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Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and inflamed, red bumps similar to pimples. Often, rosacea flare-ups may be mistaken for another common skin condition- acne vulgaris. Although there are several subtypes of Rosacea, many rosacea patients have to deal with acne-like breakouts whenever they experience a flare-up. However, topical skincare products designed to treat acne vulgaris can aggravate the symptoms of Rosacea. Consulting with an expert, board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, is the best way to develop an acne rosacea treatment plan.

One of the most challenging aspects for a patient with inflammation, facial redness, or sensitive skin is understanding how to properly treat the pimples and papules on the skin’s surface. Rosacea flare-ups can manifest themselves as a simple acne breakout or develop into papulopustular Rosacea, ocular Rosacea, or, if untreated, can develop into rhinophyma. Understanding the underlying cause of any red bumps on the skin is essential in determining which treatment options are best to restore a healthy, clear, smooth complexion. If you suffer from acne-like breakouts, facial redness, visible blood vessels, or other symptoms of Rosacea, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is here to help.

Dr. Green is an internationally renowned expert in the field of dermatology, with over two and a half decades of experience treating some of the most discerning patients from around the world. Dr. Green customizes each patient’s treatment approach and is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will help you select the proper skin care regimen, oral and topical treatments, and any cosmetic procedures necessary to improve the condition of your acne rosacea. Whether it be VBeam® laser treatment, HydraFacials, or chemical peels, Dr. Green will help you achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy skin.

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Accutane for Acne, 1 and 5 months before and after

What does Rosacea look like?

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by facial redness/flushing, often accompanied by broken blood vessels and small red bumps that may resemble an acne breakout. Most commonly, Rosacea acne is found on the center of the face, including the bridge of the nose and the cheeks, the forehead, and the chin. Rosacea acne, also known as papulopustular Rosacea, is one type that can develop, explicitly associated with swelling akin to an acne breakout. Patients may also experience erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea, which is characterized by flushing and visible blood vessels – also known as the condition referred to as telangiectasias. The redness on the face can resemble a sunburn or blushing and feel itchy. More advanced cases of Rosacea may cause the skin to thicken, called Phymatous Rosacea. Some patients may experience another type of Rosacea that manifests as eye problems, known as ocular Rosacea, which causes redness and irritation in and around the eye.

What topical skincare products reduce the symptoms of Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that cannot be cured. However, topical skincare products can help reduce rosacea symptoms, including redness, inflammation, and the appearance of acne rosacea. One such product is a topical antibiotic, metronidazole, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, making the skin appear less puffy and swollen. Typically, Dr. Green will start by prescribing the topical antibiotic for 6-8 weeks and examine how well the treatment is working to determine the next steps for treatment. Azelaic acid can also address rosacea symptoms by reducing redness and the appearance of pimples on the skin’s surface. This naturally occurring medication can be prescribed by a dermatologist or acquired over the counter. However, it is always best to consult a dermatologist like Dr. Green before beginning Rosacea treatment. Brimonidine is another topical treatment that can address redness by temporarily shrinking the blood vessels below the skin’s surface. When applied once per day, the results of topical Brimonidine remain visible for up to 12 hours. Another treatment with anti-inflammatory effects is Metrogel or Metronidazole cream, which reduces swelling associated with Rosacea and can also stop the growth of bacteria on the skin’s surface. After your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will determine the topical treatment that will be most effective for you.

What is acne rosacea (papulopustular rosacea)?

Papulopustular Rosacea, commonly known as acne rosacea, is a subtype of Rosacea characterized by small red bumps across the skin’s surface. Most commonly found on the cheeks, chin, and forehead, acne Rosacea may result in as many as 40 bumps spread across the face. While these blemishes may look similar to a breakout of traditional acne, they are, in fact, different. Traditional acne occurs when the pores on the skin become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and other debris from the skin’s surface, causing whiteheads or blackheads. In some acne breakouts, the blemish can become infected with bacteria or filled with pus, leading to inflammatory acne. The cause of acne Rosacea is unknown, though there are biological and environmental risk factors that can lead to an outbreak. The appearance of papulopustular Rosacea also differs from traditional acne in that blemishes caused by Rosacea are often accompanied by visible blood vessels and a diffuse redness across the face. Traditional acne, on the other hand, usually only has visible redness around the blemishes themselves.

