Rosacea: How IPL Eliminates Red Face, Blood Vessels, and Acne
Website design By BotEap.comRosacea, also called acne rosacea, is a very common skin condition characterized by a red face. Rosacea causes flushing of the face that eventually leaves permanently visible and enlarged red blood vessels and capillaries, and a flushed appearance, especially on the cheeks, nose, and half of the face. 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 proliferation of excess skin on the nose, a condition immortalized by Jimmy Durante and Wally Fields, both movie stars who suffered from rhinophyma.
Website design By BotEap.comRecently, the use of a new light therapy called IPL or Intense Pulsed Light has revolutionized the treatment of rosacea. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are very effective in closing the enlarged blood vessels that cause the red appearance of the face seen in rosacea patients. IPL is gentler than laser treatments, with less discomfort and no visible signs of treatment, such as bruising, that are so common after some laser treatments.
Website design By BotEap.comWhat is rosacea?
Website design By BotEap.comRosacea is a common skin disease that affects more than 40 million Americans. The cause is unknown, but heredity and light or light skin color are important predisposing factors. The signs of this condition are:
Website design By BotEap.como Facial rednessRedness of the face is usually the first sign. Redness is very likely to occur after eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol and coffee, and during emotional stress.
o Persistent rednessThe appearance of the red face does not go away. It may look like a persistent sunburn.
o Acne pimples and pimples Over time, red bumps, pustules, and acne lesions appear. These bumps can be painful and do not respond to typical acne treatment.
o Blood vessels visible on the faceOver 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. Website design By BotEap.comThere are common triggers that can precipitate an outbreak and that can be avoided to help control outbreaks. Common triggers are: Website design By BotEap.com-Solar exposition
-Emotional stress
-Hot weather
-Wind
-Heavy exercise
-Alcohol consumption
-Hot baths
-Spicy food
-Irritating skin care products Website design By BotEap.comHow do you get rid of intense pulsed light or intense pulsed light (IPL) from the red face? Website design By BotEap.comIPL or intense pulsed light uses a bright flash of visible light to close blood vessels and capillaries causing redness and the appearance of a red face. IPl uses a filter that only releases a specific color of light, one that the skin’s blood vessels uniquely absorb or collect to hit the skin. Therefore, IPL light rays only affect the skin’s dilated blood vessels and do not harm normal skin. When the energy from 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 the Starlux IPL LuxGreen, which uses the 650nm light range, which is great for removing dilated blood vessels and reducing redness on the skin. The results are truly remarkable. Website design By BotEap.comIPL 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 problems have limited the usefulness of laser on the face and have made IPL the treatment of choice for this condition. Website design By BotEap.comWhat is the IPL treatment like? Website design By BotEap.comIPL treatments are very quick, easy, and relatively painless. Protective shields, such as sunglasses, will be worn 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 a topical anesthetic, because it is not necessary and can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment. Website design By BotEap.comThe IPL treatment head will be placed against your skin and a bright flash of light will be activated to treat the red areas. The entire face will be treated with a series of flashes. You will feel a little snap when the flash hits your skin, but it is very tolerable. Website design By BotEap.comAfter treatment, cold compresses will be placed on your skin for your comfort. Your skin may appear pink for about an hour, but there are no highly visible bruises or skin lesions, as is often the case with laser treatments. Website design By BotEap.comYou will be able to return to work and your skin will usually look quite normal after a few hours. Website design By BotEap.comWhen will I see the results? Website design By BotEap.comWe 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. Website design By BotEap.comHowever, the larger areas and the redness of the skin gradually diminish over about 5 weeks after the IPL treatment. This gradual improvement is a gentler method than laser treatment and takes time. This gentler approach avoids complications and that is why the IPL method has become the preferred method. Website design By BotEap.comFor 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 a more complete removal is possible. Website design By BotEap.comWhat skin care products are best for rosacea patients? Website design By BotEap.comIt is very important to avoid injuries caused by the sun 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. Website design By BotEap.comMetroGel is an essential component of any skincare program if you have red and dilated capillaries on your face. The new Rosaclear system from Obagi Skin Care combines several effective ingredients and is a highly effective new skin care system for patients. Website design By BotEap.comWhere can I find IPL treatments? Website design By BotEap.comBoard certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons are the experts in laser and IPL. You will need to search the internet and do your homework to find a board certified physician who offers laser and IPL services and who is interested in treating facial redness and acne. Website design By BotEap.comYou need a comprehensive systemic approach that includes IPL treatments, proper skin care, and medical treatment. Website design By BotEap.comYou are much more likely to find a complete and appropriate treatment in a doctor’s office. I do not recommend looking for these light treatments in Spas and Medical Spas that do not have a doctor present. Not all IPL machines are the same, and those used in a board certified medical office are likely to be more effective and used more expertly. Website design By BotEap.comDo your homework and find a reliable specialist.
