Rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by skin redness and flushing. It is an umbrella term under which a number of specific types of rosacea fall. Many people experience both rosacea and acne at the same time. Learn more about how to differentiate these two skin concerns and how both can be treated with a variety of targeted strategies.

Rosacea vs. Acne

While both rosacea and acne can cause red, bumpy skin, they are separate conditions with separate causes. Acne is typically caused by bacteria, oil, and clogged pores, while rosacea is caused by inflammation related to the immune system.

Additionally, acne most commonly affects teens and young adults, while rosacea often occurs later in life, typically between the ages of 30 and 50. Acne will often present as pimples, while rosacea appears as more of an overall red and flushed color (although this can vary depending on the rosacea sub-type). Acne typically is found on the face, back, and chest, while rosacea most commonly occurs on the face.

3 Types of Treatments for Rosacea and Acne

At Advanced Dermatology, we offer a variety of treatment options to heal acne and rosacea concerns. Your provider may recommend one or a combination of these methods.

Prescription Medications

One of the first go-to treatment options for acne and rosacea is prescription medications. These are first-line, oral agents (in other words, pills that you swallow) that often work quickly and effectively to clear up redness concerns.

Prescription medications your provider may recommend for acne and rosacea include:

  • Doxycycline – Best for severe acne as it targets and kills skin bacteria
  • Oracea – A smaller dose of doxycycline that reduces inflammation without targeting bacteria
  • Minocycline – Used to target certain bacterial strains that are resistant to other medications

Topical Medications

Your provider may also recommend prescription topicals, usually in the form of lotions, creams, foams, or gels. Topical medications that treat acne and rosacea include:

  • Metronidazole – Targets bacteria and contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin redness
  • Finacea – Contains azelaic acid, which helps to calm redness and swelling, as well as fade acne scarring and clear up pimples
  • Sodium Sulfacetamide – An antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria and also reduces inflammation

Skin Resurfacing

In addition to prescription medications, Advanced Dermatology recommends several skin rejuvenation techniques to treat acne and rosacea. These include:

  • VBeam – A laser that targets hemoglobin, the protein in blood cells responsible for redness
  • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – Lasers target clogged pores and overactive oil glands to reduce oil production and destroy bacteria. See below for a before-and-after example of PDT’s effect on rosacea and acne.

Your Dermatologists for Acne and Rosacea

If you are interested in pursuing any of these rosacea and acne treatment options, please reach out to Advanced Dermatology to request an appointment. We have offices in both Lincolnshire and Glencoe, so we are easily accessible to Chicago’s North Shore and beyond.