With redness to my nose and cheeks, as well as dark under eye circles, I came to Harley Street Medics for an in-depth facial analysis to determine and tackle the underlying cause of my skin symptoms. We happily spend a fortune on cosmetics in order to cover up or chase the symptoms of our skin complaints, rather than addressing and resolving what is actually causing them to occur. Today the tables are turning…
Harley Street Medics is a premier aesthetic and medical clinic in London which provides expert doctor-led care. The team of highly qualified professionals are committed to delivering personalised care tailored to each persons individual and unique needs. Whether you’re seeking aesthetic enhancements, advanced dermatology, or innovative regenerative therapies, they have treatments and packages to suit all, which is what drew me to their facial analysis, as it’s very clearly not a one-size-fits-all approach that I need.
Proudly offering the finest dermatological and aesthetic treatments specific to each individuals skin needs, their state-of-the-art procedures help to diagnose, plan and administer treatments necessary to attain the healthy, radiant skin that you deserve, with sophisticated cosmetic solutions to professional skin care in-clinic and at home.
Meeting with Dr. Mohammad Tauqir Ahmad, he cheerfully walked me through the processes required to construct a personalised treatment plan for me, with a facial analysis being the most suitable method to assess the current condition of my skin and highlight any necessary target areas to address. The skin analysis itself involves removing all of you makeup before having high-tech images of the face captured at a variety of different angles from a specialist piece of equipment.
The images collected are then put into a medical programme which assess each aspect of the face and is translated by the doctor. The scan was able to precisely identify areas of sun damage, rosacea, hormonal acne, dark under eye circles and crows feet around my eyes which can now be treated accordingly with a variety of procedures.
Beginning My Rosacea Treatment Plan
I’ve had redness to my cheeks, hot flushing and exposed veins around my nose since childhood, due to inheriting rosacea from my parents who both have the same symptoms. Harley Street Medics have an advanced laser treatment suitable for tackling these symptoms, which works by calming redness, reducing flare-ups and naturally restoring skin balance.
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes persistent redness, visible blood vessels and occasional breakouts on the face and can often be mistaken for acne or sensitive skin. It typically affects the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead areas with flare-ups commonly triggered by stress, spicy foods, alcohol or extreme temperatures. Beyond surface-level relief, my skin assessment has identified my specific triggers and symptoms, for which a personalised plan can now be implemented using a combination of laser therapy, topical anti-inflammatory medications and lifestyle advice in order to reduce redness, flare-ups and visible veins beneath my skin.
IPL, Intense Pulsed Light therapy, is the most effective treatment for rosacea, as the laser uses broad-spectrum light to target broken blood vessels beneath the skin, reducing persistent redness and calming inflammation. Using medical grade machines, which are not available to beauticians, the clinics laser treatments are non-invasive, quick and safe for most skin types. Each IPL session takes just 30-45 mins, slotting perfectly into my lunch break and involves minimal discomfort, as it simply feels like a warm, pinging sensation as the laser flashes.
I attended the clinic in order to have a patch test, 48hrs before my first treatment, to determine how my skin will react to the laser for which I am safe and suitable. Most people notice visible improvements to their rosacea within just a few sessions, along with longterm relief from flare-ups and sensitivity, which I’m very much looking forward to. It’s perfectly normal to experience a slight redness or warmth to the treated area which typically settles within a few hours. I’ve also been advised to use gentle skincare, wear consistent sun protection and avoid heat exposure after each treatment.
Rosacea is a chronic condition which I know that I will always have, but these laser treatments will allow me to enjoy significant and lasting relief to soothe and balance my complexion without the need to cover the redness with makeup. Once my rosacea is under control, I can then move onto the other issues addressed during my facial analysis, with my personalised treatment options available and a timeframe for completion.
Once my rosacea is under control, the next task will be to target my dark circles, which involves addressing any under-eye pigmentation, volume loss and tiredness caused by genetics, lifestyle or ageing. The outcome of this is to look brighter, rested and naturally refreshed around the eyes. Appearing as brown, purple, blue, or reddish tones beneath the lower eye, dark circles can make you look tired, aged or stressed, caused by lack of sleep, genetics, thin skin, volume loss, pigmentation, poor circulation, or lifestyle habits such as smoking, stress or dehydration. While I try to be as healthy as possible, and eat a vegan diet and exercise regularly, my skin still needs a helping hand to look and feel its very best.
One, or a combination, of treatments can then be used to address my dark circles including tear trough filler, skin peels, mesotherapy and medical skincare to achieve natural results and longterm improvement to my under eye area. The doctor is able to recommend prescription and clinical-strength under-eye products as part of my treatment; this includes high quality creams with ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C and kojic acid to gradually lighten pigmentation and support my natural collagen production. Understanding how to optimise my skincare routine will play such an essential role in maintaining my treatment results.
It’s not often that we have the opportunity to build a deeper understanding of our own unique skin type, and identify what works best for us, and so I’m really looking forward to moving through my treatment plan, achieving amazing results and learning how best to maintain and manage them myself, at home.
