Facial redness, which becomes particularly severe in autumn and winter, is one of the skin conditions many people find difficult to treat. Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon presented its over 20 years of expertise in treating facial redness at 'Incasa Asia,' a global aesthetic conference held in Thailand last September. Let's learn more about Erythema-Induced Prima, an effective facial redness treatment recognized worldwide.
What kind of treatment is Erythema-Induced Prima?
Erythema-Induced Prima is a treatment method that involves applying a special vitamin-based medication to the facial redness area to intentionally induce more redness, and then irradiating it with a state-of-the-art vascular laser. The core of this treatment is to make the face redder.
Why induce more redness?
You might wonder if inducing more redness would worsen the condition. However, Erythema Induction shows a higher improvement rate compared to other facial redness treatments, and two important principles are hidden here:
- Increased Accuracy and Efficacy of Vascular Laser: The 595-nanometer wavelength of the vascular laser used for facial redness treatment reacts only to red color. Therefore, making the facial redness area redder helps the laser selectively and accurately treat only the dilated blood vessels.
- Effective Treatment of Hidden Symptoms: Facial redness has various and unpredictable causes such as weather, environment, hormones, and constitution, making it difficult to treat properly when symptoms are not clearly visible during treatment. By inducing redness only in the symptomatic areas through Erythema Induction, more effective treatment becomes possible.
What about the treatment process and safety?
Erythema-Induced Prima treatment is usually performed about 3 to 5 times at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks. As the treatment progresses, symptoms noticeably improve, and eventually, even after applying the special medication, the area and intensity of red flushing gradually decrease.
You might be concerned about artificially inducing redness with a special medication, but the special medication used for Erythema Induction utilizes Vitamin B3, one of the vitamin components. It is safe to apply to the skin and can be used with peace of mind, just like taking vitamins orally.
What is special about the Vbeam Prima laser?
The Erythema Induction Treatment, first reported at a dermatology conference in 2011, has proven its therapeutic effects through various clinical trials and research. Recently, the vascular laser used for treatment has been upgraded from V-Beam Perfecta to Vbeam Prima.
Vbeam Prima not only has a higher maximum energy intensity than the existing V-Beam Perfecta but also includes a higher wavelength of 1064 nanometers, allowing it to treat blood vessels deep within the skin. This can improve blood vessels that were difficult to treat with previous lasers, leading to even better results than before.
Currently, there are very few hospitals in Korea that possess the US-made Vbeam Prima equipment, and the special medication, which is the core of Erythema Induction Treatment, is not a commercialized product. Therefore, it is known that clinics like ours, which actively perform Erythema Induction Treatment, are rare.
What are the actual effects of Erythema-Induced Prima treatment?
The clinical results of Erythema Induction Treatment garnered significant attention at this conference. After a total of 3 months of follow-up, more than half of the facial redness patients treated with Erythema Induction showed noticeable improvement, and approximately 12% of all patients saw most of their facial redness disappear.
No significant side effects were reported, except for temporary erythema and swelling immediately after the procedure, and over 60% of all patients reported being very satisfied with the treatment.
Lifestyle habits to prevent recurrence of facial redness
For facial redness, lifestyle habit modification after treatment is as important as the treatment itself. To prevent recurrence, it is advisable to avoid behaviors that can dilate blood vessels.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes: Staying in saunas or hot baths for extended periods can dilate blood vessels, so it is best to refrain from doing so.
- Limit alcohol and tobacco: Alcohol and tobacco can negatively affect blood vessels.
- Avoid irritating foods: Consuming spicy, hot, and irritating foods too frequently can worsen facial redness, so please limit them.
- Avoid overuse of steroid ointments: Excessive use of steroid ointments can also worsen facial redness, so it is advisable to use them only when absolutely necessary.
Why early treatment for facial redness is important
If facial redness is initially dismissed as minor and left untreated, it can become chronic and lead to a condition called Rosacea. Therefore, if you suspect facial redness, it is important to consult a dermatologist specializing in skin conditions as soon as possible.