Acne or rosacea

We often have clients attend the salon for a facial to treat their acne. When we ask them what they are currently doing, skincare-wise for treatment, they tell us their GP has prescribed them antibiotics and topical lotions for acne. We ask them how the treatment is going, and they tell us it's not working. There is a simple reason why it's not improving: it's not acne!

They have rosacea. Yes, they are both inflammatory skin conditions, but the treatment is very different. Acne treatment for rosacea can cause more harm than good. So, if you are over 30 and think you have suddenly developed acne and it's not going, here is how to tell the difference.

What is rosacea?Acne rosacea (commonly referred to as rosacea) is a common skin disease which is characterised by redness, papules, pustules, and swelling. Commonly mistaken for acne vulgaris in its early stages, acne rosacea is a relapsing condition, which can be exacerbated by sun exposure, heat, alcohol, strong emotions, caffeine, and spicy foods.

Rosacea is largely identified by the intense reddening of the skin (the erythema is caused by dilation of the superficial vasculature of the face). How to know the difference.

Acne has Comedones (white or blackheads),

Rosacea has papules and pustules (bumps with no blackheads or whiteheads)

Acne can be widespread (all over the face, chest and back.

Rosacea is central on the face.

Rosacea occurs in episodes, triggered by sun, heat, strong emotions, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.

Rosacea can also affect the eyes. Acne cannot affect the eyes.

Rosacea typically effects women over 30 and usually with fair skin. Acne effects teenagers and young adults.

Flushing: Many people with rosacea have a history of frequent blushing or flushing. This facial redness may be accompanied by a sense of heat, warmth or burning comes and goes, and is often an early feature of the disorder.

It is important that rosacea is diagnosed properly. If you recognise any of these symptoms and are currently being treated for acne, it's important to go back to your GP and ask to be referred to a dermatologist or, at the minimum, change your medication. People often feel embarrassed by the redness/flushing, but you never need to suffer.

There is treatment, such as:

.Oral medication from a GP.

.Lasers and IPL.Light therapy

– Near-infrared (NIR) NOT red light therapy. Most machines you pick up from Amazon, firstly, are not powerful enough to do anything but often don’t have NIR. So if you are using red light therapy on inflamed skin, you could be making it worse.

.Stop using harsh products with fragrance. .Broad-spectrum mineral SPF minimum 30. .

Only cool/warm water to the face. Heat is not your friend. .

The boring long-term solution… keep a diary to track flare-ups to see what helps and hinders.

As always, we are here to help. Best wishes,Katie and the team