Soothe, strengthen, and target the blood vessels
Rosacea requires two things at the same time: soothing the skin and strengthening its barrier so that it reacts less strongly — and specifically treating the visible, dilated blood vessels. Doing one without the other is of little use. And the order matters: with acute, irritated skin, we soothe it first and then treat it.
The most common mistake is to try to combat redness with harsh products — strong exfoliants, alcohol-based toners, and vigorous rubbing. This strips away the already weakened skin barrier and makes the redness worse. When it comes to rosacea, less is more. A gentle, barrier-strengthening routine is the foundation on which everything else is built.
The first step is to soothe the skin and strengthen its barrier. The red and near-infrared light from the Dermalux™ LED reduces inflammation. A gentle HydraFacial™ cleanses and moisturises without causing irritation. And once the skin has settled, a biorevitalisation treatment NCTF® — Hyaluronic acid plus 59 active ingredients — delivering deep hydration and antioxidants to the skin; studies show that this improves skin hydration and quality. This can be achieved particularly gently via Dermadrop TDA® delivered into the skin without any needles, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin. A stronger skin barrier reacts less strongly to triggers, which helps to reduce the underlying causes of redness.
The other half is down to the blood vessels themselves — and this is where creams are of no help. Topical treatments, often prescribed by a doctor, soothe the inflammation but do not close blood vessels that have already dilated. This is precisely why current guidelines recommend IPL or vascular laser treatment for visible redness and spider veins. The IPL light is absorbed by the haemoglobin in the blood vessels and gently coagulates them, causing the redness and spider veins to fade. We use the Stellar M22™. To be honest, this is about long-term management and care, not a one-off „gone for good" solution — because the predisposition remains and triggers continue to have an effect.
What you do yourself makes a big difference. The most effective measure is sun protection: UV rays are one of the biggest triggers and damage the tissue around the blood vessels. It also helps to be aware of your personal triggers — heat, alcohol, spicy food, stress — and to stick to a gentle skincare routine. And honestly: persistent redness may have an underlying medical cause, which a dermatologist should investigate and treat if necessary. We also work on the visible redness and the skin’s resilience.
Redness isn’t something you simply have to cover up. With a gentle skincare routine, the right use of skincare products, and by identifying your triggers, you can get it under control — and keep it that way.
Two approaches: calming the mind and addressing the blood vessels
We don’t just pile one treatment on top of another. When it comes to rosacea, the approach is clear: target the visible blood vessels and soothe and strengthen the skin.
Core treatments · Blood vessels & inflammation
Stellar M22™ IPL
The light is absorbed by the haemoglobin in the dilated blood vessels, causing them to shrink; redness and spider veins fade. The most effective treatment for visible blood vessels.
Find out more →Dermalux™ LED
Red light and near-infrared light soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin’s barrier; gentle, even on sensitive skin.
Find out more →Strengthen the skin barrier and hydration
HydraFacial™
Gentle deep cleansing and plenty of moisture help to strengthen the weakened skin barrier; well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Find out more →Fillmed NCTF® 135HA
Hyaluronic acid combined with 59 active ingredients and antioxidants provides deep hydration and improves skin quality — when the skin is calm. Studies show improved skin hydration.
Find out more →Dermadrop TDA®
Needle-free delivery of soothing, moisturising active ingredients — particularly gentle on sensitive, reddened skin.
Find out more →Important
IPL requires calm skin — if there is an acute flare-up, we soothe the skin first and then treat it. And IPL is designed to target blood vessels: it is not the right treatment for pigmentation issues such as melasma.
The free AURA 3D skin analysis will show you which combination and routine are right for your skin. If your sensitive skin is also prone to dryness and a compromised skin barrier, it’s worth taking a look at Dehydrated skin →.
Free AURA 3D skin analysis →Three steps to calmer skin
AURA 3D Skin Analysis + Medical History
We’ll take a close look at your redness patterns, blood vessels and skin barrier, and discuss your triggers. This will form the basis of your personalised plan. CHF 0, with no pressure to buy.
Soothe & treat
If the skin is irritated, we first soothe it and strengthen its barrier. We then target the visible blood vessels using the IPL treatment, combined with LED therapy.
Hold & protect
With sun protection, gentle skincare and touch-ups as needed, redness is kept to a minimum; we’ll keep an eye on your triggers together.
Targets blood vessels, yet is gentle on sensitive skin.
The right technology
The Stellar M22™ is one of the most established IPL platforms for treating blood vessels — we treat specific areas, not just the whole area.
Gentle on sensitive skin
We calm the animal down first and then treat it — no rough handling, which would make the redness worse.
Honest about borders
Persistent redness may be caused by an underlying medical condition. We’ll tell you when to see a dermatologist — and address the visible symptoms.
You might be wondering
What is rosacea — and is it the same as redness?
