What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition mainly affecting the face, characterized by redness, flushing, visible capillaries and sometimes the appearance of small bumps or pustules. It commonly appears on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin, and may also involve the eyes in some cases. Thickening of the skin of the nose may be seen as well.
The causes are not known, but it has a genetic basis and may be triggered by environmental causes such as stress, alcohol and spicy food consumption. Hormonal influences and alteration in the bacterial balance on the skin are important. In some cases Demodex mite infestation of the skin is involved.Â
Condition: Rosacea
Treatments: IPL treatment
Condition: Rosacea
Treatments: IPL treatment
Condition: Rosacea
Treatments: IPL treatment
Treatments for Rosacea
IPL
IPL rejuvenation is very effective in managing Rosacea and works by reducing inflammation and treating telangectasia (broken capillaries). IPL treatment delivers highly controlled flashes of intense filtered light onto the skin. This light is absorbed by the blood in damaged blood vessels and flushing, and converted to heat. The heat then destroys the vascular lesion without damaging the surrounding tissue.
What are IPL treatments like?
Eye protection will be applied and a thin layer of gel is placed on the skin. Our Registered Nurse or doctor will move the IPL handpiece over your skin. Each pulse feels like a slight sting, similar to the snap of a rubber band. It is best described as uncomfortable but fast.
After the treatment some swelling is often present – this may be notable on the day following treatment. In some cases bruising is also seen. We consider this a good sign as it is generally followed by clearance of broken capillaries.
Vascular Laser
How is Rosacea treated?
Effective treatment of rosacea aims to reduce the inflammation in the skin, avoiding triggers and using light therapies (such as IPL and Laser) to reduce capillaries and redness. Active skin care can be very effective, and minimising alcohol and spicy foods is also important. A combination of IPL and vascular laser gives great improvement.
Vascular lasers may belong to a number of classes and include Nd:YAG, Pulsed Dye and Ruby Laser. At Skin Resus we use Nd:YAG laser usually in combination with IPL treatment. This is very effective in managing Rosacea and works by reducing inflammation and treating telangectasia (broken capillaries). Laser treatment delivers highly controlled flashes of laser light onto the skin. This light is absorbed by the blood in damaged blood vessels and is converted to heat. The heat then destroys the vascular lesion without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Other information about Rosacea
What should I expect after the treatment?
A sunburn-like sensation is expected, usually lasting less than an hour. Swelling and redness may accompany this, which should resolve in 2-3 days. Bruising may be present, and indeed indicates a good longer term result, although some cover-up may be desired!
While you will usually see an improvement after one treatment, a minimum of two to three treatments are recommended for best results. Treatments are usually done 4 – 6 weeks apart.
Some regular maintenance is often required for rosacea – annual or second yearly IPL treatments are recommended.
Skin Care for Rosacea management
Skin care treatment options are very useful in reducing redness and controlling inflammation. Redless by Aspect Dr has an excellent mix of anti-inflammatory agents including Elderflower, Calendula and Vitamin E (ask us for a sample when you’re next in). Many of our Rosacea clients are addicted to it! Vitamin C serums applied to the skin have also been proven to be very effective in reducing rosacea. When the skin is less reactive, a retinol cream should be added. See our skin care page for more information or to purchase the Aspect Dr skin care range.
Best results are often obtained with a combination of therapies. At Skin Resus we advise a course of IPL treatment combined with the appropriate skin care regime. For more detailed information come in for a free consultation with one of our Registered Nurses.
