Hello, I’m Dr. Szerman, and today we’re going to talk a bit about rosacea treatment. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the well-being and self-esteem of many people.Characterized by redness, dilated blood vessels, and in some cases, small inflamed lesions on the face, this condition can have a direct impact on the quality of life of those who deal with it.
Although there is still no definitive cure, the good news is that there are effective treatments — and one of the most sought-after options in dermatology clinics today is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). But does this therapy really work? That’s what we’ll talk about in this article. Check it out!
How Rosacea Treatment Works
Treating rosacea involves both clinical dermatology and the use of intense pulsed light. In rosacea, we see many tiny blood vessels, mostly on the face, but it can also affect the chest and other areas — especially the cheeks and malar region.
To ensure effective treatment and reduce skin sensitivity and redness, the goal is to destroy as many of these vessels as possible.
IPL is considered the gold standard treatment for rosacea. In some cases, when the patient has slightly larger vessels, we use another handpiece called ND-YAG to target and destroy those as well.
How Many IPL Sessions Are Needed for Rosacea?
Typically, we recommend five sessions of IPL, spaced about a month apart. The patient’s skin must not be tanned, so we advise avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen consistently.
The procedure is usually very well tolerated — the patient feels a sensation of heat, as IPL is a powerful light. We often apply a topical anesthetic about an hour before the session to improve comfort.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from IPL for Rosacea?

Most patients start noticing results after the very first session. As treatment progresses, we gradually increase the intensity, and outcomes tend to improve over time.
When it comes to rosacea, we can’t promise a 100% cure, but we usually see a significant improvement in the skin’s appearance, with a notable reduction in redness (erythema) and increased skin tolerance. In general, follow-up or maintenance sessions aren’t necessary.
However, if the patient notices a recurrence in the future, they can return for additional touch-up sessions to maintain the results. It’s important to note that IPL is a powerful device and must be used with care.
In our clinic, we use the Harmony platform, recognized worldwide. We’ve been using IPL for over 20 years. It’s a device that, if not handled by an experienced professional, can cause burns or blisters — so it’s essential for patients to thoroughly research their doctor before undergoing treatment.
When performed properly, it’s a very safe treatment. After the session, the skin may appear slightly red, but in most cases, this resolves by the end of the same day.
Contact:
Clínica de Pele has specialized in dermatological treatments in Rio de Janeiro for over 60 years, since 1969. Dr. Szerman has more than 20 years of experience and also teaches other doctors.