Not quite. Almost everyone experiences temporary redness — for example, during exercise or when feeling excited. Rosacea is the term used when fine blood vessels become permanently dilated and remain visible as red or purple veins, usually on the cheeks and nose, often on sensitive, easily irritated skin. The redness not only appears, but it also doesn’t fade properly. It is precisely these dilated blood vessels that can be treated specifically.
Why do I blush so easily when it’s hot, when I’m exercising, or when I’ve had a drink?
This is because certain stimuli cause your blood vessels to dilate directly. Heat, alcohol, spicy food or changes in temperature activate receptors in the skin—known as TRP channels—which trigger vasodilation: the typical flushing reaction. In sensitive, reactive skin, this reaction is more pronounced and subsides more slowly. Over time, the constant dilation can lead to the formation of permanent broken capillaries.
Source: Therapeutic strategies targeting immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation in rosacea. 2024.
Does IPL really help with redness and broken capillaries?
Yes, and there is strong evidence to support this. A systematic review concludes that IPL effectively reduces redness and dilated blood vessels, and that the effect lasts after treatment. The principle: the light is specifically absorbed by the haemoglobin in the blood vessels and gently coagulates them, causing them to fade. Creams cannot achieve this — they can soothe inflamed skin, but cannot close blood vessels that have already dilated.
How does LED (Dermalux) help with redness?
It has a soothing effect. Red light and near-infrared light have anti-inflammatory properties and support the skin barrier — they are gentle and well-tolerated, particularly on reactive skin. Light-based therapies are generally recognised as established methods for treating facial redness. LED does not replace IPL: we target the blood vessels with IPL, whilst LED soothes the skin. Together, they complement each other.
What is the point of moisturisers or NCTF for rosacea — isn’t it all about the blood vessels?
The two go hand in hand. A weakened barrier keeps the skin sensitive and reactive — it then reacts more strongly to every trigger. When the skin is calm, biorevitalisation with NCTF® (hyaluronic acid plus 59 active ingredients) provides deep hydration and antioxidants; studies show that this improves skin hydration and quality. More resilient skin is less likely to overreact — and this complements vascular treatment.
Why is sun protection so important for rosacea?
This is because UV light is one of the strongest triggers and damages the supporting tissue around the blood vessels — both of which make the redness worse. In research, consistent sun protection is therefore considered a key component in managing reddened skin. High sun protection, all year round, is the most effective measure you can take yourself — and it also protects the results of your treatments.
My skincare routine seems to be making things worse — what am I doing wrong?
Probably too much of a good thing. Harsh exfoliants, alcohol-based toners, rough brushes or too many active ingredients strip away the already weakened barrier — and the weaker the barrier, the more reactive the skin becomes. When it comes to rosacea, the rule is: less is more, but make sure it’s the right products. A gentle, moisturising routine is the foundation. Find out more about how to rebuild a weakened barrier at Dehydrated skin →.
„My dermatologist says there's nothing that can be done about it." Is that true?
We hear this a lot — and it’s only half true. Topical and oral medications control the inflammation, i.e. spots and diffuse redness; they have little effect on already visible, dilated blood vessels. This is precisely why devices such as IPL exist, which are now also recommended in treatment guidelines for visible blood vessels. The two approaches complement each other: the doctor treats the inflammation, whilst we treat the visible blood vessels.
Can rosacea disappear completely?
Visible broken capillaries can be significantly reduced with IPL, often to the point where they are barely visible. But the underlying predisposition remains: sensitive skin and a tendency for blood vessels to dilate. That is why it is more honest to talk about management — with a course of treatments, touch-ups as needed, sun protection and an awareness of your triggers, the redness can be kept at a low level in the long term. A promise that it will be „gone forever" would be unrealistic.
How much does treatment for rosacea cost?
It depends on the treatment plan — usually a course of IPL treatments, accompanied by soothing and barrier-strengthening skincare. You can find an overview of the treatments on our Prices page →. Still unsure? Our Skin Quiz → gives you a quick overview in five minutes.
You no longer need to cover up the redness.
Enlarged blood vessels can be targeted for treatment, and the skin can be strengthened so that it reacts less strongly. The AURA 3D skin analysis will show you where the key areas are and which plan is right for you. Free of charge, with no pressure to buy.
Free AURA 3D skin analysis →CHF 0 · 60 mins · Konradstrasse 1, 8005 Zurich Central Station
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„Aleksandra was very professional, warm and friendly. She gave me excellent advice on what I needed, even though I’d booked a completely different treatment. All the risks and considerations were clearly explained, and I never felt like I was being pressured into anything. A great consultation… I’ve found my new go-to place for treatments.'
„A huge thank you to Alex for her advice. Her expertise and her calm, professional manner won me over straight away. She takes her time, tailors her advice to individual needs and gives fantastic tips for a home skincare routine. It’s exactly the kind of consultation you’d hope for – knowledgeable, warm and genuine."
