Rid Yourself of Rosacea With a Photofacial Treatment

Rid Yourself of Rosacea With a Photofacial Treatment

Estimates suggest that about 16 million Americans suffer from rosacea, a skin condition that includes prolonged flushing of the face, spider veins, red bumps, pustules, thickening of the skin, red eyes, and dry eyes. 

There are four types of rosacea, each with their own characteristics and symptoms. The most common type is erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, which is characterized by flushing of the midface and burning skin. 

Other types of rosacea include papulopustular rosacea, which many confuse with acne. Meanwhile phymatous rosacea is characterized by thickening of the skin, and ocular rosacea is characterized by red, itchy, and dry eyes. 

Dr. Safoora Zaka, our expert at Medical Aesthetics & Laser, uses intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial to reduce the symptoms of certain types of rosacea. Read on to learn why, and find out if it’s the right treatment for you.

How IPL photofacials can help 

IPL devices use light energy to target a certain pigment in the skin. In the case of rosacea, pigmentation is often an issue, so IPL is useful for the treatment of flushing and hyperpigmentation. 

The heat generated by IPL is also useful for the management of pustules and improving overall skin texture and collagen production. 

An advantage of IPL photofacials is that recovery is faster than with lasers, and you can see results in fewer sessions. Over the course of a few weeks, darker skin cells that cause an uneven pigmentation will either flake off or get absorbed and eliminated by the lymphatic system. 

What to expect from an IPL photofacial

During a photofacial, you lay down while Dr. Zaka applies a clear gel on your skin. She then glides a device over your skin to target your problem areas. 

The whole process can last anywhere from half an hour to an hour, depending on the severity of the issue. After the treatment, you may notice your skin appearing redder, as if you just got a sunburn. However, the redness won’t last more than 24 hours. 

Aftercare for a photofacial includes avoiding hot showers for at least 48 hours, avoiding exposure to the sun without sunscreen and avoiding chemical exfoliants for at least a week after treatment. 

To help speed up your recovery, Dr. Zaka may recommend a moisturizer. 

Find out if you’re a good candidate for a photofacial 

Living with rosacea isn't easy. Flare-ups can ruin your plans, and makeup isn’t always enough to cover all your imperfections. 

If you’re looking for ways to improve your complexion, contact us to schedule an appointment. Upon a careful examination of your skin, Dr. Zaka will inform you if you’re a good candidate for a photofacial or if there’s another treatment that’s better suited for your skin. 

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