Rosacea is a common but often misunderstood skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by facial redness, noticeable blood vessels, and sometimes even acne-like bumps on the cheeks, nose, and chin, rosacea can be mentally (and physically) miserable. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about rosacea\u2019s causes, possible symptoms, and effective treatments.<\/p>\n
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What causes rosacea?<\/p>\n
According to the Mayo Clinic, \u201cThe cause of rosacea is unknown, but an overactive immune system, genetics, and environmental factors can all contribute to it.\u201d Drinking alcohol, hot drinks, or spicy foods can even trigger rosacea flare-ups. Prolonged exposure to UVB (ultraviolet) light can also stimulate angiogenesis\u2014the accelerated growth of new blood vessels that enlarge, spread the root, and ultimately lead to rosacea.<\/p>\n
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Can LED Red Light Therapy Help Treat Rosacea?<\/p>\n
The benefits of LED (light-emitting diode) red light therapy include reducing inflammation, accelerating the natural “wound healing” process, and strengthening the skin barrier\u2014all key to reducing rosacea symptoms. While rosacea cannot be cured, it can be managed. Here’s everything you need to know about red light therapy for rosacea.<\/p>\n
Light is a powerful energy and when used correctly it stimulates natural cellular reactions similar to photosynthesis (in plants). Wavelength selection is critical to the success of LED red light therapy\u2014the more precise the wavelengths, the more efficiently they will be absorbed by the target skin cells.<\/p>\n
Blue light (415nm) is the most effective wavelength proven to destroy acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface while reducing redness and inflammation. Red light (633nm) enhances cell energy, accelerates cell repair and renewal, and increases skin moisture.<\/p>\n
Near-infrared (830nm) targets deep-seated cells, stimulating the wound healing process and relieving redness, irritation and scarring. When combined with green light (532nm), it accelerates the reduction of scars and pigmentation caused by acne scars. When combined with yellow light (590nm), near-infrared accelerates facial redness on the cheeks, nose and chin.<\/p>\n
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Rosacea subtypes<\/p>\n
To effectively treat symptoms of rosacea, you must first identify which subtype you have. Dr. Shah and Dr. Maxfield, board-certified dermatologists, discussed the four subtypes of rosacea to their 2 million YouTube followers: “They all present themselves differently. It’s highly individualized.” Dr. Maxfield also noted, “Rosacea is a disease of trial and error.” Therefore, it’s important to give yourself time and patience to find the home treatment that works best for your rosacea.<\/p>\n
To make this journey easier, we\u2019ve paired each subtype with clinically proven at-home LED red light therapy devices.<\/p>\n
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Subtype 1: ETR (erythematotelangiectatic) rosacea
\n\u201cThe key is that it starts with a brief flush. If you\u2019re the type of person who flushes for a long time, like 30 minutes \u2014 eventually, that redness will persist. The dilated blood vessels will show up in a few years, and then it will persist.\u201d<\/p>\n
Avoid beauty products with fragrance, drying (isopropyl alcohol), witch hazel, eucalyptus and peppermint oils, and mechanical scrubs.<\/p>\n
Instead, opt for anti-inflammatory licorice, soothing niacinamide, and barrier-strengthening ceramides. \u201cTreat your skin like you would sensitive skin. You want to avoid anything that someone with eczema or atopic dermatitis wouldn\u2019t use.\u201d It\u2019s also important to wear sunscreen every day.<\/p>\n
The SGROW Light Therapy Mask uses precise red (630nm) and near-infrared (830nm) LED wavelengths to specifically target inflammation, reverse sun damage, and promote cellular \u201cwound healing.\u201d Just wear the mask for 10 minutes three to five times a week to see (and feel) the results.<\/p>\n
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Subtype 2: Papulopustular rosacea<\/p>\n
Similar to acne, but distributed differently\u2014this form of rosacea appears as small, red, pus-filled bumps that most often appear in the center of the face. This type of rosacea has an inflammatory baseline and may be caused by genetic factors or an increase in Demodex mites on the surface of the skin.<\/p>\n
Avoid any form of vitamin A such as retinol, retinoids or retinaldehyde. “Certain acne ingredients, such as retinol, can make this type of rosacea worse. Proper diagnosis of this type of rosacea is very important.”<\/p>\n
Treat this form of rosacea with skincare ingredients such as azelaic acid \u2014 which is \u201cvery effective on dark spots\u201d \u2014 and sulfur, which both Dr. Shah and Dr. Maxfield agree is \u201cprobably one of the most underrated skincare ingredients in existence.\u201d . Papulopustular rosacea also responds well to oral antibiotics.<\/p>\n
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Subtype 3: Phymatous rosacea<\/p>\n
This form of rosacea manifests as growing oil glands, oily skin, and ultimately thickening of the skin tissue. “Oil glands throughout the face may enlarge one by one, and the skin tone may become oily.”<\/p>\n
Dr. Shah recommends using niacinamide to help shrink pores and reduce oil production, but he cautions that rosacea needs to be managed with a healthcare professional before it becomes too severe.<\/p>\n
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Subtype 4: Ocular rosacea
\n“Severe cases can actually cause vision difficulties and cause real damage to the eyes,” Dr. Maxfield explains. “A lot of times, people don’t even realize it’s part of rosacea, and it takes them a long time to seek treatment.” Symptoms include recurrent styes on the eyelid margins; they may appear as crusting where the eyelashes meet the eyeliner, or even a “gritty” feeling, as if there is sand in the eye.<\/p>\n
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Talk to your dermatologist<\/p>\n
If you have rosacea, or rosacea, it can be hard to find products and treatments that won’t aggravate your skin. While LED red light therapy can help relieve symptoms of rosacea, it’s still important to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and a home rosacea treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rosacea is a common but often misunderstood skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by facial redness, noticeable blood vessels, and sometimes even acne-like bumps on the cheeks, nose, and chin, rosacea can be mentally (and physically) miserable. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about rosacea\u2019s causes, possible symptoms, and effective treatments. What causes rosacea? According to the Mayo Clinic, \u201cThe cause of rosacea is unknown, but an overactive immune system, genetics, and environmental factors can all contribute to it.\u201d Drinking alcohol, hot drinks, or spicy foods can even trigger rosacea flare-ups. Prolonged exposure to UVB (ultraviolet) light can also stimulate angiogenesis\u2014the accelerated growth of new blood […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4550,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[56],"class_list":["post-4549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-how-can-led-light-therapy-help"],"yoast_head":"\n