Does your face turn red after sipping a glass of wine, or do you experience unusual inflammation after a relaxing shower? Then you might be suffering from rosacea.
Rosacea often manifests as a reaction immediately following exposure to a certain trigger. It is similar to sunburn and may cause redness of the face. This condition affects nearly 10% of adults and is quite common between the ages of 30 and 60. It can have a significant impact on both your professional and social life.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) offers a practical solution that uses targeted light to reduce inflammation and gradually restore your skin’s natural appearance over time. It does so in a gentle manner, providing long-lasting relief.
Anything that causes your rosacea to flare up is a trigger.
However, the most common triggers generally appear to be sunlight and hairspray. Sun exposure can intensify redness and inflammation, while chemicals in hairspray can irritate sensitive skin.
Heat from weather or hot beverages, emotional stress, alcohol, and spicy foods often cause flushing and increased blood flow to the skin, worsening symptoms. Changes in weather, such as cold temperatures or wind, can also trigger rosacea flare-ups.
Patients should avoid sun exposure and sunbeds for four weeks prior to IPL rosacea treatment, as this could interfere with the IPL light’s ability to target darker skin pigmentation. If you are taking any medication that could affect skin photosensitivity, such as antibiotics, it is essential to inform your aesthetic practitioner in advance and stop the medication (following the advice of a medical professional). Patients should also avoid retinoids and vitamin C, as these can increase skin sensitivity.
After cleansing the skin, a thin layer of IPL gel is applied to the area. Your IPL practitioner will use a handheld device to deliver IPL light therapy to the areas affected by rosacea. During the procedure, you may feel a slight pinching sensation or a warm feeling, but it is generally well tolerated.
It is advised to avoid makeup for the first 24 hours. It is also important to avoid direct sun exposure or sunbeds after any laser treatment for a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks. Patients should use an SPF of 30 or 50 every day and reapply it as needed. If you are exposed to direct sunlight, take precautions such as wearing a hat and using sun protection cream. Patients should also avoid activities that could generate heat, such as saunas and exercise, for 48 hours after treatment.
On the day of the procedure, your skin will be cleansed, a cool gel applied, and you will wear protective eyewear. During the treatment, light pulses are applied to your skin. You might experience a mild prickling sensation; however, your comfort is our utmost priority. Afterward, you may have mild redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn, which should fade within a few hours to days. Use sunscreen and avoid sun exposure. Multiple sessions are often needed for the best results. Follow aftercare instructions, including avoiding hot showers and intense exercise.
Rosacea symptoms, such as facial redness and broken veins, can be effectively managed with targeted light treatments provided by IPL. These treatments involve delivering bright light to the broken vessels, helping them heal and gradually disappear, thereby offering relief and improving the appearance of the skin.
Before the treatment, the skin is cleansed thoroughly to remove any makeup, creams, or oils. A cooling gel may be applied to the treatment area to enhance comfort and protect the skin. The IPL device is calibrated to emit specific wavelengths of light that target the redness and broken blood vessels associated with rosacea. The handheld device is then gently applied to the skin, emitting pulses of light. During the treatment, pulses of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the red pigments in the blood vessels. This process heats the blood vessels, causing them to constrict and break down.
IPL treatment for rosacea is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women and individuals with darker skin tones should avoid it due to potential risks. Those with active skin infections or conditions affecting the treatment area should also refrain. Patients on photosensitising medications or with a history of keloid scarring should consult a dermatologist first. Professional advice is crucial to assess candidacy and discuss potential risks before considering IPL for rosacea.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment for rosacea is a specialised procedure available at our clinic in Covent Garden, London. Our experienced skincare specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive consultations to determine if IPL treatment is suitable for your rosacea concerns. We prioritise patient safety and satisfaction. If you are considering IPL for rosacea or have questions about the procedure, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
Results can vary from person to person. However, a considerable number of individuals often notice substantial improvements in redness and other rosacea symptoms that can last for several years, especially when combined with diligent skincare routines and ongoing maintenance treatments.
There is generally minimal downtime associated with IPL treatment. While a temporary redness or swelling may occur in some individuals, these effects typically subside within a short period, ranging from a few hours to a few days. This quick resolution enables most people to promptly resume their normal daily activities without prolonged interruption.
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