The Ins and Outs of Acne Rosacea

As you probably know, acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting 79% to 95% of the population at some point in their lives. One skin condition that doesn’t get talked about enough is acne rosacea. Although there are countless options designed to treat acne, people with acne rosacea often struggle to find treatments suitable for their sensitive skin. Before we dive into the options for fighting acne rosacea, it is important to define it and how it differs from acne itself.

What is acne rosacea?

In general terms, rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes redness on the face, focusing on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.

Acne rosacea, also known as papulopustular rosacea, is a subtype of rosacea and the second most common form. Alongside redness and heat symptoms, acne rosacea is associated with spots, pustules, and breakouts on your skin, where spots can contain pus and the skin may feel hot.

Distinguishing between acne and acne rosacea

Acne forms when hair follicles (pores) become clogged with dead skin cells and debris, causing spots on the skin. It is most prevalent during puberty and can vary in severity. One key distinguishing feature is the presence of open or closed comedones (blackheads or whiteheads) which are specific to acne and can appear anywhere on the face. The most common acne causes include bacterial growth, genetics, and hormonal fluctuations.

Acne rosacea, on the other hand, is characterised by intense flushing of the skin (erythema), accompanied by inflamed bumps such as spots and pustules. These bumps are red and swollen compared to regular acne bumps, which are swollen comedones that have turned into pus-filled cysts. Acne rosacea typically develops on the centre of the face, such as the medial cheeks and chin. It is mostly diagnosed in women over the age of 30 and can vary in severity.

Acne rosacea Triggers

Unlike acne, which is often triggered internally, such as during the menstrual cycle or due to medication changes, acne rosacea is triggered externally. If you notice symptoms to worsen after consuming certain foods or drinks e.g. alcohol, dairy products and spicy foods, or after temperature changes e.g. hot baths and sunlight exposure, you are quite possibly dealing with acne rosacea.

How to reduce symptoms of acne rosacea

While there are medications available to tackle rosacea and acne symptoms, we wanted to shed light on lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help reduce acne rosacea symptoms.

1. Identify and avoid triggers. Once you have found which activities or consumptions trigger your flare-ups, you should try to eliminate them from your everyday life.
2. Protect your face. Wear sunglasses and a hat if you’re going out during the day, especially in the summer. In cold and windy weather, wear a scarf. All year round, you should wear a broad-spectrum SPF30 or more, as it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Rosalique contains a 5* Rated broad spectrum SPF50, providing the optimal sun protection tailored to your skin.
3. Prioritise rosacea-friendly (not acne-friendly) skincare products. Many products for acne-prone skin can contain ingredients such as alcohol that are likely to irritate sensitive skin and cause flare-ups. Instead, aim to reduce skin redness with products containing gentle, yet active ingredients.
4. Cleanse twice a day. Some people with rosacea tend to avoid cleansing their face due to their irritated and sensitive skin. You should cleanse daily to remove excess dirt and oil. Aim to use a mild cleanser (not soap) and apply with your fingertips and lukewarm water. Make sure you pat (not rub!) your face gently with a clean, cotton towel to remove the product.
5. Treat your skin gently. It is important not to touch your face, especially with unwashed hands. When it comes to skincare or makeup, aim for non-comedogenic products that will not clog your pores. Rosalique contains 5 active ingredients that reduce redness and have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Due to these properties, our customers have reported a significant reduction in their acne rosacea symptoms. Rosalique also provides instant coverage through its unique micro-encapsulated technology, without clogging your pores, so you can create your preferred makeup look while also treating your skin.
6. Consider medication. Although Rosalique is fragrance-free, anti-inflammatory, non-comedogenic and protects against UV rays, it can still be difficult to apply on very textured skin. If you are struggling with severe cases of acne rosacea, we would advise you to consult your GP for using stronger rosacea treatments to help with pustules.

Find out more about Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-redness Miracle Formula SPF50 here.