Is rosacea treatment and acne treatment the same?

While there may be some overlap in treatment options, Rosacea and traditional acne should be treated differently. Acne Rosacea and traditional acne can look very similar, and sometimes, patients with acne Rosacea believe they are experiencing a breakout of acne vulgaris. Patients must be careful, however, as some treatments that are safe and effective for acne vulgaris can worsen the symptoms of Rosacea. Patients with Rosacea often have susceptible skin, so acid-based therapies that are safe and effective for acne vulgaris treatments in most of the population can further irritate and exacerbate Rosacea symptoms. Some treatments for acne vulgaris overlap with treatments for Rosacea, including V-Beam laser treatment, which can reduce redness in both skin conditions. The most critical first step for both acne vulgaris treatment and Rosacea treatment is to consult an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, who can correctly identify your skin condition and determine the treatment that will be safest and most effective for you.

Do I have Rosacea or acne?

When assessing whether a patient is dealing with acne or acne rosacea, it is essential to consult a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. There are many ways in which skin diseases, such as acne, develop. Acne typically develops due to a variety of genetic factors. It is caused by a combination of the body’s natural oil production, bacteria on the skin’s surface, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and create blemishes. Although also linked to genetics, Rosacea can be exacerbated by various environmental factors. The first signs of Rosacea typically develop as redness or itchiness on the skin’s surface with prominent blood vessels. There are four main subtypes of Rosacea:

Subtype 1: Eurerythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

Subtype one is defined by erythema (facial redness), flushing, and visible small blood vessels.

Subtype 2: Papulopustular Rosacea

Subtype two is marked by acne-like breakouts and a characteristic inflammatory response on the skin’s surface. This is the most common form of Rosacea, also called acne rosacea.

Subtype 3: Rhymatous Rosacea

Subtype three, also called rhinophyma, is a rare type of Rosacea where the facial skin thickens and most commonly happens on the nose. Characteristically, W.C. Fields was thought to have rhinophyma, which can develop when Rosacea is not controlled.

Subtype 4: Ocular Rosacea

Subtype four is characterized by eye irritation, redness around the eyes, and swollen eyelids. Patients may develop scales and crusts on the eyelashes, which can be misdiagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis. Additionally, patients may see symptoms and think they are dealing with styes when, in fact, they are dealing with ocular Rosacea.

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Female treated with VBeam and Thermage

What do rosacea pimples look like?

Rosacea pimples appear most commonly on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. Characterized by redness that diffuses the whole face, rosacea pimples often manifest as many inflamed blemishes that may or may not be filled with pus. Usually, blood vessels are visible under the skin in the affected area, further contributing to skin discoloration. General swelling and inflammation may appear on the face surrounding the blemishes.

Why rosacea acne happens

According to research published in the National Library of Medicine (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), the specific cause of Rosacea acne is still unknown. It is unclear if Rosacea is an autoimmune disease, meaning that patients with Rosacea have an overactive immune system that attacks the body’s tissues and organs. An overactive immune system may be why patients with Rosacea are susceptible to environmental factors that trigger the condition, such as certain foods, climate conditions, stress, and sun exposure. Research has also demonstrated that patients with a family history of Rosacea are more likely to experience Rosacea than those without, suggesting a possible genetic link.

What are common rosacea triggers?

