Rosacea can be stubborn, unpredictable, and frustrating. That’s why more people with rosacea are turning to light therapy options like red light therapy for relief.
This blog post explains how this emerging, non-invasive treatment works, what science says about it, and how it fits into a modern rosacea treatment plan.
Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or have been dealing with rosacea for years, understanding how red light may help is worth your time.
What Is Rosacea and Why Does It Flare Up?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels, mostly on the face. Some people may also develop papules and pustules, which resemble acne. The exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, but genetics, immune system issues, and sun exposure are common triggers.
There are subtypes of rosacea, including papulopustular rosacea, which looks like acne, and ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes. Understanding rosacea means looking at its symptoms, triggers, and how it impacts quality of life. The National Rosacea Society Expert Committee has identified that while there’s no permanent cure, there are many ways of managing rosacea with the right plan.
Can Red Light Therapy Actually Help with Rosacea?
Yes, there’s growing interest in red light therapy for rosacea. This therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and promote healing, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair in the mitochondrion.
It’s considered an emerging therapy for patients with rosacea, especially those looking for non-invasive treatment options. Some clinical studies suggest that red light may reduce redness, support vascular repair, and even help decrease flare-ups over time.
How Does Light Therapy Work on the Skin?
In simple terms, light therapy works by using light wavelengths to trigger biological responses in the skin. When light penetrates the skin layers, it stimulates cells to produce more energy and improves circulation. This can help with redness and inflammation that are common in rosacea.
Specifically, red and near-infrared light can help improve skin texture, reduce visible vessels, and promote overall skin healing. This is part of the reason why it’s now being explored as a treatment option in the context of rosacea.
Is There Clinical Evidence Behind Red Light Therapy for Rosacea?
Yes. According to Ibrahimi & Anderson (2020), laser and light-based therapies show measurable improvements in rosacea symptoms, including redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. They emphasize the need for more high-quality clinical trials, but findings so far are encouraging.
In another case report by Lee et al. (2019), two patients with papulopustular rosacea underwent red and blue light therapy and saw visible improvement without side effects. They had fewer papules and pustules, reduced inflammation, and clearer skin tone.
Zhang & Wang (2022) reviewed photodynamic therapy, another light-based treatment, and found it effective in reducing rosacea symptoms for some. Though some discomfort was reported, it still adds to the list of potential tools in a rosacea treatment plan.
What’s the Difference Between Laser Therapy and Red Light Therapy?
Both laser therapy and red light therapy fall under the umbrella of laser or light therapy, but they work differently. Laser therapy is more targeted, using concentrated beams to address visible blood vessels or severe flushing. It often requires a visit to a clinic and has more downtime.
On the other hand, red light therapy is gentler and uses low-level light energy. It’s commonly used at home or in dermatology clinics as part of a broader treatment regimen. It’s also generally safe to use, even multiple times per week.
What’s the Role of Red and Blue Light Together?
In the Lee et al. (2019) case report, combining blue and red light showed better results for some rosacea patients. Blue light has antibacterial properties and may help if acne is also present, while red light reduces inflammation and supports skin recovery.
This mix, also known as LED therapy, is gaining interest as a more holistic approach to treating rosacea. It offers the potential to reduce inflammation, support healing, and improve overall tone and texture.
Is It Safe to Use Red Light Therapy at Home?
Yes, red light therapy devices made for home use are available and considered generally safe to use. However, it's still smart to consult a dermatologist before starting any treatment, especially if you have sensitive skin or light sensitivity.
When used properly, LED treatments for rosacea are low risk. Devices should follow FDA safety standards, and it’s important to follow directions to see the best results without overdoing it.
How Do You Use Red Light Therapy for Rosacea?
To use red light therapy, the device is typically held over clean skin for about 5–20 minutes, depending on the brand and strength. Some are hands-free masks, others are handheld wands. For rosacea, it’s usually applied to the cheeks, chin, or nose where redness and visible blood vessels appear.
Most people start with 3–4 sessions per week and adjust over time. Stick to the treatment plan tailored for your skin, and be patient—it can take several weeks to notice visible improvement.
How Does Red Light Compare to Conventional Rosacea Treatments?
Conventional treatments for rosacea often include topical creams like azelaic acid, oral medications like oral antibiotics, and laser sessions. These can help with inflammation, bacteria, and papules and pustules, but often come with side effects.
Red light therapy offers a gentler alternative. It doesn’t replace medical treatments entirely, but it’s a good add-on to a rosacea management routine. In some cases, it may allow patients to reduce the amount of medication they use.
Who Should Consider Red Light Therapy?
People looking for an option for rosacea that’s non-invasive, relaxing, and low-risk might want to try red light therapy. This includes individuals who haven’t had success with topical treatments or those experiencing persistent redness.
Still, it’s important to talk to a dermatologist before making any major changes to your rosacea treatment plan. A doctor can help create a treatment plan that works for your specific rosacea subtype and skin type.
Can Red Light Therapy Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Yes, integrating red light therapy into your skincare routine can complement other treatments for rosacea. It pairs well with gentle skincare products, prescription meds, or even occasional laser therapy.
This layered approach can help reduce rosacea symptoms more effectively and may lead to longer-lasting relief. Just make sure everything in your routine works together and doesn’t worsen sensitivity or flare up.
How Can Novaalab Help You?
At NovaaLab, our red light therapy catalog offers several non-invasive light therapy devices that may support rosacea management, especially for those dealing with persistent redness and inflammation.
Products like our Glow Therapy Mask and Light Switch with the Skin-Perfect head use a combination of red, blue, and yellow LED wavelengths, targeting visible redness, calming flare-ups, and helping improve skin tone over time.
These at-home devices are easy to use, designed for sensitive skin, and backed by early clinical findings suggesting that red light therapy may help reduce rosacea symptoms when used consistently. While rosacea varies from person to person, our devices provide a gentle, drug-free option that can complement your treatment plan.
References
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Ibrahimi, O. A., & Anderson, R. R. (2020). Laser and light-based therapies in the management of rosacea: An updated systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science, 35(5), 1013–1020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-03200-1
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Lee, W. R., Shen, S. C., & Fang, J. Y. (2019). Coupled blue and red light-emitting diodes therapy efficacy in patients with rosacea: Two case reports. Journal of Medical Case Reports, 13(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-019-2339-6
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Zhang, Y., & Wang, Y. (2022). Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of rosacea: A systematic review. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, 37, 102–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102162
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