I’m so excited for my first rosacea treatment in just a few days time and can’t wait to share my before and after results and pictures with you all. The more that we talk about the skin complaints that we face, the more that clinics and medical professionals will see the need to offer treatments and solutions to address them. Please don’t suffer in silence with sensitive or irritated skin; there are so many options available to treating the root cause of your skin complaints, you simply have to understand what is causing it, and why. Every amazing journey starts with a first step, and I’m beyond thrilled to have finally taken mine!
My First Rosacea Treatment
Today I had my first rosacea treatment at Harley Street Medics which took around 20-30mins in total, and was such a quick and comfortable procedure. The laser practitioner started off by checking my patch test area for any adverse reaction – for which there was none – before putting a hair net on me and cleansing my face to ensure that it’s free from makeup and beauty products.
I then had a cold gel applied across my entire face, which was very soothing and relaxing, readying me for the laser to begin. I was asked throughout my treatment to report back on my level of comfort to ensure that the correct strength of laser was used on my individual skin type.
Everybody will experience this differently, depending on their skin and pain tolerance, but from having past laser rosacea treatments several years ago, I remember a very hot and bright burning flash which felt like opening the door of an oven directly onto my skin. I used to flinch, jump and grit my teeth over the uncomfortable sensation, but very much had the mindset of “no pain, no gain” and willingly endured it. I’d mentally prepared myself for the same sensation today and was pleasantly surprised.
The laser started off on a low setting for which I reported this at 1/10 because I couldn’t feel it at all, but could see a split-second flash of light with my eyes closed and safety goggles on. The practitioner advised that she could increase the strength of the laser to medium because of this, for which I reported it as 2/10 because I could feel the slightest sensation of warmth, like a finger touching my skin rather than something cold. It was incredibly mild and nowhere near uncomfortable, but slightly more noticeable than the low setting.
For my next appointment, I will be able to begin my treatment on the medium strength setting and progress to high, as there are safety protocols in place to ensure that the skin is protected and the laser built up in stages. The cooling gel and high-tech laser made my rosacea treatment totally unrecognisable from the hot torture that it used to be – thank goodness for the innovation of Italian medical lasers. My experience is testament to the importance of visiting doctors for laser treatments, rather than beauticians due to the quality, strength and advancement of medical equipment available and expertise.
Following my treatment, the gel was cleansed from my face and a high factor SPF 30+ was applied to protect my skin from the sun. I was advised that my face may feel red and warm for a few hours before subsiding, which is a normal reaction to the laser, but I pretty much looked the same as before my treatment and didn’t think that it was obvious that I’d had anything done.
I was also provided with aftercare information which advised me to minimise my exposure to heat, apply a cool flannel to my face if needed for cooling, sleep with my head on a pillow (rather than laying flat without it) to avoid swelling and bruising, avoid wearing makeup for several hours, be gentle with my skin and avoid rubbing my face or using any harsh chemicals. I should also try to take cool showers rather than a hot bath or sauna, ensure that I apply a 30+ SPF suncream for the next 30 days at least, and avoid strenuous activities for the next 4-5 days to allow my skin to calm.
Within around 60-90mins of having my treatment, the slight warmth to my face had already passed, and as it was the afternoon I spent the evening without makeup before going to bed and applying a gentle natural moisturiser. I’ve since carried on with my day as usual, making sure that I apply suncream before leaving my house, and being kind to my skin. It really is such a quick, comfortable and non-invasive treatment which feels so relaxing with cooling gel and the opportunity to lay down and close your eyes for half an hour. I’m very much looking forward to my next appointment in one month from now, for which it’s recommended a course of 4-6 treatments may achieve maximum results, with maintenance appointments once or twice per year to keep future redness at bay.
Once my rosacea is under control, I can then move onto treating the dark circles under my eyes and can’t wait to see the progress being made with my skin with my before and after pictures. It’s surprising how small changes to our skin creep in over time, going unnoticed until they build up and are suddenly so well established that we realise how worn out and tired we look one day. Whilst we will always continue to age and our skin react to lifestyle and genetic complaints, we can choose to take preventative methods to pause, if not turn back the clock, to look and feel our best with a high quality maintenance skincare routine. Roll on treatment two!
My Second Rosacea Treatment
A month has passed by so quickly, and I’m back already for my second treatment, four weeks since having my first. Each treatment is spaced four weeks apart in order to allow the skin to heal and show its full results, which in turn allows the laser practitioner to determine which strength of laser is most suitable at each appointment.
I was fascinated to learn that hormone fluctuations can impact the treatment and healing process, also as having any treatment during menstruation may make it more uncomfortable and slower to heal. Fortunately my treatments have been spaced away from my period which was unintentional, but rather great timing. The staff are always so knowledgable and friendly, I love that I can ask questions throughout and know precisely what to expect as it takes away the fear of the unknown.
Today I was able to have an increase in the strength of laser, and as such I rated the warmth a 3/10, whereas my last treatment felt like a 2/10 and was hardly noticeable. The aim is to use the most suitable strength of laser, without causing any damage to the skin, so the strength must be gradually increased with the immediate reaction to treatment, and healed results, assessed before upping it further.
