FAQ: Is laser treatment for Rosacea similar to laser treatment for acne?

Question:  Is laser treatment for Rosacea similar to laser treatment for acne?

Answer:  Laser treatment for Rosacea is similar to laser treatment for acne, but it’s not exactly the same.

The laser treatment for Rosacea uses a particular wavelength of light that targets vascular conditions.  Vascular conditions involve capillaries and micro-capillaries below the skin’s surface.  Common skin-related vascular conditions include spider veins, port wine stains, Rosacea and even discoloration in stretch marks.

Typically, the lasers used to treat Rosacea use a laser that focuses on a wavelength of 585 nanometers.  The 585 wavelength is specifically used because it is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood.  Hemoglobin is what gives blood it’s reddish color.

A typical laser treatment for acne would usually use a higher wavelength of light, usually above 1450 but sometimes as high as 1540.  There are some cases in which lower wavelengths of light are used to treat acne, but this is usually in conjunction with an application of topical ALA.