RefinedMD
800 Pollard Road, Building A
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: (408) 688-2082
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: Please call for availability
Closed Sundays & Holidays
Dermatologists have been seeing more and more cases of rosacea in the past decade. Most patients report that they become more sensitive to heat, irritants, sweat, and exfoliation over time, and these irritants seem to make their rosacea flare up. Some say certain foods and drinks cause rosacea flareups including spicy or hot food, red wine (gasp!), coffee (facepalm), and some kinds of alcoholic beverages. It might seem like everything you love and all your vices are against you—but at least you have a serious reason to avoid going too hard at the gym.
Regularly exposing yourself to rosacea triggers can lead to permanent redness. One of the biggest issues is that underlying skin sensitivity, which needs to be carefully addressed in all aspects of skin care and protection. Fortunately, most rosacea patients stall at the occasional coming and going stages of the “disease.” Others may progress to having red bumps on a regular basis, dubbed “acne rosacea.” A few move on to having enlarged oil glands on the cheeks and nose, which can lead to a thickening of the skin or “rhinophyma.”
The good news is that those in the first stage of a Rosacea flare-up have plenty of tools available and we, at RefinedMD, are happy to help diagnose and treat your condition.
Since establishing RefinedMD in 2012, Dr. Swengel has earned a reputation throughout the South Bay as one of the area’s top cosmetic and medical dermatologists. He is sought out for his expertise as a Mohs micrographic surgeon and laser treatment specialist, as well as his warm, attentive style of patient care.
Meet Dr. Steven Swengel
There are a variety of options when seeking treatment for Rosacea if you’re in the first stages. It starts with learning proper skin cleansing, toning, and oil removal techniques. Avoiding glycolic acids and easing into retinoid products like Retin A is critical. The Obagi Hydrate layered with Retin A is a fantastic foundation for many. Restorsea and Epionce Milky Cleanser along with Medical Barrier Cream is tolerated well by many and helps to reduce inflammation.
With RefinedMD products designed to treat sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, you’re on the fast track to a soothed complexion. These products cleanse, protect, and stimulate healthy skin growth without irritation. Only those with acne rosacea may be prescribed antibiotics and/or topical treatments, such as Metrogel, Finacea, and Soolantra. Many patients find that low dose antibiotics do a great job of pimple control, so they can reduce topical medication usage.
Rosacea can affect people of all skin tones, which presents a unique challenge for early detection in people with darker skin. Studies show that when people with darker skin tones develop rosacea, early signs like flushing can be missed or mistaken for another condition.
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people, yet it's often misunderstood or mistaken for other concerns like acne or sun damage. At RefinedMD, we work with patients every day who are …
Rosacea, a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps, it can cause discomfort and embarrassment. While the exact …
Everything is coming up roses when spring is in the air, but for rosacea patients it can be a dreaded season. At RefinedMD, we can help you get your rosacea under control, even in the …
Nobody knows what causes rosacea, but this common skin problem makes itself well known with deeply flushed skin. It is not dangerous or contagious, but the highly visible symptoms can make it an embarrassing condition …
Curious about peptides and how they may fit into your wellness plan? Join us virtually on September 22nd at 6:00pm for an educational event on medically supervised peptide therapy. Learn what peptides are, how they are administered, and how our providers determine which options may be appropriate based on your individual goals and health history.
Refresh, replenish, and give your wellness routine a boost with RefinedMD’s physician-developed IV Therapy. Designed to deliver hydration, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream for rapid and efficient absorption, our IV treatments make it easy to choose support aligned with how you want to feel. Whether your goals include hydration and recovery, immune support, antioxidant support, or energy and metabolism, there’s an IV designed with your needs in mind. And now is the perfect time to experience IV Therapy at RefinedMD: choose from five of our most popular IVs and receive 20% off when you book your treatment on a Thursday or Friday with Nurse Denise. Want to personalize your drip even further? Ask about available add-ons, including glutathione, NAD+, and vitamin D3, for an additional wellness boost.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by a RefinedMD Medical Editor on August 26th, 2026.
