New Study Compares Topical Serum and Pulse Light Therapy for Rosacea

Image Credit: © Alessandro Grandini - stock.adobe.com

A comparative study between topical PHA and intense pulse light (IPL) therapy was conducted to determine what works better to improve mild erythema and flushing associated with rosacea.¹ Erythema is found in nearly 50% of rosacea cases.² Although both therapies were effective, IPL had a greater improvement on the overall appearance of the face, but it is up to each patient to determine which better suits their lifestyle.

The paired control study involved 200 participants. About 84% of patients were female with an average age of 24.6 years. Nearly 80% had Fitzpatrick skin type IV. Patients were clinically diagnosed by 2 professional dermatologists based on the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee.

The sample was evenly split between the topical serum group and the IPL group. Those in the serum group used the product for 30 days while those in the IPL group were treated with a single session. The serum from NeoStrata Company Inc. contained 5% gluconolactone and 1% lactobionic acid to neutralize redness. IPL was performed using an energy fluency of 7–9 J/cm².

Investigators used facial VISIA images, local skin images on the cheek and forehead, and physiological measurements such as hydration, elasticity, and melanin, to compare before and after results. The Clinician's Erythema Evaluation Approach (CEA) was used to analyze changes in erythema while the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess pores, skin color, and sebum pre- and post-treatment. Patients were also given questionnaires about their treatment willingness and satisfaction on a 3-point scale.

At baseline, both cohorts had an average CEA of about 2, which is representative of mild erythema. At the end of the trial, both therapies had positive results regarding pores, skin tone, sebum, and erythema. Hydration and elasticity increased in both groups as well.

The serum group reduced pores by 56% while the IPL group reduced pores by 64%, which was a more notable decrease. Moreover, the serum improved skin tone by 57% and the IPL therapy by 65%. These differences were not statistically significant. However, the IPL group showed greater “obvious” improvements in erythema, overall facial condition, and sebum, according to the CEA and VAS dermoscopy scores (p < 0.05).

Nonetheless, both groups were similarly satisfied with their respective treatments. Some patients in either cohort stated that they would have preferred the other therapy, but this was based on cost, time, and adverse effects rather than results. More specifically, 7.1% of those in the serum group and 12.7% in the IPL group were dissatisfied with their therapies.

The retrospective study design and potential recollection bias may have impacted the results. In future trials, the researchers hope to assess the topical serum’s long-term potential while also observing subjective symptoms of rosacea such as burning, itching, and pain.

Although the IPL was superior in bettering the overall appearance of the skin, both therapies have benefits and disadvantages. IPL improves erythema, inhibits sebum secretion, increases collagen, and reduces blistering and inflammation, but also damages the skin barrier and increases transepidermal water loss in some patients after multiple sessions. It is also the more expensive option. The serum’s ingredients are proven to gently improve the barrier and moisturize dry, red, and itchy skin conditions at a lower cost. Results may not be as prominent compared to IPL, but it is an impactful option for patients who are unable to undergo IPL.

“For mild persistent erythema in rosacea, proper skin care plays a pivotal role in maintaining remission, alleviating the symptoms, and improving skin dryness and redness,” the authors concluded. “Patients' facial conditions and their treatment willingness determine their outcome to some extent.”

References

1. Peng Y, Mao M, Huang Z, Zhao H, Li Y, Jian D. Comparison of Efficacy and Willingness to a 5% Gluconolactone-Based Topical Serum and Intense Pulsed Light in Mild Erythema of Rosacea: A Paired Control Study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(3):e70025. doi:10.1111/jocd.70025

2. Li, J., Wang, B., Deng, Y., Shi, W., Jian, D., Liu, F., ... & Xie, H. (2020). Epidemiological features of rosacea in Changsha, China: a population-based, cross-sectional study. The Journal of Dermatology, 47 (5), 497-502.