For many patients dealing with cases of Rosacea, it can be helpful to highlight rosacea triggers or environmental factors that may be causing a flare-up. One of the main differences between acne rosacea and traditional acne is the factors that can lead to a flare-up or breakout. When it comes to traditional acne lesions, the skin tends to experience a breakout during hormonal shifts or when a significant medication or skincare routine has shifted (i.e., not washing up immediately after exercise, using a pore-clogging moisturizer, etc.).

While changes in the body often cause acne, Rosacea is typically triggered by certain irritants. According to The National Rosacea Society, these triggers can be environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, sun exposure, emotional stress, irritation from coronavirus face masks, or dietary triggers such as alcohol, hot beverages, or spicy foods. The condition may also be linked to genetics, meaning those with a family history of Rosacea are more likely to develop symptoms. Additionally, patients dealing with acne rosacea may experience further skin irritation when using harsh skincare products or cleansers, such as those relying on retinol or certain acids.

Though many of these triggers are associated with the onset of a rosacea flare-up, some factors can worsen your symptoms. These include the skin mite Demodex folliculorum, which carries the bacterium Bacillus oleronius, the gut bacteria Helicobacter pylori (commonly referred to as h. pylori), and the protein cathelicidin, which is typically used by the body to protect the skin from infection.

What triggers rosacea pimples?

Where traditional acne is caused by clogged pores, improper hygiene, and hormonal shifts, Rosacea pimples have complex risk factors and triggers. The exact cause of Rosacea is unknown, but several environmental and lifestyle factors can trigger the onset of Rosacea pimples, including:

  • Extreme heat
  • Extreme cold
  • Sun exposure
  • Dietary triggers (alcohol, hot beverages, spicy foods)
  • Emotional stress
  • Harsh skin products

Rosacea pimples may also occur due to high concentrations of Demodex filliculorum skin mites, the gut bacteria h. pylori, and the protein cathelicidin.

Is Rosacea a form of acne?

Rosacea is similar to acne vulgaris but is not the same skin disease. Rosacea can, however, cause acne-like breakouts of inflamed, pus-filled lesions. Although there are some similarities between the symptoms of Rosacea and acne, there are also some critical differences between the two skin conditions. For instance, the red bumps associated with a rosacea flare do not develop due to pores clogging with excess sebum and dead skin cells. Breakouts of acne vulgaris typically include whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, nodules, pustules, and papules that form due to excess sebum clogging the pores. Additionally, Rosacea tends to cause diffuse facial redness, whereas redness associated with acne vulgaris usually surrounds the pimples.

What is the difference between acne vulgaris and acne rosacea?

Acne vulgaris is typically characterized by papules, pustules, pimples, comedones, and facial cysts. While pimples can accompany Rosacea, it does not generally present as comedones, also seen as blackheads and whiteheads. Comedones are typically caused by debris and oil trapped within facial pores. Patients who observe small black or white dots at the center of a pore or red bump are typically experiencing acne lesions rather than Rosacea.

For patients dealing with subtype 2 of Rosacea, the clinical presentation of Rosacea can appear very similar to traditional acne vulgaris breakouts. Rosacea flares typically present with pustules, redness, oily skin, sensitive skin, raised patches, facial telangiectasia, and broken blood vessels. The symptoms and presentation of acne and Rosacea are similar, as are the treatments involved.

Can Rosacea cause acne?

Acne rosacea is named for its common symptom: raised red pumps and pustules on the skin’s surface. Though acne rosacea does not spark traditional acne, it can create red bumps on the skin, sometimes filled with pus, that look similar to ordinary acne lesions. Acne vulgaris can sometimes lead to infections deep under the skin’s surface, creating large red bumps or cysts. In severe cases of Rosacea, inflammation, and irritation can lead to raised bumps that resemble cystic acne, making it difficult for patients to determine what is happening with their skin. When you work with Dr. Green, she can examine your current skin condition and review your medical history and daily patterns to determine the best treatment options for your acne rosacea.

Why do you get acne rosacea?

