It's really nice to know that people are reading about my journey! Here's an update...
It has been almost one year and my skin has improved significantly.
Since getting the demodex mites under control using Quellada scabies lotion on a daily basis, my dermatologist has said to use it once a week. Sometimes I forget and use it every couple of weeks when a small pimple reminds me to apply the lotion (paying particular attention to my sebum rich areas - the creases of nose and chin).
Morning routine at this time:
Cleanse with Cetaphil.
Zinc sunscreen with a tint OR I apply a mineral foundation if I am needing a made up look.
Evening routine at this time:
Cleanse with a micellar water to remove the sunscreen or makeup.
Apply Cetaphil lotion OR Quellada (once a week - I aim for Sunday evening)
The redness which remains is veins damages from the Demodex infestation. To minimise the flare ups, I have had 4 sessions of IPL. Initially the settings were low and bearable but each session is now dreaded as the operator has increased the pulse and focuses on my problem areas - on and around the nose and a couple of really stubborn veins on my chin. I take two paracetamol before I go to the appointment but I doubt they do much to counter the shock of each zap. I describe myself as pretty tough but I cried during my last session.
On average, it takes me around 3 days to recover from a session most of which consists of tender skin, one or two little bruises and swelling beneath the eyes.
I've got a routine I follow to minimise the discomfort. As soon as I get into the car, I apply alcohol free aloe vera gel and turn the air conditioner on for an icy blast. As soon as I arrive home, I very gently wash the sunscreen off my face (applied by the IPL operator as a matter of course) and apply Advantan cream followed by a layer of aloe vera. I spend the next couple of hours sitting up on the bed, fanning my face with a hand fan and gently applying cold compress to particularly hot areas.
I stopped using the Solosite burn gel but only because as soon as you touch it, it sort of flakes off in blobs and was a bit messy. I recommend that you don't go out in public with it on. Other than that, if you have some on hand, go for it!
Within a couple of hours, I have the redness under control. The skin feels very tender and remains that way for a few days.
I almost forgot! Here's some exciting news for Australian rosacea sufferers!... My dermatologist said that SooLantra will be here within the next month or so. She said that although the Quellada has been excellent for me, she would get me a sample of SooLantra to try. It will be interesting to see how much the SooLantra will cost here but it won't be anywhere near as affordable as the $25 a bottle I pay for Quellada.