Acne vs. Rosacea: How to Combat Both
Acne and rosacea are both conditions resulting from irritated skin, but they differ in several ways. However, one thing they have in common is that they can lead to self-consciousness and interfere with your life. Here’s how to identify whether your skin condition is acne or rosacea, as well as some treatment options for both problems.
What is the Difference Between Acne and Rosacea?
What Is Acne?
Acne affects just about everyone at some point in their lives, typically during times of fluctuating hormones. This can include during the adolescent years, pregnancy, menopause, or simply times of high stress. Acne is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which — due to a variety of biological and lifestyle factors — produce more oil than is needed to lubricate and protect the skin. When mixed with dirt, sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells, this buildup causes blockages in the pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is another common and widespread skin disorder, but instead of clogged pores, it’s characterized by redness and blotchiness. Rosacea is most often found around the face, mostly on the cheeks. It often looks like “flushed” skin and tends to affect fair-skinned people and people who blush easily more than others.
How to Get Rid of Acne
Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment options for both of these skin conditions, and seeing a dermatologist to discuss each of them is the best first step. Lifestyle factors that can help get rid of acne include using a high-quality, non-comedogenic skin care product line specially formulated for acne-prone skin. Look for ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which help treat acne, but don’t use anything that further irritates your skin.
Wash your hair and pillowcases frequently to remove excess oil that can transfer to the face. Avoid greasy finger foods, which can also transfer unwanted oil to the chin area. Consider also receiving regular exfoliation treatments from a board certified provider. Acne treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion work wonders on acne and acne scars by sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells and revealing fresh, rejuvenated skin beneath. There are also various laser treatments for acne, like the elōs Plus, which can not only help to remove and prevent breakouts themselves but can also reduce acne scars.
How to Get Rid of Rosacea
There is no specific cure for rosacea, but there are several dermatological therapies that can help manage it. Your dermatologist might prescribe an oral or topical medication. Above all, your dermatologist can help you identify your rosacea triggers, which vary from person to person but commonly include sunlight, heat, stress, alcohol, chemical products, and spicy foods.
Other options for treating rosacea include light and laser therapies. The V Beam Perfecta laser therapy, for example, is clinically proven to help treat rosacea, diffuse redness, and even out skin tone.
Contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates
Want some help managing your acne or rosacea? Interested in cosmetic laser treatments for either condition? If you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas, contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.