It looks similar at first, but in reality rosacea is quite different than acne, although the two can coexist.
A general rule of thumb in distinguishing between Acne Rosacea and Acne Vulgaris is that blackheads (comedones) occur only in acne, while rosacea alone involves persistent redness and flushing. Rosacea appears as surface redness or raised red spots with no blackheads or whiteheads. These small red bumps are not “squeezable” or extractable like blackheads.
The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown and remains a mystery. The basic symptoms seem to involve dilation of the small blood vessels and inflammation of the face.
Unlike with acne vulgaris, patients with rosacea do not usually have oily skin, because the condition has nothing to do with blocked pores and sebum production. Rosacea is caused by the skin itself becoming irritated rather than pores blocking.
There are different stages of rosacea:
Type 1: Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea, associated with redness, & visible blood vessels.
Type 2: Papulopustular (or acne) Rosacea, is associated with acne-like breakouts
Type 3: Rhinophyma Rosacea associated with thickening of the skin of your nose.
Rosacea is also typically found on the cheeks and nose, and can spread to the forehead and chin, but this is less common than with acne, where the chin is mostly often plagued.
To treat acne rosacea, it is necessary to take a completely different approach than treating typical acne.
Certain chemical peels can aggravate rosacea where as a Salicylic Acid Peel, helps to calm inflammation, caused by Stage 2 Rosacea (Acne rosacea) and also works well with acne patients.
Another peel, mild yet effective enough that can treat the rosacea and acne overlap is the Perfect Derma Peel, which also contains salicylic. This peel can target acne as well as providing deep exfoliation to reveal healthier and clearer skin.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), commonly referred to as Photo Facial or Photorejuvenation, uses pulsed light to target vascular lesions and redness under the skin’s surface, which is beneficial to Rosacea patients.
Acne Rosacea is a skin condition that affects over two million Canadians, and although it does not go away, it can be controlled. Acne as well can be treated and controlled with appropriate lifestyle changes, topical medications, as well as clinical procedures.
For more information, please visit Lasting Looks Clinic in Toronto at https://www.lastinglooks.ca