Riversol - Rosacea Treatment Review

Rosacea Treatment Options: Finding the Right Solution for Your Skin and Budget

Written by Dr. James Macdonald, MD

Introduction:

Rosacea affects over 415 million people worldwide, yet there is no known cure—only treatments that help manage symptoms. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which treatments are effective and worth the investment.

This page provides a clear, evidence-based overview of the latest rosacea therapies, helping you navigate the choices with confidence. Before exploring treatments, it’s important to understand that rosacea is a progressive condition. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers—such as certain foods, weather conditions, or skincare ingredients—can significantly improve symptoms. In fact, a National Rosacea Society survey found that 90% of individuals who managed their triggers and used appropriate skincare saw noticeable improvements.

At Riversol, we’ve spent years developing a dermatologist-designed skincare routine tailored specifically for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. Created by Dr. Jason Rivers, our gentle three-step system is designed to calm redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and restore balance. You can try it for free with a 15-day sample kit—no commitment needed.

Keep reading to explore the full range of rosacea treatment options available in 2025.

15-Day Redness Control Sample Kit

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5 Current Treatments for Rosacea

1

Topical Vasoconstrictors

Brimonidine (Mirvaso) and Oxymetazoline (Rhofade), function by constricting blood vessels to temporarily mitigate facial redness. These treatments have shown effectiveness in reducing facial redness in approximately 26 out of 100 subjects. However, there are potential downsides to their use. Overuse of these products can exacerbate flushing, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. In terms of cost, Mirvaso is priced at $618 for a 30g tube, while Rhofade is slightly higher at $661 for the same amount. This makes them a costly option for managing facial redness, and their side effects underscore the importance of cautious application.

2

Surgical Laser Therapy

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, employs targeted heat application to obliterate superficial red blood vessels. It is regarded as the principal treatment for visible blood vessels and thickened skin conditions such as rhinophyma. Despite its effectiveness, there are several potential drawbacks. Patients might experience temporary pain, redness, blisters, scabs, and swelling following the procedure. Additionally, there's a risk of small scars remaining. A significant consideration for many patients is the cost, ranging from $400 to $1200 per session, coupled with the challenge of finding properly trained physicians to perform the treatment. This underscores the importance of weighing the benefits against the potential side effects and financial implications before proceeding with IPL therapy.

3

Beta-Blockers

Often prescribed off-label, are another option for managing facial redness, working by diminishing blood flow to the face. While they show promising results in effectiveness, their use is not widespread primarily due to side effects. One of the significant limitations is that Beta-Blockers are not approved for treating rosacea in many jurisdictions. Additionally, they are not suitable for individuals with asthma. Common side effects include tiredness and dizziness, which can deter patients from choosing this treatment. On the affordability front, Beta-Blockers are relatively inexpensive, with a cost of approximately $14 for 50 tablets at a 10 mg dosage. This makes them a cost-effective option for those who can tolerate the side effects and do not have contraindicating conditions like asthma.

4

For Red and Yellow Spots - (Papules and Pustules): Azelaic Acid (Topical)

Azelaic Acid, available under trade names such as Skinoren and Finacea, serves as a topical agent that primarily targets inflammation reduction. It demonstrates relief in symptoms for approximately 18 out of 100 users, showcasing its potential effectiveness in certain cases. Despite these benefits, Azelaic Acid is not without its drawbacks. Users may experience side effects including burning, itching, dry skin, and rash. In some instances, it may even exacerbate the symptoms it aims to alleviate. When it comes to cost, Azelaic Acid is priced at $369 for a 50g tube, making it a significant investment for those seeking relief from their symptoms. This highlights the importance of considering both the potential benefits and the downsides, including the possibility of adverse reactions and the financial cost, before opting for this treatment.

5

Antibiotics (Oral & Topical)

Topical antibiotics, such as MetroCream, MetroGel, MetroLotion, Noritate, and Rosadan, offer anti-inflammatory benefits with effectiveness that can be comparable to azelaic acid, though results may vary. Common side effects include skin irritation, contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, and increased sun sensitivity. The cost for these treatments is around $405 for 60g, with a generic option available at $145 for 55g. Oral antibiotics, represented by Oracea, function systemically to reduce inflammation but also come with potential downsides like skin irritation and sun sensitivity, at a higher cost of $972 for 30 capsules, with a generic version costing $645 for the same quantity.

Dr. Jason Rivers Dr. Jason Rivers
About Our Founder

Dr. Jason Rivers

Dr. Rivers is Canada’s unparalleled expert on skin health and dermatology.

He's the author of over 170 peer reviewed articles on skin health and dermatology. He’s the past president of the Canadian Dermatology Association as well as the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. Dr. Rivers has been practicing clinical dermatology for over 30 years here in Vancouver. He made Riversol skincare for his patients.

His expertise in skin health makes for world-class formulations. His caring nature and dedication to his patients sets the tone for our brand.

Jason Signature

Knowing the causes of rosacea is important.
But so is treating it. Here’s how…

If you’re frustrated by the cycle of redness, irritation and discomfort, effective skincare can help. Riversol is a leader in skincare for rosacea and redness-prone skin, and you can try it for free. Order your 15-day sample kit. It comes with a gentle cleanser, anti-redness serum, and a moisturizer - you can even customize it based on your skin type. There’s no strings attached, no credit card needed and no obligation to buy.
One method of discovering your personal rosacea triggers is ...
to keep a daily rosacea journal. Keep track of environmental and lifestyle factors while observing your rosacea symptoms on a daily basis. Track and record weather conditions, foods and beverages you consume, exercise, your stress levels, products you use on your face, medications you take, and anything that causes flushing (such as hot showers or baths). You can even try tracking apps available for smartphones. Interested in more information about rosacea? Click here to see our complete guide to rosacea treatment.

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Karen | Testimonial Video

Meet Karen! Since 2012, she has been a loyal customer. Her story is incredible and highlights how painful it is to suffer from low self-esteem due to skin conditions.