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 …
This isn’t your standard holiday party. Join RefinedMD on December 4 for a festive evening filled with a little glamour, a little mischief, and plenty of holiday cheer. Stop by the office, grab a cocktail, explore offerings from local vendors, and strike a pose for a photo with our very special sexy Santa. Bring a friend, make it a date night, or simply stop in to celebrate with the RefinedMD team. Expect an evening designed for mingling, shopping, sipping, and kicking off the holiday season in style, all with a distinctly Refined twist. Additional details are coming soon, so save the date and start deciding what you’re going to wear for that Santa photo.
Choose the area you want to transform, and let’s focus on it. RefinedMD’s CoolSculpting special offers a set package price for a defined body area, including the lower abdomen, full abdomen, flanks, back, neck and chin, or inner or outer thighs. Complete your personalized package within 120 days as our team focuses on helping you achieve visible results in your selected area. It’s a straightforward approach to body contouring: one target area, one package price, and a treatment strategy centered on your goals. Plus, medically eligible patients who purchase a qualifying CoolSculpting package receive 12 weeks of microdosed tirezepatide at no additional cost. Schedule a consultation to determine eligibility and create your transformation plan.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by a RefinedMD Medical Editor on August 26th, 2026.