The most noticeable part of my treatment today was around my nose for which the nostrils and my upper lip made me jump from the flash of light. Even with my eyes closed and googles on, it’s more the surprise of a flash than the warm sensation that I respond to. Again, it’s not painful or unpleasant, as the cooling gel that is spread across the face is so soothing as you lay peacefully with your eyes closed.
It’s estimated that I may need 4-6 sessions to achieve maximum results, and my next session can be increased to a 4/10 for warmth if I so wish. I was expecting my face to be more red today than last time, following the increase in laser strength, but it pretty much looked the same and I didn’t feel as though I were glowing or bright red. As I booked in at reception for my third session in a months time, I was given information about a new reward system that they have called Squid, where you scan a QR code and receive a reward for every five treatments, as well as on your birthday which is pretty cool.
Any customer can use it, and it makes it all the more affordable to have sustainable skincare that you can manage and maintain, even if you pop in a few times per year, the points add up! After having my face cleansed post-treatment and a high factor SPF applied, I returned to my day makeup free, undetectable that I’d had anything done. I love how each day that passes is reducing my redness and veins and can’t wait to share with you my final before and after pictures. It’s only when we reach the finish line that we can truly see how far we’ve come, but I’m loving my results already and my skin feels more cool and calm every day!
My Third Rosacea Treatment
For my third rosacea treatment, the laser was used on the “high” level setting, taking me to the maximum strength possible. I was asked throughout the treatment to once again rate the level of heat and comfort, for which I deemed this to be a 4/10, as it was only slightly warmer in sensation compared to the medium setting. I was expecting it to be very obviously warmer, if not hot, so this was a pleasant surprise.
My nostril and lip area were the most noticeable areas for sensation of the laser as before, which wasn’t uncomfortable, but just feels like a more brighter flash and the most obvious form of warmth. Whilst my skin has felt so much better since starting my treatments, it still naturally carries some redness to the cheeks and nose, but the everyday heat and sensitivity of my skin has subsided.
I’ve always found wearing makeup so irritating and uncomfortable because of how sensitive my skin is, yet had to use it to cover redness in public. Now I’m far happier being barefaced without makeup, and when I do wear it, I now need far less to cover the colour difference in my skin.
I was expecting my face to look very dark red today after treatment, as this would be the maximum strength of laser used which I equated to looking like a “hot flare-up” of rosacea, perhaps after running, slapping the skin or being unwell. However, I was once again surprised to see that my skin was a rosy pink at most, which subsided within an hour, with the sides of my face holding the redness the longest, and my forehead, chin and lower cheeks disappearing within minutes.
I love the confidence that clearing the redness from my skin has given me; to embrace a bare face without makeup, and to live with greater comfort and cool skin. Even in the summer I feel relief from having my treatments, when I would usually melt and feel like I’d put my head into a hot over whenever anything touched my face or the slightest bit of warmth in the air.
I know that I may never cure or rid my face of rosacea, but these treatments are making such a vast improvement which allows me to have a better quality of life and greatly reduce my symptoms. Just as we cut our hair when it grows too long, or refill the tea caddy when we’ve used up all of the teabags, keeping my sensitive skin in order is a routine maintenance and form of self-care for a healthy and happy life.
My Fourth Rosacea Treatment
Attending my fourth rosacea treatment today, I once again had the maximum strength of laser with multiple passes across my entire face.
Whether I’ve become accustomed to the warmth of the laser now, or my skin is not so sensitive as my results progress, I hardly felt the laser at all this time and would rate it 1/10. It felt as if it were on the weakest setting, and not in fact the strongest, which is testament to the improvement in my skins sensitivity which occurs deeper beneath the surface where healing is naturally taking place.
I’m noticing that there is far less heat in my face day to day, I don’t have to cover the redness with foundation anymore, as a sheer tinted moisturiser takes away the slightest of pinkness left, which is gradually fading from week to week as my skin responds to treatment and heals.
Immediately after my treatment I met up with my friend for coffee without a scrap of makeup on and she didn’t realise that I’d had anything done. I wasn’t red or flushed, blotchy or uncomfortable, my skin looked fresh and healthy without makeup. And so I didn’t feel self conscious about my skin colour or try to hide any remaining redness in public, which would have only worsened my symptoms in the past. Nobody thought that I was an alcoholic for having a veiny nose, nor gave me a cautious glance for appearing sick or unwell from flushed cheeks as I no longer burn red 24/7. It has made such an incredible difference to my day to day life to finally have my rosacea under control and given me such a spring in my step.
Switching from foundation to a tinted moisturiser has allowed my skin to breathe, glow and look so much younger. I love the new lease of life that reclaiming natural beauty has given me, and am now fully knowledgable about how to support and manage my skin symptoms rather than mask them until they become overwhelming and need a more extensive treatment. Just as we take care of our homes and cars with services and maintenance, our skin deserves a TLC MOT too!
Remember to check back here soon to see how I’m getting on!
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