„I really appreciate that there’s no pressure to buy extra services or products – just genuine, high-quality care. After nearly a year of visiting Alestetics, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences. Alex has been professional, kind and attentive throughout my visits. I highly recommend them!"
„I love coming here; it always feels like I’m going to a spa. They don’t try to sell me anything and are very open about what the treatments can (and cannot) do for me. They take health and wellbeing very seriously and always make sure I know how to look after myself outside the clinic as well."
„Alex is amazing! She listens to what the customer needs and explains the process. She is very knowledgeable and also makes recommendations. For me, her fluency in English is extremely helpful when we communicate."
„I had a Vivace treatment combined with PRX-T33. The appointment went smoothly; the staff were very professional and efficient. The clinic is close to HB and centrally located. Alexandra was very nice and friendly. I’ll definitely be coming back!"
„I had RF microneedling and EXILIS treatments on my stomach at Alestetics and am extremely pleased with the results. In fact, the results are much more noticeable than I had expected. Katia is highly professional, very attentive and incredibly warm. I highly recommend her!"
„I spent a long time looking for the right salon for me and I’m absolutely delighted that I chose alestetics®. The salon is beautiful, and everything is spotlessly clean and hygienic. Thanks to the team’s caring, friendly and professional manner, I felt very comfortable and safe throughout the entire treatment."
„I’ve been to Alestetics several times now. Before the treatment, they carried out an Aura skin analysis, during which they explained my skin condition to me in great detail — it was incredibly professional and transparent. Katia, Antonia and Alex are incredibly caring, knowledgeable and professional. You never feel like 'just another customer'."
„Today I had my first laser treatment (4 areas) with Katia and I felt completely at ease. She was particularly sensitive to my needs, as I can be a bit sensitive to pain at times. Her friendly manner made the treatment a really pleasant experience!"
„Katia is simply brilliant at her job! I’ve now had my third laser treatment. As I’m quite sensitive to pain, I really appreciate the fact that Katia always distracts me with a friendly chat. I feel very well looked after."
„I had a wonderful experience at the aesthetics clinic with Katia. She took the time to listen to my concerns, explained everything clearly, and made sure I felt confident throughout. I would highly recommend Katia for high-quality and truly personalised treatment."
„Review of the BTL Exilis treatment. I’m an active man and work out regularly, but despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get rid of that stubborn belly fat. I noticed a difference after just the first treatment. After several sessions, the difference was clearly visible."
„All the treatments here are sensational. This wellness haven truly lives up to its reputation. It’s centrally located — right next to Zurich main station — and the atmosphere at the spa is serene and calm. Every visit to Alestetics is my monthly treat and feels like a mini-break."
„I’ve had several Endospheres treatments at alestetics. Alex and Katia are very professional, but also very friendly and caring. They’ve always taken my needs and wishes into account (avoiding the tummy after pregnancy). I can’t recommend them highly enough!"
„I had five EXILIS treatments with Katia at alestetics®. The service was excellent – Katia is very professional and warm, and explains everything in detail. You feel at ease with her straight away. I’d definitely recommend her!"
„I feel understood, and they're absolutely lovely and professional!!"
„I had an excellent experience with the Icoone treatment. Antonia was simply fantastic – very professional, warm and incredibly friendly. She took plenty of time and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire treatment."
„I visit Alestetics regularly for Hydrafacial and microneedling treatments. The team are really friendly and flexible. The location is perfect, and the studio is clean and comfortable. After three treatments, my skin feels much clearer and my pores are slightly smaller."
„I feel completely at ease with Alex and her team! From the welcome to the treatments, the hygiene and the atmosphere: everything is simply always perfect. I originally came across Alestetics because of their laser treatments, but now I also go there for my facials."
„The treatments at Alestetics have worked wonders on my sensitive skin. With Katia, you’re in absolutely professional hands!"
„I'm absolutely delighted to have found this clinic in Zurich where, after just four sessions, I've seen amazing results! The girl who looks after me, Katia, is so lovely; she put me at ease right from the start and is incredibly professional!"
„My favourite salon in Zh! Top-notch service, lovely welcome tea, friendly staff, helpful consultations, and I left feeling happy and glowing, looking gorgeous after my treatments. Thanks Katia, Alexandra, and the Alestetics team – one love!"
„At first, I was really impressed by the Endospheres therapy. But the Icoone treatment has surpassed everything: it massages the skin gently and painlessly from head to toe. I started the treatments less for firmer skin and more for my health. The team are like best friends to me."
„Very friendly and professional staff, who take the time to carry out a skin analysis and offer valuable advice! I highly recommend it. It was a pleasure to have the AURA 3D skin analysis and to discuss my daily skincare routine."