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What is The Best Treatment for Rosacea?

What is The Best Treatment for Rosacea?

If you have rosy cheeks and a tendency to blush often, it is possible that you could be suffering from rosacea.  Rosacea is a skin disorder that affects millions of people, especially women with fair skin. Unfortunately, rosacea cannot be cured, but it is possible to control the symptoms, and minimize flareups. So let’s take a look at what is considered the best treatment for rosacea.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that is characterized by redness, and inflammation of the facial skin. It often starts with just a slight flush of the cheeks, but may soon progress to other areas of the face, such as the forehead and chin. It can also affect the chest and back.

There are different subtypes of rosacea and the classifications vary based on the combination of symptoms. These include flushing, redness, swelling, visible blood vessels, and irritated eyes. Some people with rosacea also have bumps and pimples.

As rosacea develops, small dilated blood vessels known as telangiectasia, begin to appear on the skin. These areas of redness are often painful. At this stage, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment is often suggested, as it can destroy the blood vessels that gives rise to the redness. Rosacea flare-ups can be very distressing for some people, often leaving them with feelings of low self-esteem.


Medical researchers are still unsure about the cause of rosacea, but genetic factors are thought to play a role. In addition, there are other triggers such as excess sunlight, stress, and extreme weather. Rosacea redness is most often caused by abnormalities in facial blood vessels. Certain foods such as dairy and chocolate, are also thought to trigger the condition.

What is The Best Treatment for Rosacea?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is considered one of the best treatments for rosacea, because it specifically targets the thread veins responsible for the redness associated with the disorder. The light energy from the IPL device is absorbed by the contents in the thread veins, resulting in damage to the veins. The veins therefore fade over time, and reduce the flushed appearance.

IPL treatment for rosacea is often preferred, because it  specifically targets the blood vessels, but does not harm healthy skin. It is viewed as an effective alternative to creams and oral medications, especially since oral medications can sometimes result in unwanted side-effects.

It generally takes a series of 4-6 treatments over a period of 3-4 weeks, to achieve the best outcome with IPL. Each sessions lasts for 30 minutes or less.

Rosacea treatment often involves efforts to reduce triggers, but this approach is often met with limited success. This often drives some sufferers to cover up the visible symptoms with the use of cosmetic products.

However, doctors often recommend the use of IPL devices, because they are able to target the underlying issues, and lead to an improvement in the visible symptoms of redness and flushing.

Cynosure IPL For Rosacea

Cynosure is a non-invasive treatment that revitalizes the skin, and also clears away the thread veins linked to rosacea. It emits pulses of light that only targets the blood vessels on the face, but does not damage the surrounding tissue. Since these blood vessels are responsible for the chronic redness, the redness will fade as soon as they have been treated. Clients will therefore notice an improvement in their skin tone, as well as a reduction in breakouts. Little or no recovery time is required with Cynosure.

Who is a Good Candidate

Rosacea often shows up during the teenage years, and becomes more severe during the 30’s and 40’s. Some people end up struggling with their rosacea symptoms, and try various treatment options such as creams, lotions, and medications, with little success.  IPL is often a good alternative for these individuals.

If you are looking for light based treatment for rosacea in the Santa Clara County, contact Illuminate Plastic Surgery. Call 650-433-8621, today to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Boudreault.

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