Removing the Redness: Your Guide to Rosacea Light Therapy

Rosacea affects roughly 40 million people globally. This skin condition causes the blood vessels in the face to enlarge, which allows more blood into your cheeks. Individuals with rosacea may also have symptoms such as a warm face, swollen eyelids, and more.

If you deal with facial redness, you’re likely looking for a solution. If you haven’t considered rosacea light therapy, now is the time to start.

Curious about this type of treatment? Here’s what you need to know so you can decide if it’s right for you.

What Is Rosacea Light Therapy?

There are many available treatments for rosacea. One of the best long-term options is to use lights and lasers. Dermatologists agree that these treatments help to reduce the appearance of visible blood vessels.

A photo facial, for example, is a non-invasive skincare treatment that uses light-based technology to help diminish the appearance of rosacea. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) tools create a broad spectrum wavelength that helps to remove blemishes and activate your skin’s natural cycles.

Rosacea light therapy is often combined with medication and an appropriate skin-care routine. Candidates for the procedure usually have visible blood vessels or thickening skin.

There are many types of rosacea, and what works for one patient may not work as effectively for another. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a professional, such as this Cypress dermatologist.

What Causes Rosacea?

Currently, the cause of rosacea is unknown. However, it could be linked to a variety of different factors, such as an overactive immune system, hereditary conditions, or environmental elements.

In addition, there are certain times when an individual may experience a flare-up, such as:

• In temperature extremes
• While drinking alcoholic beverages
• Eating spicy foods
• Being exposed to sun or wind
• When exercising
• Taking certain prescriptions
• Using cosmetic or personal care products
• Experiencing stress or high levels of emotions

Rosacea is still misunderstood. Some people confuse it with adult acne when rosacea is actually a type of inflammatory skin condition.

Treating the Different Types of Rosacea

Rosacea can look different depending on the type someone has.

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea causes a persistent redness of the face. People with this type may have small blood vessels visible that become visible on their faces. Symptoms may flare up when someone encounters a trigger and disappear later.

Phymatous rosacea causes the skin to thicken and scar. Individuals with this type of rosacea have swollen, bumpy, and discolored skin. Usually, it’s the nose that’s affected the most.

Papulopustular rosacea causes pustule-filled bumps and blemishes. These bumps usually appear on the cheeks, forehead, or chin. This type is often confused with acne.

Ocular rosacea affects the eyes, and it can cause them to appear bloodshot or watery. It can also cause dry or sensitive eyes. Individuals with this type of rosacea often report feeling irritation or burning in their eyes.

The best light therapy solution for your condition depends on the type of rosacea you have, your success with other types of treatments, and other factors.

Why Rosacea Light Therapy Works?

First, it’s important to note that you should first speak with a dermatologist to come up with a treatment plan for your unique situation. You may not need laser or LED therapy.

However, some patients dealing with rosacea find that other treatments don’t work for their condition. In these cases, they may turn to other options.

A specialist will examine you and determine if light therapy is the right choice. The treatment involves using the laser’s heat to collapse the visible blood vessels. It’s a mostly painless treatment and it can help with redness, overall appearance, and thickening skin.

Lasers and lights can create visible results that may last between 3-5 years or so. While treated blood vessels don’t reappear, the body can cause new ones to form.

There are different types of lasers used in this type of treatment. They include the following:

• Pulsed dye laser
• YAG laser
• Intense pulsed light therapy
• CO2 (Ablative) laser

Other Tips to Combine With Light Therapy

So now you know a bit more about rosacea causes and treatments. However, most patients combine different options to achieve the best results. For instance, someone may receive light therapy and also use a medicated topical to reduce flushing.

Here are some of our tips on how to reduce the appearance of rosacea.

Protect Your Face

One of the common triggers for a flare-up is exposure to the sun. Damaging UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even cancer.

Wear hats to create shade over your face and always apply sunscreen before you go out. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen if you can since it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid the hottest, sunniest part of the day if possible.

Identify Triggers

You may experience a flare-up after using a certain facewash or cosmetic product. Look for products without artificial scents and those made for sensitive skin. Better yet, ask your dermatologist for recommendations.

You may need to switch products or avoid exposure to certain smells and chemicals.

Treat your skin gently, and avoid rubbing or touching your face too often.

Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

Whether it’s a hot coffee in the morning or a chilled glass of wine in the evening, certain drinks and foods can cause rosacea flare-ups. Spicy meals and histamine-rich snacks (processed meats, cheese, etc.) are also common triggers.

Keep track of what causes your condition to get worse. You may need to limit how much you consume or avoid certain triggers altogether.

Dermatology Services Help Prevent the Redness

Rosacea light therapy is a common treatment that many patients turn to when other treatments don’t work for them. It’s especially effective in reducing the appearance of visible blood vessels. That said, everyone is unique, so you should speak to your dermatologist first.

Are you looking for more skincare or general health tips? Read some of our other content to find advice on maintaining healthy, glowing skin.