Rosacea, also called acne rosacea, is a very common skin condition characterized by a red face. Rosacea causes reddening of the face that eventually leaves permanently enlarged visible red blood vessels and capillaries, and a red-faced appearance especially on the cheeks, nose, and midface. Over time, red bumps or acne lesions also occur, and rosacea can also affect the eyes, a condition called ocular rosacea. In some people, after many years, rosacea can result in Rhinophyma, a profuse growth of excess skin on the nose, a condition immortalized by Jimmy Durante and Wally Fields, both movie actors with Rhinophyma.

Recently, the use of a new light therapy called IPL or Intense Pulsed Light has revolutionized rosacea treatment. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments are very effective in closing the enlarged blood vessels that cause the red face appearance seen in rosacea patients. IPL is gentler than laser treatments, with less discomfort and no visible signs of treatment, such as bruising, which are so common after some laser treatments.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin disease that affects more than 40 million Americans. The cause is unknown, but heredity and fair or light skin color are important predisposing factors. Signs of this condition are:

o facial blush-Reddening of the face is usually the first sign. Flushing is particularly likely to occur after eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol and coffee, and during emotional stress.

o Persistent redness-The red-faced appearance does not go away. It may look like a lingering sunburn.

o Acne Bumps and Blackheads- Red bumps, pustules, and acne lesions appear over time. These bumps can be painful and do not respond to typical acne treatment.

o Visible blood vessels in the face-Over time, small red blood vessels are visible on the skin of the face. They are most common on the nose, cheeks, and chin, but are also seen on the forehead.

There are common triggers that can precipitate a flare-up that can be avoided to help control flare-ups. Common triggers are:

-Sun exposure

-Emotional stress

-Hot weather

-Wind

-Heavy Exercise

-Alcohol consumption

-Hot baths

-Spicy food

-Irritating skin care products

How do IPL or Intense Pulsed Light get rid of red face?

IPL or Intense Pulsed Light uses a bright flash of visible light to close off the blood vessels and capillaries that cause redness and the appearance of a red face. IPl uses a filter that only releases a specific color of light, one that is only absorbed or captured by the blood vessels in the skin, to reach the skin. Therefore, the IPL light rays only affect the dilated blood vessels in the skin and do not harm normal skin. When the energy of the IPL light is absorbed by the dilated blood vessels, the dilated blood vessels are injured and closed. This removes blood vessels, capillaries, and the red appearance of the face. I use Starlux IPL LuxGreen, which uses the 650nm light range, which is ideal for removing dilated blood vessels and reducing skin redness. The results are truly remarkable.

IPL is gentler than other commonly used lasers. Lasers often cause bruising and sometimes burns to the skin that can leave white marks on the face. These issues have limited the utility of lasers on the face and have made IPL the treatment of choice for this condition.

How is the IPL treatment?

IPL treatments are very quick, simple and relatively painless. Protective shields, such as sunglasses, will be put on to protect your eyes. A soothing Gel will be placed on your skin for your comfort and to enhance the effectiveness of the IPL treatment. We do not use topical anesthesia, because it is not necessary and can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.

The IPL treatment head will be placed against your skin and a bright flash of light will be activated to treat any red areas. The entire face will be treated with a series of flashes. You will feel a little pop when the flash hits your skin, but it is very tolerable.

After the treatment, cold compresses will be placed on the skin for your comfort. Your skin may look pink for an hour or so, but there are no very visible bruises or lesions on the skin, as is often the case with laser treatments.

You will be able to return to work and your skin usually looks pretty normal after a few hours.

When will I see the results?

We look for and see a change or darkening of the reddened areas immediately after treatment. Some very small areas are closed during the first treatment.

However, larger areas and skin redness gradually subside over about 5 weeks after IPL treatment. This gradual improvement is a gentler method than laser treatment and takes time. This gentler approach avoids complications and this is why the IPL method has become the preferred method.

For moderate to severe cases, 3 treatments scheduled 5 weeks apart are required. This is because it is impossible to cover and close all affected areas equally during each treatment. As treatments progress, there are fewer areas to treat and more complete removal is possible.

What skin care products are best for rosacea patients?

It is very important to avoid sun damage and other forms of skin inflammation. A good non-comedogenic sunscreen is important. We avoid irritating creams such as Retin A, Tazorac and strong acid peels. Vitamin C serum is calming and has anti-inflammatory properties that are very helpful.

MetroGel is an essential component of any skin care program if you have redness and dilated capillaries on your face. Obagi Skin Care’s new Rosaclear System combines several effective ingredients and is a highly effective new skin care system for patients.

Where can I find IPL treatments?

Board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons are the experts in laser and IPL. You’ll need to search the internet and do your homework to find a board-certified doctor who offers laser and IPL services and is interested in treating facial redness and acne.

You need a complete systemic approach that includes IPL treatments, proper skin care and medical treatment.

You are much more likely to find a complete suitable treatment in a doctor’s office. I advise against seeking these light treatments at Spas and Medical Spas that do not have a doctor present. Not all IPL machines are created equal, and those used in a board-certified physician’s office are likely to be more effective and used with more experience.

Do your homework and find a reliable specialist.