If you struggle with persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, or the frustrating flare-ups of rosacea, you are not alone. Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects an estimated 5% of the global population, with millions of adults in the United States experiencing its symptoms.[^1][^2] For many, the daily battle to conceal redness and manage flare-ups can be exhausting and significantly impact self-confidence.

While topical creams and oral medications can help manage symptoms, they often fall short of addressing the underlying vascular changes that cause the visible redness and broken capillaries. This is where advanced light-based therapies come in. At 86INK in Tulsa, we utilize the Candela Nordlys® system, featuring Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®) Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), to safely and effectively target the root cause of vascular conditions and restore clarity to your complexion.

Understanding Vascular Skin Conditions

To understand how the Nordlys® system works, it is helpful to know what causes the redness in the first place. Conditions like rosacea, facial telangiectasias (spider veins), and diffuse redness are primarily vascular issues.

In a healthy vascular system, tiny blood vessels expand and contract to regulate temperature and blood flow. In conditions like rosacea, these vessels become dilated and lose their ability to constrict properly, leading to persistent erythema (redness).[^3] Over time, chronic inflammation can cause these vessels to become permanently enlarged and visible near the surface of the skin.

These vascular lesions contain hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. Hemoglobin gives blood its red color and serves as the primary target for light-based treatments designed to clear vascular conditions.[^4]

The Nordlys® SWT® IPL Advantage

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) has been used for decades to treat various skin concerns. Traditional IPL devices emit a broad spectrum of light wavelengths, which can be effective but often carry a higher risk of side effects, such as unwanted heat damage to surrounding tissues.[^5]

The Candela Nordlys® system revolutionizes this approach with its proprietary Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®). Unlike conventional IPL, SWT® utilizes advanced dual-filter technology to narrow the light spectrum, cutting off potentially harmful wavelengths on both ends.[^4] This precision allows the Nordlys® to deliver highly targeted energy directly to the intended chromophore — in this case, the hemoglobin in the dilated blood vessels — while sparing the surrounding skin.[^5]

How SWT® IPL Clears Redness

When the SWT® IPL energy is directed at the skin, the light is selectively absorbed by the hemoglobin within the targeted blood vessels. As the hemoglobin absorbs the light, it converts it into heat. This controlled thermal energy causes the blood to coagulate and damages the walls of the dilated vessel.[^4]

Once the vessel is damaged, it collapses and is gradually reabsorbed and cleared away by the body's natural healing processes. The result is a significant reduction in visible redness, broken capillaries, and the overall severity of rosacea symptoms.[^6]

Because the SWT® technology filters out unnecessary wavelengths, the Nordlys® can achieve these results using lower overall energy levels (fluences) than traditional IPL systems. This means a safer, more comfortable treatment experience with less downtime and a reduced risk of adverse effects.[^5]

Clinical Evidence for Nordlys® SWT® IPL

The efficacy of the Nordlys® system in treating vascular conditions is supported by robust clinical data. Studies have consistently demonstrated its ability to significantly reduce facial redness and clear visible blood vessels.

In a clinical study evaluating the use of IPL for facial telangiectasias, researchers found that 100% of subjects experienced a reduction in visible vessels, with 83.4% achieving greater than 50% clearance and 66.7% achieving greater than 75% clearance.[^7] Furthermore, 90.4% of subjects showed a noticeable reduction in diffuse erythema (general redness).[^7]

The precision of the Nordlys® SWT® technology also makes it highly effective for treating specific stages and types of vascular lesions. The system utilizes different applicators optimized for different depths and target sizes:

  • PR 530 Applicator (530–750 nm): Ideal for targeting superficial vascular lesions, diffuse redness, and early-stage rosacea.[^5]
  • VL 555 Applicator (555–950 nm): Penetrates deeper into the dermis, making it highly effective for treating larger, more stubborn blood vessels and persistent telangiectasias.[^5]

By selecting the appropriate applicator and customizing the treatment parameters, our providers can tailor the Nordlys® therapy to address each patient's unique vascular concerns effectively.

What to Expect from Your Nordlys® Treatment in Tulsa

At 86INK, our approach to treating vascular conditions is rooted in clinical expertise and personalized care. Under the direction of Leisha Lawson, FNP-C, every treatment plan begins with a comprehensive consultation to assess your skin, evaluate your specific concerns, and determine if Nordlys® SWT® IPL is the right solution for you.

The Treatment Experience

During the procedure, you will wear protective eyewear, and a thin layer of cooling gel may be applied to the treatment area. The Nordlys® applicator is then guided over the skin, delivering precise pulses of light. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick, warm snap — similar to a rubber band lightly flicking against the skin.

The Nordlys® system features integrated SoftCool™ technology, which provides a continuous flow of cool air to enhance comfort during the treatment.[^4] Depending on the size of the area being treated, a session typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Recovery and Results

One of the significant advantages of Nordlys® SWT® IPL is the minimal downtime associated with the treatment. Following the procedure, it is normal to experience some mild redness and swelling, similar to a light sunburn, which usually subsides within a few hours to a couple of days.[^7]

You may notice that the treated blood vessels appear slightly darker immediately after the session before they begin to fade. Over the next several weeks, as your body clears the coagulated vessels, you will see a progressive improvement in your skin's tone and a reduction in redness.[^6]

While some patients see noticeable improvement after a single session, a series of 3 to 5 treatments, spaced about a month apart, is typically recommended to achieve optimal clearance.[^5] Because conditions like rosacea are chronic, occasional maintenance treatments may be necessary to sustain your results over the long term.

Reclaim Your Complexion at 86INK

You do not have to let rosacea or facial redness dictate your confidence. With the advanced capabilities of the Candela Nordlys® SWT® IPL system, clear, even-toned skin is within reach.

If you are seeking effective Rosacea & Redness Treatment or IPL therapy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the team at 86INK is here to help. We combine state-of-the-art technology with medical-grade expertise to deliver safe, transformative results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward refining the skin you're in.

Ready to start your skin clarity journey in Tulsa? Book your free consultation at 86INK — Tulsa's premier laser tattoo removal and skin studio. Call us at (918) 625-1480 or visit us at 11917 S Norwood Ave, Suite 112, Tulsa, OK.

References

[^1]: Saurat, J.H. "Epidemiology of acne and rosacea: A worldwide global study." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2024. [^2]: National Rosacea Society. "Rosacea Now Estimated to Affect at Least 16 Million Americans." [^3]: Van Zuuren, E.J. "Rosacea." New England Journal of Medicine. 2017;377:1754–64. [^4]: Candela Medical. "Nordlys® IPL and Laser Devices for Skin Treatments." [^5]: Dr. Tina Fang. "Advanced Laser Therapy For Effective Rosacea Management: The Nordlys Candela Machine And The VL & PR Protocol." [^6]: Biggio, L. "Nordlys® System – Treatment of inflammatory acne and rosacea." The PMFA Journal. 2024. [^7]: Bjerring, P., et al. "Intense pulsed light source for treatment of facial telangiectasias." Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2001 Dec;3:169–73.