Persistent redness. Broken capillaries. Acne-like breakouts that you know really aren’t. The frustration that make-up can’t hide it, the embarrassment when someone asks you about it and the depression when you have yet another flared-up day.
If this sounds all-too familiar, let’s face it — rosacea is affecting more than just your face. And you’re not alone. More than 14 million people in the US have rosacea, and of those nearly 70% of people feel it lowers their self-confidence and erodes self-esteem.
The good news? Rosacea therapies have come a long way. Treatments such as Brimonidine gel, Azelaic acid, and Ivermectin creams can offer quick results. Over-time, they may even get you completely clear.
But if you want to take it even further, laser treatment for your rosacea might be the next best option. Intense pulsed light therapy — also known as IPL therapy, IPL lasers and photofacials — can be highly effective, particularly if your rosacea is moderate to severe, has caused skin thickening or visible blood vessels (also called spider veins and broken capillaries), and you’re under 40 years old.
How does it work? Special lasers, called “vascular lasers,” emit light at wavelengths that target those little spider veins, heats them up and causes them to disintegrate. IPL lasers can also generate multiple different wavelengths to address a wider variety of problems.
If you’re ready to give laser treatment for rosacea a try, remember that choosing the right physician is essential. Look for only board-certified doctors (they will have “FAAD” after their name) with extensive experience in both rosacea and using IPL lasers to treat it. With a little research, you (and your skin!) will be in good hands.