FREE CLEANSING SYSTEM!

1-866-774-8377
Get a Sample Shop All Rewards Anti-Aging Redness Control About Resources Stores Auto-Replenishment Contact
General Sensitive Skin

Copy of Best rosacea treatment options – cost vs. effectiveness

SHARE
Rosacea Treatment Tables

Written by Dr. James Macdonald MD, HBSc

March 3, 2024  -  Rosacea is a common, chronic problem, affecting more than 415 million people worldwide. Despite advancements in modern medicine there is currently no cure for rosacea, only treatments.  

References for the information we have provided are available at the bottom of this article and will be updated as new studies are published.

Current treatments on the market are broken down in to two categories based on the individual symptoms:

For Red Skin and Visible Blood Vessels:

1) Topical Vasoconstrictors

Trade Names

Mechanism

Effectiveness:

Potential Downsides

Cost

Brimonidine (Mirvaso)
Oxymetazoline (Rhofade)

 

Temporarily reduces facial redness by constricting blood vessels

Reduces facial redness in 26/100 subjects.

Overuse can worsen flushing, skin irritation, and allergic reactions

Mirvaso: $618/30g
Rhofade: $661/30g

 

 

2) Clinical Laser treatments 

Trade Names

Mechanism

Effectiveness:

Potential Downsides

Cost

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy

Destroys superficial red blood vessels through targeting application of heat.

Considered the primary treatment for telangiectasia (visible blood vessels) and rhinophyma (enlarged nose)

Temporary pain, redness, blisters, scabs, swelling. Small scars may remain. Cost and accessibility of properly trained physicians.

$400 to $1200 per session

 

Treatment Type Trade Names Mechanism Effectiveness: Potential Downsides Cost
Topical Vasoconstrictors Brimonidine (Mirvaso)
Oxymetazoline (Rhofade)		 Temporarily reduces facial redness by constricting blood vessels Reduces facial redness in 26/100 subjects. Overuse can worsen flushing, skin irritation, and allergic reactions Mirvaso: $618/30g
Rhofade: $661/30g
Laser therapy
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy		 - Destroys superficial red blood vessels through targeting application of heat. Considered the primary treatment for telangiectasia and rhinophyma Temporary pain, redness, blisters, scabs, swelling. Small scars may remain. $700 to $1200 per session
Beta-Blockers Off-label prescription Reduces blood flow to the face - Not approved for rosacea in many places, not suitable for asthma patients $14 / 50 tablets @ 10 mg

For Red and Yellow Spots - Papules and Pustules:

Treatment Type Trade Names Benefits Effectiveness Potential Downsides Cost
Azelaic Acid (Topical) Skinoren, Finacea Reduces inflammation Relieves symptoms in 18 out of 100 users. Can cause burning, itching, dry skin, rash, may worsen symptoms $369 / 50g
Antibiotics (Topical) MetroCream, MetroGel, MetroLotion, Noritate, Rosadan Topical Antibiotic activity, reduces inflammation Comparable to azelaic acid, with some contradictory results. Skin irritation, contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, increased sun sensitivity $405 / 60g (generic: $145 / 55g)
Antibiotics (Oral) Oracea Systemic Antibiotic activity, reduces inflammation Second-line therapy after topical treatments. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, light sensitivity $972 / 30 capsules (generic: $645 / 30 capsules)

 

Note: Costs are approximate and can vary based on insurance coverage and pharmacy location. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to understand the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option.

Leading Rosacea specialist, Dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers, spent 30 years in clinical practice before devoting 8 years to develop a routine of skincare products for his most deserving patients, those with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. His approach was to:

  • Eliminate all irritants fragrance, colorants and unnecessary harmful chemicals like parabens, and formaldehyde-releasing agents
  • Ensure all products exist at a pH of 5.5 – eliminating further damage to skin barrier
  • Create moisturizing complexes at every stage of the routine to allow for skin barrier repair, reduce moisture loss, enhance proper moisture movement in the skin and finally allow the skin to restart stimulating the production of its natural moisturizers.
  • Incorporate active ingredients to target the root cause of the symptoms. He has incorporated a proprietary combination of actives with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and natural anti-biotic properties. Riversol was the first company to stabilize Beta-thuljaplicin into a skincare formula that met all the other requirements needed for rosacea-prone skin.  
  • Let everyone try the product for free, for enough time to make sure it works for you. A 15-day free sample of Dr. Rivers’ skincare line for rosacea is available here.

Sources