The cause of Rosacea is not always clear, as Rosacea is typically triggered by environmental factors that will lead to an onset of rosacea symptoms. However, some common risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing Rosacea. Age tends to be a common factor, with most cases of Rosacea affecting patients between 30 and 50. Patients with fair skin are most commonly affected, and those with Scandinavian or Celtic ancestry have an increased risk of developing Rosacea. Additionally, women are more likely to develop Rosacea than men.

How do you get acne rosacea?

Rosacea is a fairly common condition that affects nearly 14 million Americans. However, though common, Rosacea is not contagious and cannot be caught by contacting someone with the condition. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, though research suggests that there may be a genetic link, as those with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop Rosacea. Suppose you know that someone in your family experiences Rosacea. In that case, it may be best to avoid common triggers, such as extreme temperatures, inflammatory foods like spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol, and sun exposure. Some researchers believe that Rosacea may be an autoimmune disorder caused by an overactive immune system, though evidence is inconclusive.

Why does Rosacea cause acne?

Recent research published by the National Rosacea Society suggests that acne vulgaris breakouts are more common in patients with Rosacea. Though the exact reason for this is unknown, studies indicate that Rosacea can contribute to a change or increase in sebum production, which is the oil on the skin’s surface. Increased sebum concentration on the skin can clog the pores, leading to breakouts of acne vulgaris. Patients with Rosacea should take extra care to cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin clean and hydrated and prevent acne breakouts.

Can thyroid problems cause acne rosacea?

Many factors can lead to a flare-up of Rosacea, and research has demonstrated that thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism, may co-occur in patients with Rosacea. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormones, which can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. According to published research, a co-morbidity could exist between Rosacea and hypothyroidism. Other studies have also shown that Rosacea may be linked to increased production of thyroid autoantibodies, which erroneously target one’s tissues. As such, evidence suggests that thyroid problems can often be apparent in patients experiencing Rosacea.

Are Rosacea and Lupus related?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 200,000 Americans and attacks the body’s tissues and organs, including the kidneys, skin, and joints. One potential symptom of Lupus is a red rash across the nose and cheeks, known as a Malar rash. The redness, inflammation, and skin irritation can look a lot like Rosacea, causing the two to be confused by some patients. However, while Rosacea is also characterized by a rash on the nose and cheeks, redness caused by Rosacea is typically accompanied by blemishes that look like acne and visible blood vessels. In contrast, redness caused by Lupus has a raised border. Research has not demonstrated any relationship between Rosacea and Lupus, though a person could have both at once.

What causes rosacea pimples?

The exact cause of Rosacea in patients is up for debate, and scientists have not yet definitively determined that suspected risk factors will always lead to a rosacea acne outbreak. However, certain risk factors have been shown to correlate with acne rosacea breakouts. For example, having a family history of Rosacea makes the development of Rosacea more likely. Additionally, some patients who experience Rosacea have higher densities of certain mites, including demodex folliculorum, which lives on the skin’s surface, or the intestinal bug H. pylori. While the exact cause of the condition is not yet known for sure, many potential environmental and biological factors can cause acne rosacea to flare up, including sudden exposure to heat, such as sunlight or a hot bath, alcohol consumption, stress or anxiety, the cold, spicy foods, and some medications, such as specific blood pressure medication. Patients can help to reduce the likelihood of a rosacea flare-up by avoiding their triggers.

Where does rosacea acne appear?

A common question patients ask is, “Where does Rosacea appear on the body?” The answer is that Rosacea acne is most commonly found on the center of the face, including the bridge of the nose and the cheeks, the forehead, and the chin. The neck and chest may also be affected by rosacea symptoms, though this is less common. If acne rosacea remains untreated, symptoms such as facial redness and red bumps may worsen over time and, in severe cases, may cause the nose to become misshapen (rhinophyma). Ocular Rosacea is a subtype that affects the eyes and eyelids, causing dryness and irritation.

