An aesthetic medicine procedure combining IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology with azelaic acid.
The aim of the treatment is to even out skin tone by reducing redness and swelling caused by couperose and inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea. In addition to calming the skin, this procedure also rejuvenates it—reducing signs of aging, refining pores, and enhancing overall skin texture by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis. Sensitivity, burning, itching, and stinging sensations are noticeably reduced.
Step 1: IPL Redness Treatment
The procedure begins with IPL therapy using the Viora V-20 device. Broad-spectrum light pulses are delivered into the deeper layers of the skin, targeting dilated capillaries and small blood vessels without damaging the skin’s surface.
IPL also stimulates collagen production, improves skin elasticity, minimizes pores, and smooths fine lines.
Step 2: Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, skin-renewing, and tone-balancing properties. It inhibits the growth of the skin mite Demodex folliculorum and has keratolytic effects, which are crucial for managing rosacea, as the condition is often linked to hyperkeratosis (excessive skin thickening).
By normalizing the skin’s keratinization process, azelaic acid helps prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation and scarring. It also inhibits melanin production and acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that contribute to premature aging and inflammation.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, azelaic acid soothes rosacea-related irritation and redness, strengthens capillaries, and promotes collagen synthesis—leading to reduced redness and healthier skin overall.
How to care for rosacea-prone and sensitive skin at home
With rosacea, the skin often feels sensitive, burning, itchy, or prickly, especially when applying makeup or skincare products. It may be dry and flaky, leading many to avoid cosmetics—but this is usually a misconception. Such skin actually needs hydration, renewal stimulation, and barrier repair, since the hydrolipid layer is often damaged, causing transepidermal water loss.
A tight, dry feeling after cleansing usually signals that the cleanser is too harsh and has stripped the protective barrier. This can trigger low-grade inflammation, accelerating skin aging (inflammaging).
That’s why it’s essential to support the skin’s hydration, microbiome, and protective barrier function. Your IPL PhotoPeel specialist will recommend the most suitable home care based on your skin’s unique needs.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines:
- Treat any active skin inflammations before the procedure
- IPL cannot be performed during antibiotic therapy; wait at least 2 weeks after finishing treatment
- Inform your practitioner about any current medications
- Stop using retinol or other strong active ingredients 3 days before treatment; resume once the skin is fully healed
- Contraindications: chronic inflammation, active herpes, cancer, keloid scars, recent tanning, melasma, epilepsy
- Do not perform IPL on tanned or brown skin; wait 2–4 weeks after tanning depending on skin type. Avoid self-tanners for at least 2 weeks before treatment
- If the treatment area has dark hair, shave it the day before or on the day of the procedure
- Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- For clients under 18, parental or guardian consent is required
Aftercare Instructions:
- Mild redness, warmth, or swelling may occur after the procedure; bruising is rare
- To relieve heat and flushing, apply a cold compress (from the fridge, not the freezer)
- Use healing creams like Bepanthen, Burnshield, Cicabio, or Cicaplast Baume until the skin fully recovers (1–2 weeks)
- Thermal spring water sprays (e.g., Avene, La Roche-Posay) can help soothe and hydrate the skin
- For swelling, antihistamines (e.g., Zyrtec, Claritine) may be used
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure
- Avoid intensive exercise for 1 week to prevent flushing
- No sauna or swimming for 2 weeks
- Use SPF 50 sunscreen daily for at least 2 weeks after the procedure
- Avoid other facial treatments (cosmetic facials, peels, massages, injectables, etc.) for 2 weeks until the skin has fully healed
- Makeup may be applied immediately after the procedure
- Pigment flaking may occur—the pigment will darken and form scabs resembling coffee grounds, which naturally fall off in 7–10 days. Do not pick at the scabs!
- Cleanse the skin with products formulated for sensitive skin (e.g., gentle cleansing gel or micellar water)
- For long-lasting results, use SPF daily all year round