How Laser Genesis is Finally Fading My Lifelong Redness

The Stockbridge Clinic offers several solutions for Rosacea sufferers including Laser Genesis

Growing up half-Scottish and half-Irish, my mum would often say my rosy cheeks were part of my Celtic charm. And sure—when you’re a toddler, a bit of pink looks sweet. But by high school, I’d graduated from “sweet” to Rudolph. A boy in first year made the comparison and it stuck. So began the era of green colour correctors, heavy foundation and the ever-elusive dream of a pale, unified glow.

Spoiler: it didn’t work. The green tones made me look like a Shrek understudy and my ivory base just added a sickly, ghostly veil. Photos from those years are… haunting.

Over the decades, I’ve found makeup workarounds. Better formulas, smarter layering. But no matter how carefully I applied it, my nose always found a way to glow—Schmeichel-style, as one ex so charmingly nicknamed it. (Goalkeeping legend, not beauty icon.)

But now? I’m finally feeling hopeful, thanks to Laser Genesis at The Stockbridge Clinic in Edinburgh.

So, what is Laser Genesis?

It’s a non-invasive laser treatment using Cutera’s state-of-the-art XEO+ Laser platform. Using heat to stimulate collagen and calm inflammation, it targets everything from acne and pigmentation to fine lines, enlarged pores and—yes—rosacea. The magic wavelength (1064nm NDYag, if we’re being precise) pulses deep into the skin to gently heat the dermis, encouraging your skin to do what it should: heal, regenerate, and glow.

Karen, my therapist at The Stockbridge Clinic, talked me through the process in the calmest, most reassuring way. I lay in the softly lit treatment room while she worked in a meticulous grid, guiding the wand over my skin as the laser brought my face up to 42 degrees—just enough to wake things up without causing any discomfort.

And the sensation? Surprisingly lovely. No zap, no pain. Just warmth and the low hum of knowing something good is happening.

A Laser Genesis before and after of me with absolutely no makeup on (eek) - the difference is already showing

Post-treatment glow up

When Karen handed me the mirror afterwards, I was expecting to see a tomato. Instead, my skin looked calm(er), clear, and—yes—glowing. The redness hadn’t disappeared (yet), but my complexion felt tighter, brighter and noticeably more even. There was no downtime, no scary flare-up. Just results.

One treatment in, and I’m already sold. I’ll be back for a course of 3–6, which promises even more dramatic improvement. Honestly? If this keeps up, Schmeichel is getting benched for good.

Rosacea Toolkit: What to use between treatments

Karen recommends Skinceuticals, and I’m now fully converted. These three products are excellent for calming sensitive skin and tackling redness:

The Verdict?

Laser Genesis isn’t just about reducing redness—it’s a full-skin reset. The fact it’s suitable for all skin types, has zero downtime and targets so many skin concerns at once makes it feel like a no-brainer. But for those of us living with rosacea? It might just be the glow-up we’ve been waiting for.

The Stockbridge Clinic
Laser Genesis starts from £200 per session. Book a consultation to discuss your skin goals.

Beautyhood mag