More than 16 million people across the country have rosacea, a common skin condition that causes facial redness that can resemble acne or other skin conditions. April is Rosacea Awareness Month.
Dermatologist Jennifer A. Baron, MD, in San Jose, California, frequently recommends broadband light (BBL) therapy for her patients with rosacea, using pulsed light to improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the signs and symptoms of the condition.
BBL isn’t a cosmetic laser, though it shares similarities in technology. Light energy across a wide spectrum targets deep skin tissue noninvasively to warm these layers, where much of the discoloration originates.
The light energy from BBL warms the target tissue that absorbs it, in this case, the redness created by rosacea. This warming signals to your body that the treated tissue needs to be replaced.
As new collagen and elastin forms, treated tissue leaves the body naturally through your circulatory system. The flushed appearance of your skin smooths out, and other pigmentation problems also fade, improving your overall complexion.
True lasers emit light at a single wavelength. This means they can only be absorbed by certain tissue colors, which creates the warming effect.
An issue like rosacea can cover a wider spectrum of colors, making BBL better suited to cover a broader range of skin irregularities. Some lasers also target the surface of your skin, requiring recovery time for the layer to regenerate.
BBL works only below the surface. You may have some redness immediately after your treatment, but this usually settles down quickly.
Most patients tolerate BBL treatments well, feeling a warming sensation during their session. Some people may find it uncomfortable, though, and we offer numbing creams to control any sensitivity. Our BBL system also features skin-cooling features for your comfort.
Redness and visible blood vessels are two of the most common complexion issues associated with rosacea. The primary benefit of BBL for rosacea is the reduction in the appearance of blood vessels, flushing, and overall redness of your skin between and during rosacea flare-ups.
Other benefits include:
You may even see improvement in blemishes like acne scarring as collagen tissue turns over.
Your treatment session takes 60 minutes or less, and the benefits last for months, particularly when supported with an effective daily skincare routine. While BBL won’t stop the aging process, you can extend your smoother complexion with follow-up sessions, based on your skin’s unique requirements.
Learn more about BBL therapy for rosacea in consultation with Jennifer A. Baron, MD, and her team. Call our office directly or request a procedure online using the convenient link at the top of the page. Plan your visit today.
