Is Red Light Therapy Good for Rosacea?
Rosacea can feel like a mystery, where one day your skin looks fine and then the next? It’s red, inflamed, and extra sensitive. Many folks understand the importance of avoiding triggers like spicy foods, heat, and harsh products, but finding the right treatment is just as important. This is where red light therapy comes in — an effective option for calming rosacea symptoms. But is red light therapy good for rosacea? Find out here!
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face. It’s characterized by persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes even acne-like bumps. Even though it’s not entirely curable, managing rosacea effectively with personalized skincare treatments can help you keep the symptoms under control.
What causes rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is still a bit of a puzzle, but so far we understand it as a combination of genetic, environmental, and internal health factors. In a lot of cases, though, there are common triggers that can cause rosacea to flare up, often in cycles. Some of these causes include:
Sun exposure
Hot beverages and alcohol
Spicy foods
Stress
Harsh skincare products
Subtypes of rosacea
Rosacea doesn’t always affect everyone the same. In fact, it often presents in different ways for different folks and is therefore classified into four main types:
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR): This type is characterized by persistent redness, frequent flushing, and visible blood vessels (telangiectasia). People with ETR often have sensitive skin that reacts strongly to triggers like heat, sun exposure, or certain skincare products.
Papulopustular rosacea: This subtype is sometimes mistaken for acne and can cause red, inflamed skin with pus-filled bumps called (pustules) and solid red bumps (papules). One telltale difference is there are no blackheads like there are with acne, and the breakouts tend to come in cycles and get worse with flare-ups.
Phymatous rosacea: While less common, phymatous rosacea is a more severe form that can cause skin thickening. This often shows up around the nose as rhinophyma, but it can also affect the chin, ears, and forehead and results in a rough, bumpy texture. If it’s untreated over time, phymatous rosacea could require more invasive medical intervention to reduce skin thickening, like laser therapy or surgery.
Ocular rosacea: As the name implies, this subtype affects the eyes and can cause redness, irritation, and swelling on and around the eyelids. It can also cause dryness, burning, and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, it could contribute to vision problems if left untreated.
Each subtype requires a personalized approach to treatment, as some people could experience symptoms from more than one type of rosacea. Consulting with an experienced esthetician or dermatologist is extremely beneficial to understanding your specific type of rosacea. Plus, they can help you manage it more effectively — especially when exploring treatments like red light therapy.
Common symptoms of rosacea
Rosacea manifests differently for everyone, but there are some sure signs that tend to be consistent across most cases. The severity can vary, and symptoms often come and go in cycles — triggered by stress, weather changes, or diet.
Over time and without proper management, rosacea symptoms can become more persistent. Most people with rosacea experience:
Persistent facial redness on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin
Skin sensitivity and feeling tender, itchy, or irritated, especially after using certain skincare products
Flushing and strong reactions to heat, spicy foods, or even emotional stress
Swollen bumps and pustules that appear on the face and worsen during flare-ups
Enlarged blood vessels and small, visible veins, particularly around the nose and cheeks
Understanding your symptoms is an important first step to managing rosacea effectively, especially when considering treatments like red light therapy.
Learn more: What Is Microcurrent Therapy?
Can red light therapy treat rosacea?
Red light therapy has gained attention from a lot of professionals in esthetics and dermatology, as it’s a promising treatment for rosacea. But how does it work, and is it really that effective for treating symptoms of rosacea? Take a closer look at how this treatment can work for you:
How does red light therapy work?
Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light — measured in nanometers (nm) — to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular repair. Typically, this occurs at a depth of about 8 to 10 millimeters within a range of 600 to 700 nm. The most common wavelength of red light treatments is around 660 nm, while near-infrared wavelengths reach 850 to 940 nm.
Unlike UV light which can be harmful, red light helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing at a cellular level.
Is red light therapy safe for sensitive skin?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of red light therapy for rosacea is that it’s gentle and non-invasive. Unlike some treatments that can cause irritation, red light therapy is a safe approach for even the most sensitive skin types. It doesn’t use heat or harsh chemicals, so it’s an excellent option if you have reactive skin.
How often should you use red light therapy for rosacea?
Consistency is the key to achieving the best results. In most scenarios, starting with three to five sessions per week for about 10 to 20 minutes per session is enough to kickstart your treatment. Over time and as your skin improves, you can adjust the frequency according to your skin’s response.
Related: Guide to Hydrodermabrasion and Its Benefits
How does red light therapy treat rosacea?
Red light therapy addresses rosacea in a few ways and helps to calm symptoms and improve overall skin health. Here are some of the results you can get with this treatment:
Reduces redness and inflammation
Red light therapy helps reduce inflammation by targeting the overactive immune response that helps trigger rosacea flare-ups. This leads to less redness and irritation over time.
Stimulates collagen production
Rosacea can weaken the skin barrier, enough so that it’s more prone to irritation. But red light therapy encourages collagen production, strengthening the skin, making it more resilient, and curbing reactivity.
Improves skin tone and texture
Red light therapy also improves circulation and stimulates cellular repair. This helps even out skin tone, minimize roughness, and restore your healthy complexion.
Discover rosacea treatment options at Buongiorno Esthetics!
If you’re struggling with rosacea, you don’t have to deal with it alone! At Buongiorno Esthetics, we offer personalized skincare solutions, including calming facials, red light therapy, and professional-grade skincare products tailored to your skin’s needs. Give us a call or book your appointment online and take the first step toward healthier, happier skin!
