How many IPL sessions does rosacea need?

What does IPL do for rosacea?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It is filtered light delivered in short pulses, not a laser beam. At our studio we use the Candela Nordlys IPL.

IPL light is absorbed by the blood in small vessels. The heat closes those vessels, and your body clears them over the following weeks.

IPL doesn't cure rosacea. It targets the small blood vessels behind the redness. You can read more on our Redness & rosacea treatment page and our IPL technology page.

Why does it usually take about four sessions?

Your body clears the treated vessels over the weeks after each session. Spacing the sessions lets us see how your skin has responded before the next round.

The usual pattern is about four sessions, 2–4 weeks apart.

We set the exact number at your consultation, after we have looked at your skin. We tell you the number at the start rather than adding sessions later.

Why are sessions 2–4 weeks apart?

Your body clears the treated vessels gradually over the weeks after each session. Waiting 2–4 weeks means we judge the result once it has had time to show.

The gap between sessions is part of how the series is planned.

What happens after the series is finished?

IPL doesn't cure rosacea, and redness can build up again over time.

For this reason, maintenance once or twice a year is common. We talk this through at your consultation so you know what to expect before you start.

What does a session feel like?

Each pulse feels like a quick, warm snap, a bit like an elastic band against the skin, and it is over in a second. A Redness & rosacea appointment is booked for 60 minutes.

No time off is needed. Your skin may look flushed and feel warm or sensitive for a day or two, and redness can look slightly worse for a few days before it starts to fade, which is normal.

For the first week, wear SPF 30+ daily, stay out of direct sun, and pause actives like retinol, exfoliating acids and vitamin C. We'll tell you when to restart them.

Is IPL suitable for every skin tone?

We check your skin at the consultation and confirm whether IPL is suitable.

If IPL is not right for you, we will say so plainly and talk about other options.

How much does IPL for rosacea cost?

A Redness & rosacea session is from $299. You can see every treatment on our prices page.

Before any treatment, you start with the 30-minute one-on-one consultation. We assess your skin, explain what IPL can and cannot do for your redness, and tell you how many sessions you will need and the price.

What results can you realistically expect?

Results vary from person to person. Redness fades gradually over several weeks, and IPL doesn't cure rosacea.

You can see before and after photos on our results page. They show what IPL can do, and your own result depends on your skin.

We are in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, and convenient for Burlington, Grimsby, Ancaster and Dundas.