Skip to content 
Table of Contents
Photofacials: Rosacea and facial redness can appear in photos, worsen when the weather changes, and can make makeup feel more like a mask than a confidence boost. While numerous skincare products claim to soothe redness, not all of them address the root of the problem. Photofacials treatments like IPL, or intense pulsed light therapy, may be the best treatment for you.
If you’ve been dealing with persistent redness or visible blood vessels on your face, this blog is for you. We’re breaking down how photofacial treatments work, what they can do for rosacea, and why so many people in New York, NY, are choosing this option for clearer, calmer skin.
What Is a Photofacial Treatment?
A photofacials treatment uses intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to target unwanted pigmentation, redness, and visible blood vessels on the skin. It’s not a laser, but it works similarly by delivering bursts of light deep into the skin. These light pulses break down the pigment or damaged vessels, which are then naturally removed by the body over the following days.
At IN•GLO Face and Body Sculpting Med Spa in New York, NY, our photofacial treatment is designed to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sun damage, vascular issues, and signs of aging, with minimal downtime and discomfort. It’s a go-to option for anyone dealing with facial redness, especially from rosacea.
How IPL Works to Reduce Redness
Intense pulsed light therapy uses broad-spectrum light to reach multiple layers of the skin. The light is absorbed by the hemoglobin in visible blood vessels or the pigment in sun spots. Once absorbed, it creates heat, which causes these unwanted vessels or pigment clusters to break down. Your body then naturally eliminates them.
For facial redness, including that linked to rosacea, IPL helps by:
- Collapsing dilated capillaries that contribute to a flushed appearance
- Reducing inflammation triggered by blood vessel activity
- Stimulating collagen production for a smoother skin texture
The result? Less visible redness, fewer flare-ups, and a more even skin tone.
What Makes Rosacea So Hard to Treat?
Rosacea can show up as persistent redness, flushing, visible veins, and even acne-like bumps. Triggers vary from sun exposure to spicy foods to stress, which makes it tricky to manage with products alone.
While topical creams and oral medications can help manage flare-ups, they typically don’t address the visual signs. That’s where a photofacial for redness makes a difference. By targeting the underlying vascular issues that cause redness, rosacea treatment with IPL offers longer-lasting relief, especially when paired with a simple skincare routine and lifestyle modifications.
IPL for Rosacea: What to Expect
At IN•GLO Medspa, your IPL session starts with a personalized consultation. Our team takes a close look at your skin to ensure IPL is the right treatment for your rosacea symptoms.
During treatment, a handheld device delivers pulses of light across the treatment area—typically the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead —where rosacea is most noticeable. You may feel a light snap or warmth with each pulse, but most clients find it very tolerable.
Right after the session, your skin might look a little red or flushed (kind of like a mild sunburn), but this usually fades within a few hours. There’s no downtime, and you can go back to your usual routine right away. In the days that follow, broken vessels fade, and your skin begins to look more even and clear.
How Many IPL Sessions Are Needed?
The best benefits are obtained from a course of three to five treatments spaced about three weeks apart, while one session can provide noticeable changes. These sessions allow your skin time to heal and reset between treatments, enabling a gradual and natural improvement over time.
Once your initial sessions are complete, many people opt for maintenance treatments, typically once or twice a year, to keep redness under control and maintain a smoother appearance.
Benefits of Photofacial Treatment for Rosacea and Redness
Here’s why more and more people are turning to photofacial treatment in New York, NY, for rosacea:
1. Targets the Source of Redness
IPL works below the skin’s surface, breaking down the blood vessels that cause redness. It’s not just covering it up—it’s clearing it out.
2. Improves Skin Tone and Texture
Aside from reducing redness, photofacials can also fade sunspots, smooth rough patches, and shrink large pores. It’s a full-skin refresh in one go.
3. No Downtime, No Recovery
You don’t need to plan for time off or hide your face. Most people head back to work or errands right after their appointment.
4. Long-Term Results
With the right care and maintenance, your results can last for months. It’s one of the few treatments that builds over time instead of wearing off quickly.
Who’s a Good Candidate for IPL?
IPL is ideal for individuals with light to medium skin tones who wish to reduce facial redness, pigmentation, or early signs of aging. It works best on skin that’s not deeply tanned or very dark, as the light targets pigment and blood vessels.
If you have rosacea and are tired of redness or broken capillaries showing through, chances are you’re a good fit. A complimentary skin assessment at IN•GLO Medspa can help determine if IPL is the right treatment for you. Get your personalized treatment plan—request a free skin assessment today.
Things to Avoid Before and After Your Session
To get the best results and protect your skin, there are a few easy do’s and don’ts before and after IPL treatment:
Before Treatment:
- Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds for at least two weeks
- Skip retinoids and harsh exfoliants 3 to 5 days before your session
- Let your technician know if you’re using antibiotics or acne medications
After Treatment:
- Use a gentle cleanser and avoid hot water on your face for 24 hours
- Stay out of the sun and wear a high-SPF sunscreen daily
- Don’t pick at any darkened spots or flaking skin—they’ll naturally fall off
- Avoid intense workouts or saunas for 24 hours
Your skin will reward you with greater, more durable results if you take good care of it.
Your clearer, more even skin is just a few sessions away!
Photofacials are one of the most effective and low-maintenance methods for reducing facial redness and managing rosacea. With IPL, you can target the underlying cause of redness, improve your skin tone, and finally feel good about skipping the foundation.
If you’re ready to calm the redness and take control of your skin, there’s no better time to start. Let IN•GLO Medspa in New York, NY, help you get there—no drama, no downtime, just real results. Contact us today!
