Acne Vs Rosacea (Difference, Causes, Treatment)

Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is an inflammatory skin condition where lesions (pimples) erupt when the hair follicles (pores) under the skin become blocked by oil and dead skin cells. 

There are skin cells called keratinocytes that line the hair follicle. Healthy skin sheds these skin cells. However, when the oil produced by the skin does not bring the keratinocytes to the surface of the skin, the skin becomes inflamed.

Therefore, the skin cells stick to the oil and the hair blocking the pores. This causes the bacteria that naturally live on the skin to become trapped in the plugged follicles causing acne to grow.

1. Papules- light-colored, dome-shaped outbreaks on the skin

2. Pastules- Red outbreaks that usually are white at the top and are filled with fluid

3. Nodules- Hard and bigger in size. This type of acne is stuck deeper into the skin

4. Cystic- Deep, painful acne which is irritated and painful to the touch and filled                   with liquid.

Acne can appear anywhere on the body. However, there are parts of the body where it is more common to show up. These parts include the face, neck, shoulders and upper back, and even the chest region. 

Many times where acne shows up is an indicator of what acne is linked to. For instance, if lesions are present on the bottom part of the face such as the chin or jaw, many times it is linked to hormonal changes.

There are different reasons for acne becoming a problem. Figuring out the reason can lead to a quicker solution. It is also important to know that the cause of acne can be defined differently depending on your view.

This means that on the surface acne is caused by either the buildup of skin cells or bacteria in the pore or the overproduction of oil. However, there is another problem that your body can be having that causes or triggers this baseline "cause" to happen.

Getting to the deeper, underlying cause will stop the problems that are causing the acne, if that makes sense. That is why I titled this section What triggers acne instead of what causes acne.

• Hormones- Changes in hormonal activity cause increased production of oil 
• Digestive Problems- When the digestive tract is not working properly, there is an imbalance of bacteria in the gut.
  • The nerves and blood pathways correspond with one another from the skin to the digestive tract to keep the body working properly. When digestion is out of balance, the proper balance of bacteria on the skin can become imbalanced as well.
  • Additionally, there is a certain bacteria known as C. acnes for short that is present in oily skin. This bacteria interacts with the other bacteria on the skin causing inflammation. 
• Diet- What you eat affects digestion. This will of course affect the skin as stated above.
• Medications- Medicines can alter the skin microbiome causing acne outbreaks.
• Family History- Genes play a role in how easily one's body can be prone to acne problems.
• Stress- When the body becomes stressed, the immune system is overloaded causing acne.
• Environment/Toxins- An overload of foreign invaders can trigger increased acne problems.

You may consider consulting a dermatologist for treatment options. Before deciding on a treatment option, think about the short-term and long-term effects. 

Many dermatologists may recommend the following: antibiotics, tropical medications including Dapsone, Azelaic acid or salicylic acid, creams with retinoids, oral contraceptives, or steroids.

These treatment options will not get to the root of the cause although they may temporarily help the problem or help the problem until the body stabilizes itself. However, it is important that the dermatologist examines all symptoms of the body because some treatment options work better depending on the problem.

This site of course opts for the natural treatment of acne because it works best with your body's natural chemistry to want to heal itself.

With that being said, some cases of acne are extreme and may benefit from a topical cream that is less invasive to the skin's microbiome until the body can get back to basline. For instance, salicylic acid and retinoids may be a good option if approved by a dermatologist.

The stress that living with acne can cause may make it more difficult for the body to heal. Therefore, decisions should be made according to the individual without negative judgment.

Natural Solutions:

Consulting with an aesthetician is an alternative route. The aesthetician can determine the skin's needs and provide natural options.

This is the route that I took when I had an outbreak of hives and acne. My skin was able to clear up, and my experience was fantastic. Make sure you find an excellent aesthetician to consult like I did.

• Microneedling
• Light Therapy
• Chemical Peel
• Herbal Treatments- topical or oral
• Vitamins
• Diet Changes

Often times acne will heal and disappear over time with a combination of above protocols. This is because the root cause of the body is being addressed. This will stop the overproduction of oil and blockage of pores which cause bacteria buildup.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that creates redness on the skin. This redness can appear rash-like. It often fluctuates in occurrence depending on what triggers it. 

The factors are unclear as to what exactly causes rosacea. However, environmental and health problems are often linked to symptom outbreaks. Also, these symptoms vary in severity, and they vary in combinations as they appear on the body.

1.  Erythematotelangiectatic- This type of rosacea is the hardest to treat. It is characterized by frequent flushing and the visibility of blood vessels.

2.  Papulopustular- Rosacea that is characterized by the appearance of redness with acne.

3.  Phymatous- Redness can be accompanied by thickened skin that is bumpy or swollen. It is usually located on the cheeks, forehead, eyelids, or the chin.

4.  Ocular- Dryness, itching, and tearing with redness around the eyes.

Rosacea is usually isolated to several common body parts which include the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead, and eyelid regions. 

The exact cause of Rosacea is not known. However, some factors trigger rosacea outbreaks. These vary among individuals and are most likely linked to deeper root causes.

Triggers Include:

• Health conditions involving a compromised immune system
• Diet - sensitivity to spicy food, excess sugar, etc.
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Medications
• Certains Cosmetics
• Creams and lotions with harsh chemicals
• Stress

Limiting the above triggers could help rosacea symptoms. Keeping a journal of food and drink intake with reactions or symptoms that occur immediately or up to 3 days after is helpful.

Consulting with a medical specialist is helpful to see if there are underlying conditions triggering rosacea.

Laser treatment is a proven and effective way to reduce rosacea. It helps reduce blood vessels, help with skin texture, and decreases redness.

Microneedling has also been shown to be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of rosacea.

Also, limit the use of lotions and beauty products that contain harmful chemicals.

Another helpful treatment is through an herbal protocol. Using herbs to stabilize and heal autoimmune problems should lessen the occurrence of rosacea.

Lastly, develop a routine that limits stress or adequately addresses stressful situations. This can include meditation, prayer, foot soaks with Epsom salts and magnesium, journaling, mindful walks, massages, etc.

1. Consult a specialist or thoroughly research from appropriate sources to determine your condition.
2. Keep a journal of daily routine and activities including food and drink intake, products used such as lotions, beauty, soaps, hair products, etc., cleaning supplies used along with the date and time, animal interactions or other allergy-based triggers, etc.
3. Label symptoms that occur up to 2-3 days after each day to narrow down what could be possible triggers.
4. Once you find a trigger, limit that trigger from your routine for a week to see if you notice an improvement. Only remove 1 possible trigger at a time to accurately assess if that product or item is bothering you.