o Persistent rednessThe appearance of the red face does not go away. It may look like a persistent sunburn.
o Acne pimples and pimples Over time, red bumps, pustules, and acne lesions appear. These bumps can be painful and do not respond to typical acne treatment.
o Blood vessels visible on the faceOver 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. Website design By BotEap.comThere are common triggers that can precipitate an outbreak and that can be avoided to help control outbreaks. Common triggers are: Website design By BotEap.com-Solar exposition
-Emotional stress
-Hot weather
-Wind
-Heavy exercise
-Alcohol consumption
-Hot baths
-Spicy food
-Irritating skin care products Website design By BotEap.comHow do you get rid of intense pulsed light or intense pulsed light (IPL) from the red face? Website design By BotEap.comIPL or intense pulsed light uses a bright flash of visible light to close blood vessels and capillaries causing redness and the appearance of a red face. IPl uses a filter that only releases a specific color of light, one that the skin’s blood vessels uniquely absorb or collect to hit the skin. Therefore, IPL light rays only affect the skin’s dilated blood vessels and do not harm normal skin. When the energy from 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 the Starlux IPL LuxGreen, which uses the 650nm light range, which is great for removing dilated blood vessels and reducing redness on the skin. The results are truly remarkable. Website design By BotEap.comIPL 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 problems have limited the usefulness of laser on the face and have made IPL the treatment of choice for this condition. Website design By BotEap.comWhat is the IPL treatment like? Website design By BotEap.comIPL treatments are very quick, easy, and relatively painless. Protective shields, such as sunglasses, will be worn 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 a topical anesthetic, because it is not necessary and can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment. Website design By BotEap.comThe IPL treatment head will be placed against your skin and a bright flash of light will be activated to treat the red areas. The entire face will be treated with a series of flashes. You will feel a little snap when the flash hits your skin, but it is very tolerable. Website design By BotEap.comAfter treatment, cold compresses will be placed on your skin for your comfort. Your skin may appear pink for about an hour, but there are no highly visible bruises or skin lesions, as is often the case with laser treatments. Website design By BotEap.comYou will be able to return to work and your skin will usually look quite normal after a few hours. Website design By BotEap.comWhen will I see the results? Website design By BotEap.comWe 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. Website design By BotEap.comHowever, the larger areas and the redness of the skin gradually diminish over about 5 weeks after the IPL treatment. This gradual improvement is a gentler method than laser treatment and takes time. This gentler approach avoids complications and that is why the IPL method has become the preferred method. Website design By BotEap.comFor 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 a more complete removal is possible. Website design By BotEap.comWhat skin care products are best for rosacea patients? Website design By BotEap.comIt is very important to avoid injuries caused by the sun 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. Website design By BotEap.comMetroGel is an essential component of any skincare program if you have red and dilated capillaries on your face. The new Rosaclear system from Obagi Skin Care combines several effective ingredients and is a highly effective new skin care system for patients. Website design By BotEap.comWhere can I find IPL treatments? Website design By BotEap.comBoard certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons are the experts in laser and IPL. You will need to search the internet and do your homework to find a board certified physician who offers laser and IPL services and who is interested in treating facial redness and acne. Website design By BotEap.comYou need a comprehensive systemic approach that includes IPL treatments, proper skin care, and medical treatment. Website design By BotEap.comYou are much more likely to find a complete and appropriate treatment in a doctor’s office. I do not recommend looking for these light treatments in Spas and Medical Spas that do not have a doctor present. Not all IPL machines are the same, and those used in a board certified medical office are likely to be more effective and used more expertly. Website design By BotEap.comDo your homework and find a reliable specialist.