Key Takeaways

• There isn’t one best laser treatment for rosacea because the type of laser used depends on your symptoms, skin tone, and the severity of rosacea.

• Intense Pulsed Light can help reduce facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels, as well as improve overall skin tone.

• CO2 laser treatment is usually best for advanced rosacea.

• Sun protection and a gentle skincare routine are important after laser treatment to support healing and help prevent rosacea flare-ups.

• A personalized treatment helps address your specific rosacea symptoms.

If you struggle with persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, or frequent flushing, you likely know how hard it can be to manage rosacea. Laser treatment is an effective way to treat rosacea because it reduces ongoing redness and visible blood vessels. There isn’t a universal laser that is the best treatment for everyone. The best laser treatment depends on your symptoms, skin tone, and the type and severity of rosacea. 

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face. It often starts with facial flushing and can develop into persistent facial redness. Rosacea flare-ups usually come and go, and are often triggered by sun exposure, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, and certain skincare products. Common rosacea symptoms include:

• Persistent facial redness across the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead

• Visible blood vessels that appear as thin red lines

• Flushing or blushing that comes and goes

• Bumps and pimples that look like acne

• Skin sensitivity, burning, or stinging

• Thickened skin

Laser Treatments for Rosacea

The best laser treatment for rosacea depends on how severe your condition is. Some lasers reduce facial redness and, others target visible blood vessels. 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL is a good treatment for facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. It helps improve overall skin tone while also treating symptoms of rosacea. 

CO2 Laser

The CO2 laser is an ablative treatment that removes damaged outer layers of skin. This laser is typically used for more advanced forms of rosacea, especially when thickened, bumpy skin (rhinophyma) develops around the nose. Instead of treating general facial redness, the CO2 laser resurfaces and reshapes areas where the skin has become thickened.

How Laser Treatment for Rosacea Works

Lasers use focused beams of light that are absorbed by the blood vessels beneath the skin. The energy from the laser heats the targeted blood vessels, breaking them down while helping protect the surrounding skin. As the treated blood vessels break down, the body naturally clears them away so they’re less noticeable. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “most patients see a 50% to 75% reduction in visible blood vessels after 1 to 3 treatments,” although results can vary.

What Happens After Laser Treatment?

Some patients may experience temporary redness or small red or purple spots after laser treatment. These side effects usually improve within one to two weeks. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions to help your skin heal properly. Protecting your skin from the sun is really important after treatment because sun exposure can increase the risk of complications and trigger rosacea flare-ups. Shop recommended sunscreens.

After Laser Treatment Skincare

Taking care of your skin after laser treatment is an important part of the healing process and helps you achieve the desired results. Your skin may be more sensitive immediately after laser treatment, so stick to a gentle skincare routine, and don’t use any products that could cause irritation. Shop Epicutis Hyvia® Crème, a gentle moisturizer for rosacea.

Laser Treatment for Rosacea in the DMV Area 

Because everyone’s rosacea is different, our providers put together personalized treatment plans to address your specific symptoms. We’ll do a thorough evaluation of your skin and discuss the best laser treatment to target your symptoms of rosacea. Contact us at (571) 310-3223 or fill out our online form to reserve an appointment so we can help treat and manage your rosacea.

FAQs

How long after co2 laser can I wear makeup?

It’s best to wait one to two weeks before wearing makeup after CO2 laser treatment. Always follow your provider’s specific aftercare instructions before wearing makeup again.

Does laser treatment cure rosacea?

Laser treatment doesn't cure rosacea, but it can significantly reduce persistent redness and visible blood vessels, so your complexion looks more clear.

Is laser treatment safe for sensitive skin?

Laser treatments can be an effective option for people who have rosacea and sensitive skin when performed by an experienced provider. A consultation with a provider at NM Aesthetics will help determine what treatment is best for your skin.