Rhinophyma

For patients with raised bumps on the nose, this may be a symptom of acne or rhinophyma, rosacea subtype three. Rhinophyma is a rare form of Rosacea that typically centers around the nose, leading to facial redness, thickened facial skin, and red bumps. This form of acne rosacea stems from cases of severe Rosacea that are left untreated and particularly common in men 50 to 70 years of age.

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Female treated for acne – 8 months before and after

How can you get rid of rosacea acne?

While there is no cure for Rosacea, several treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and methods for preventing flare-ups. The best way to get started with developing a treatment plan for your Rosacea is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green is an expert in dermatology with over 25 years of experience creating customized treatment plans for some of the most discerning men and women from around the world. She is consistently voted one of the best physicians in New York City by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, the New York Times, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. She will work with you to develop an acne rosacea treatment plan best suited to your skin condition.

What helps rosacea pimples?

Though Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can often flare up and fade in cycles, Rosacea can effectively be treated in various ways. Typically, patients will use a combination of photodynamic treatments, laser treatments, medications, and skin care products to reduce the appearance of rosacea symptoms.

When treating Rosacea, Dr. Green emphasizes treating three significant factors: skin inflammation, the appearance of flushed skin or redness, and the restoration of healthy, glowing skin. Dr. Green feels that patients dealing with Rosacea should be able to leave her office with more nutritious, happier skin than before the initial onset of symptoms. She works carefully with each patient to highlight potential triggers or irritants to the skin moving forward.

Rosacea with cystic acne

In severe cases of acne rosacea, the inflammation and irritation of the skin can lead to significant, painful red bumps that look similar to cystic acne lesions. Rosacea is a skin condition associated with an inflammatory response on the skin’s surface; it tends to present with larger areas of facial redness and raised patches surrounding a protruding pimple. However, in some cases, patients may be dealing with acne rosacea and acne vulgaris, which must be treated carefully to prevent worsening skin irritation or further infection.

Suppose you think you may have a case of severe acne rosacea or breakout of cystic acne vulgaris. In that case, seeking treatment from a healthcare professional with the expertise and experience required to treat your skin condition appropriately is essential. Dr. Green has extensive knowledge of the different skin conditions and can work with you to develop a treatment plan that will heal your skin and lower the risk for unwanted side effects such as acne scars to achieve a healthy, smooth, clear complexion that lasts.

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VBeam – 2 months before and after

How to calm rosacea acne

A wide range of treatment options for rosacea breakouts is available at Dr. Green’s private, boutique dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. The first step in getting the best acne rosacea treatment plan will be to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Green. During your consultation, she will assess your skin condition and recommend the treatment plan that best meets your unique skin care needs. Acne rosacea treatment plans can include in-office treatments, such as the VBeam pulsed laser to reduce redness and telangiectasia, intense pulsed light therapy, which can decrease spider veins and the flushed appearance of the skin, and photodynamic therapy to address the acne-like breakouts. Dr. Green may also prescribe an oral medication, such as the antibiotics tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, or erythromycin, or topical medications that contain azelaic acid, metronidazole, or sodium sulfacetamide. Dr. Green will consider your current condition and personal aesthetic goals when determining the best acne rosacea treatment plan.

How to get rid of rosacea acne bumps/ pustules

To prevent your skin condition from worsening, it is essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City, if you are suffering from a flare-up of acne rosacea. Mild to moderate breakouts of rosacea pustules can often be successfully treated with a topical treatment. More severe symptoms are often treated with topical and oral medications. Using the wrong rosacea treatments can increase skin irritation and aggravate the Rosacea.

What is the best treatment for rosacea acne?

There are many different treatment options for addressing the various symptoms of Rosacea. The best treatment for your acne rosacea will vary depending on your symptoms. Often, topical treatments are the first to be recommended for mild symptoms of Rosacea. Oral medications are typically reserved for treating moderate to severe symptoms of Rosacea. When you consult with Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to create a customized acne rosacea treatment plan best suited to your unique needs and skin condition.

