Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the central face, leading to persistent erythema, telangiectasia, papules, and pustules. Managing rosacea effectively requires a multimodal approach that includes skincare, lifestyle modifications, and advanced dermatological treatments such as laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.
One of the most advanced laser systems available for treating rosacea is the Nordlys system by Candela, which incorporates Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®) IPL and fractional non-ablative lasers. Among its various applicators, the PR 530 and VL 555 protocols are particularly effective for treating the vascular components of rosacea, making them an excellent option for patients seeking non-invasive and long-lasting results. This article explores the scientific basis, clinical efficacy, and procedural details of the Nordlys system in managing rosacea.
Understanding the Nordlys System
The Nordlys machine is an innovative, multi-technology platform that integrates IPL and laser modalities for a broad range of dermatological applications, including vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, skin rejuvenation, and hair removal. The key advantage of the Nordlys system lies in its Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®), which is a more precise and safer form of IPL than traditional broad-spectrum IPL systems.
The Nordlys IPL system selectively targets chromophores such as haemoglobin, allowing for more effective treatment of vascular lesions with less risk of damage to surrounding tissues. Unlike conventional IPL systems that emit a wide range of wavelengths, the SWT® technology filters out unnecessary wavelengths, reducing the risk of burns and side effects.
PR and VL Applicators: The Key to Rosacea Treatment
The Nordlys PR 530 and VL 555 applicators are designed specifically to address the vascular aspects of rosacea. They work by emitting targeted wavelengths that are absorbed by oxyhaemoglobin in superficial blood vessels, leading to controlled thermal injury and subsequent vessel collapse.
PR 530 Applicator
- Wavelength Range: 530-750 nm
- Best for: Superficial vascular lesions, erythema, and photorejuvenation
- Mechanism: The PR 530 applicator is ideal for treating diffuse redness and early-stage rosacea. It effectively reduces general facial erythema by targeting dilated blood vessels close to the skin’s surface.
- Clinical Efficacy: Studies indicate that patients experience significant improvement in skin tone and a reduction in redness after 3-5 treatment sessions.
VL 555 Applicator
- Wavelength Range: 555-950 nm
- Best for: Deeper vascular lesions, persistent telangiectasia, and skin rejuvenation
- Mechanism: The VL 555 applicator penetrates deeper into the dermis, making it highly effective for treating larger blood vessels and stubborn telangiectasia.
- Clinical Efficacy: It has been shown to reduce the number and size of visible capillaries in rosacea-prone skin, leading to fewer flare-ups and improved overall complexion.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Nordlys in Rosacea Management
Clinical research supports the efficacy of IPL and laser therapy for rosacea, with multiple studies highlighting the benefits of the Nordlys SWT® system:
- Dr Laura Biggio’s research on the treatment of inflammatory acne and rosacea with Nordlys IPL found that patients experienced a marked reduction in facial redness and vascular lesions after undergoing the PR and VL protocols.
- Another study published by Candela Medical demonstrated that Nordlys IPL treatments lead to significant and sustained clearance of rosacea-related erythema and telangiectasia, with over 80% of patients reporting visible improvement after three sessions.
Treatment Protocols for Rosacea Management
Pre-Treatment Considerations: Before initiating IPL or laser therapy for rosacea, it is essential to assess the patient’s skin type, severity of rosacea, and medical history. Key pre-treatment steps include:
- Avoidance of photosensitising agents: Patients should stop using retinoids and other photosensitising medications at least two weeks before treatment.
- Sun protection: Patients should avoid direct sun exposure and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily for at least four weeks prior to the procedure.
- Skin preparation: The treatment area should be cleansed thoroughly to remove any makeup, oil, or skincare products that may interfere with light absorption.
Treatment Process:
- Patient positioning and eye protection: The patient is positioned comfortably, and protective eyewear is provided to shield their eyes from the IPL flashes.
- Application of cooling gel: A thin layer of cooling gel is applied to the skin to enhance light penetration and minimise discomfort.
- Selection of appropriate settings: The PR 530 or VL 555 applicator is selected based on the vascular depth and severity of rosacea.
- Application of IPL pulses: The device emits controlled pulses of light, targeting haemoglobin and causing the vessels to constrict and eventually fade.
- Post-treatment cooling: The treated area is cooled with ice packs or soothing creams to reduce transient erythema and discomfort.
Post-Treatment Care and Expected Results
Patients may experience mild redness and swelling for a few hours post-treatment, which typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. The full results of IPL therapy become visible over the next few weeks as the treated vessels gradually disappear.
Key post-care instructions include:
- Avoiding excessive heat exposure (e.g., hot showers, saunas) for 24-48 hours.
- Applying sunscreen daily to prevent UV-induced flare-ups.
- Using gentle skincare products to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.
Most patients require 3-5 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. Maintenance treatments every 6-12 months help sustain the improvements and prevent rosacea recurrence.
Advantages of the Nordlys PR and VL Protocol
Compared to traditional IPL or laser treatments, the Nordlys PR and VL protocol offers several advantages:
- More precise wavelength targeting, reducing unnecessary exposure to non-therapeutic light.
- Lower risk of burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) due to the filtered SWT® technology.
- Minimal discomfort and downtime, allowing patients to return to normal activities quickly.
- Proven clinical efficacy, with long-term improvement in rosacea symptoms.
The Nordlys system by Candela, with its PR 530 and VL 555 protocols, represents a gold standard in laser and IPL therapy for rosacea management. By leveraging Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®), these applicators effectively target vascular lesions while minimising side effects, making it an ideal choice for patients seeking advanced, non-invasive solutions for rosacea.
With scientific backing, high patient satisfaction rates, and superior safety, the Nordlys PR and VL protocols continue to be a leading option in dermatological practice for treating rosacea. By following proper treatment protocols, patient selection criteria, and post-care instructions, clinicians can achieve optimal, long-lasting results in rosacea management.
Manage Rosacea with the Right Approach. Schedule a skin consultation with Dr Tina Fang today!
