Skin Care Maintenance

Tell the difference between acne and rosacea.

If you have adult acne, you know how frustrating it can be waking up to a new blemish every morning. You probably assumed that the acne you had as a teenager would disappear as you passed through adolescence and are wondering why you continue to have flare-ups.

There are many causes of acne, however, you may be looking at the wrong cause of your symptoms. Rather than acne vulgaris, what we usually refer to when we talk about acne, your complexion could be affected by acne rosacea, a skin condition that typically affects women over 30 years of age.

Face-Off: The Symptoms

To better understand your skin, consider the symptoms of acne and rosacea. Most people know the symptoms of acne:

  • More prevalent in teens and adolescents
  • Largely found on the face, although it can appear elsewhere
  • Characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and painful red bumps
  • Scarring and discoloration
  • Flare-ups may correspond with hormonal changes, changes in humidity, failure to wash your face nightly, or times of high stress

Some of the symptoms of rosacea are similar to those of acne, such as flare-ups and the appearance of acne-like red and often painful bumps. However, look for other non-similar symptoms:

  • Typical onset is 30-60 years of age
  • May begin as easy blushing or flushing
  • Commonly affects the cheeks, forehead and nose
  • Could also be mistaken for rosy cheeks and sunburn
  • Triggers include heat and the ingestion of alcohol or hot and spicy foods
  • Besides pimple-like bumps, symptoms may include cysts that aren’t “squeezable” like pimples, and fine red lines created by small visible blood vessels near the surface

Rosacea is not dangerous, but if left untreated it can intensify. If you suspect you may have rosacea, we encourage you to see Dr. Mancha for a consultation. Whether its traditional acne or rosacea, we can diagnose your skin condition and find ways to control it.

Treating Rosacea

Like acne, there is no cure for rosacea, but we do carry products that assist in relieving redness. AlluraDerm MD Med Spa carries Redness Relief CalmPlex by SkinMedica® and Redness Neutralizer by SkinCeuticals®. Both are great for helping keep rosaceaand the underlying causes of redness at bay and under control.

Even better? We’re offering a discount on these items in honor of Rosacea Awareness Month! That means 15% off all Omnilux® Medical Treatments throughout April. Additionally, you’ll receive 50% off SkinMedica® “Redness Relief Calmplex” or SkinCeuticals® “Redness Neutralizer” with every IPL or Ominlux® treatment.

 

If you suspect you have rosacea, or just need rosacea maintenance, AlluraDerm MD Med Spa is here to help. Call us at 505-821-9630 today!