Will acne cream help Rosacea?

Patients must be careful about using products designed to treat acne vulgaris on skin with Rosacea. Often, acne vulgaris treatment products contain acids such as salicylic acid and retinol, which can be too harsh for skin made extra sensitive by Rosacea. Applying these products can worsen rosacea symptoms, so it is essential to consult an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, before attempting to treat Rosacea with topical products.

Acne rosacea topical skincare treatments

First and foremost, patients with Rosacea must use gentle cleansers and non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizers. Additionally, as sun exposure is a common trigger for many rosacea patients, Dr. Green recommends using a daily, high-SPF sunscreen or SPF moisturizer. From there, Dr. Green prescribes specific topical antibiotics and treatments to apply for a treatment course. These treatment options include:

  • Azelaic acid– is a gel that treats the papules, pustules, and inflammatory components of Rosacea.
  • Metrogel®, or Metronidazole, is a standard rosacea antibiotic medication that prevents and treats facial Rosacea and redness.
  • Mirvaso® (Brimonidine) gel, a topical, once-daily medication that narrows blood vessels to reduce redness from Rosacea
  • Soolantra® (Ivermectin) is an excellent option to treat Rosacea’s inflammatory and erythema components.
  • Vitamin C Serum, an excellent antioxidant that reduces facial redness rejuvenates the face, and is available online here.

Oral medications for rosacea treatment

A standard rosacea treatment option is oral antibiotics, including doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline. Dr. Green typically prescribes Doxycycline (Oracea) for facial or acne Rosacea. In the case of severe acne rosacea, Dr. Green may recommend Isotretinoin (Accutane) to heal the skin from breakouts of chronic pustules or blemishes due to acne rosacea. Isotretinoin is more commonly used to treat acne vulgaris, but it can be an effective method to treat acne rosacea in some cases.

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Female treated for acne with Accutane: 5 months

In-office acne rosacea treatment options

Dr. Green offers a myriad of photodynamic and laser therapies that can help to soothe and smooth the appearance of the skin without the need for downtime for in-office acne rosacea treatment. The VBeam Pulsed Dye laser is one of the most popular rosacea treatment options, as it’s able to remove redness and visible blood vessels quickly and effectively. Additionally, the VBeam laser can shrink the size of blood vessels, preventing further redness from developing. Dr. Green also offers Sciton Intense Pulsed Light therapy for Rosacea, which can be used to reduce the appearance of redness, broken blood vessels, and pigmentation on the skin’s surface.

Photodynamic therapy uses a photosensitizing molecule and intense blue light to heal and soothe the skin. This treatment is an excellent option for patients with active acne lesions, Rosacea, and psoriasis, among other skin conditions. Another light treatment that can be highly effective is that of Red and Blue Light Therapy, which is a form of LED light therapy that can reduce redness, as well as fine lines and wrinkles, from the skin’s surface.

Light therapy can be a complementary treatment with HydraFacials. This medical-grade facial uses a three-step process of cleansing, exfoliating, and infusing nourishing serums to repair the skin and reduce the appearance of Rosacea. For patients struggling with Rosacea, Dr. Green applies Rozatrol with HydraFacial, which can reduce the redness commonly caused by Rosacea. HydraFacials are also an excellent option for patients struggling with a combination of rosacea and acne vulgaris and those looking to treat discoloration and facial wrinkles.

Why is my Rosacea getting worse?

Several triggers may exacerbate the various symptoms of Several triggers may exacerbate the multiple symptoms of Rosacea, and if left untreated, the skin condition can worsen. The triggers that cause a rosacea flare-up may differ from person to person. However, some of the most common triggers can include environmental conditions, such as being too hot or too cold, which can be triggered by sunlight, a hot bath, or cold wind, certain types of food or drink, such as alcohol or spicy foods, and emotional states, such as high stress or anxiety.

Certain skincare products, including some makeup or hair care products, may cause irritation and a rosacea flare-up. Additionally, using skincare products traditionally used to treat acne breakouts to treat symptoms of Rosacea can cause skin irritation to worsen. The ingredients in many acne-fighting skincare products, including salicylic acid and retinol, are too harsh for individuals with Rosacea, ultimately aggravating their skin condition. To understand how to treat your Rosacea best, getting a diagnosis and developing an acne rosacea treatment plan with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, is essential.

Will acne rosacea go away?

Unfortunately, when left untreated, Rosacea is a skin condition that often gets worse instead of better. Rosacea can advance such that the symptoms go beyond flushing, redness, and bumps on the skin’s surface. Advanced cases of Rosacea can lead to thickened skin. Rosacea has no cure, but treatment can help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Luckily, there are many ways to treat rosacea acne, and a wide variety of options are available at Dr. Green’s private NYC dermatology office, including in-office procedures, such as laser treatment, intense pulsed light therapy, and photodynamic therapy, oral medications such as doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline, and topical medications. Dr. Green will work with you to develop an acne rosacea treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Should you pop rosacea acne?

Some patients wonder, “Should you pop rosacea pimples?” and the answer is no. Popping any pimple – rosacea or acne vulgaris – can cause significant and lasting damage to the skin. When patients pop a traditional pimple, the infection can spread to other areas of the skin, worsening the infection and increasing irritation. If a rosacea blemish is popped, it can significantly increase irritation and inflammation, potentially leading to permanent scarring. Permanent scarring can be even more challenging to treat than the Rosacea itself, which is why patients should always consult with Dr. Green on rosacea treatment before attempting anything at home.

How to prevent rosacea pimples

While the exact cause of rosacea pimples is unknown, several risk factors can be mitigated by creating easy lifestyle changes. First, following a skincare routine with gentle products that will not further irritate the skin is essential. This can include a gentle cleanser and toner, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and any topical medications prescribed by Dr. Green. Additionally, sun exposure can contribute to rosacea outbreaks, so practicing strict sun exposure is imperative. Dr. Green recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to be reapplied every 90 minutes that you are outside. Avoiding other environmental triggers, such as extreme heat and cold, and other irritants, such as spicy foods, hot drinks, alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes, can also reduce the likelihood of a rosacea breakout.

Does retinol help acne rosacea?

Retinol, derived from vitamin A, is a common skincare ingredient that accelerates the rate of skin cell turnover and stimulates new collagen production. Many anti-aging skincare products contain retinol, as it improves the overall appearance of the skin tone and texture. Although retinol is often used to treat acne vulgaris, it can worsen an active flare-up of acne rosacea. However, for patients who are currently experiencing clear skin, retinol and retinoids can help prevent future flare-ups, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Nevertheless, as retinol does not work well for everyone and can worsen active rosacea symptoms, it’s best to work closely with Dr. Green to determine whether incorporating retinol into your skincare routine is the right choice.

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Male treated with VBeam for Rosacea

How to get started with acne rosacea treatment today?

Although Rosacea is a common skin condition, the presence of facial redness, pimples, and other frustrating skin problems associated with Rosacea can negatively impact one’s overall quality of life and self-esteem. Although rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can not be cured, many acne rosacea treatment options are available for reducing breakouts, facial redness, and other symptoms of rosacea. Luckily, Dr. Green offers a host of treatment options in her private dermatology office that can effectively manage the various symptoms of Rosacea.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing her patients worldwide with the best non-invasive treatment options, including managing rosacea. Dr. Green is consistently voted as one of the best healthcare providers in New York by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to develop a customized acne rosacea treatment plan best suited to address your specific skin concerns. To learn more about Rosacea treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green by calling the NYC-based office at 212-535-3088 or contacting us online.

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