Have you ever wondered?  If it’s Adult “Acne”, or is it the Acne-like “Rosacea”? 

We ask as we can’t help but notice that some of our clients have a difficult time figuring out what’s causing their breakouts.  Quite often, the red bumps and redness caused by rosacea are incorrectly determined to be acne. While both conditions share some similarities, there are several key differences, and  this is true for their treatment protocol(s). 

In this blog, we will discuss how to easily determine whether you have acne or rosacea, and which treatments will give you the most optimal results based on your skin type/condition.  

Why Rosacea Gets Misdiagnosed as Acne.. 

The confusion between Acne vs Rosacea is due to the several similarities between the symptoms of the two conditions. For the correct diagnosis, it is best to consult your dermatologists or esthetician. Alternatively, you can also answer the following questions:

1. Do you have a persistent flush, especially across the middle of the face and have visible blood vessels?
2. Is your skin extremely sensitive and reacts poorly to most skin products and sun exposure? 
3. Though you have redness, you don’t seem to have any whiteheads, blackheads, or painful cysts. 

If you answered a “Yes” to these 3 questions, it is highly likely you have Rosacea and belong to the Pitta Dosha skin group. 

Differentiating Between Rosacea & Acne

In its early stages, rosacea can look very similar to acne. Over time, these tiny red rosacea bumps can progress to larger, red blotches, and have deeper involvement in the skins’ intrinsic structure. In contrast, acne can be both non-inflammatory (blackheads and whiteheads) and inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts), and are more localized. 

Rosacea Signs & Symptoms

• Pimple-like breakouts/ bumps with redness and/or visible blood vessels (spider veins) but no blackheads. 
• Very sensitive skin – especially to skincare products, makeup, perfume, and toxic chemicals which can cause burning, redness, itching or stinging sensation. 
• Rosacea usually affects the face and the eyes, but may also extend to the scalp, neck, chest, and upper back. 
• More common in people between 25 to 55 years of age, however, it can also begin earlier depending on genetics and other triggers (learn more).  
• Other symptoms: skin thickening, dry or scaly skin, facial edema (or swelling), skin flushing. 

Acne Signs & Symptoms

• Acne can be of different types, like blackheads, pimples, whiteheads, or deep painful cysts and nodules. Or, unfortunately, all of the above. 
• It’s localized – Redness is only around the affected area. 
• Acne is more prone to oily skin (Kapha dosha) and is more noticeable around the forehead, nose, chin, jawline, and the T-Zone. 
• Once the acne clears, the skin may be left with bumpy texture along with acne spots/acne scars. 
• Usually affects the surface layer of the skin. 
• More common in teens or may occur as adult acne, mostly due to hormonal changes. 

Puraveda Organics Treatment for Acne

Maintaining good skin hygiene and proper exfoliation is a major contributor to keeping acne at bay. PVO’s recommended products for acne treatment include:

• For Oily Skin – Kapha Skincare Regimen (Pore Perfect Line – Cleanser, Hydrator/Toner, and BioScience Peptide Complex). 

[Note: If you have dry skin and acne, use the Vata Skin Care line instead – (Daily Foaming Cleanser, Daily Hydrator/Toner, and BioScience Peptide Complex)]. 

• Exfoliation – Papaya & Honey Exfoliation Mask & Scrub 
• For Instant Blemish-Relief – On the Spot Blemish Treatment (Day) with Bentonite/Kaolin Clay or On the Spot Blemish Treatment (Night) with French Green Clay. 

Puraveda Organics Treatment for Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition and can be efficiently managed with regular and lifelong use of gentle and pitta-friendly (cooling, anti-inflammatory, and nourishing) skincare products. Our SBR Line is especially designed to address the issue of rosacea. Serious results are usually seen within 14-28 days of use. Puraveda Organics recommended products for rosacea includes: 

• Step 1 – SBR Cleanser
• Step 2 – SBR Hydrator
• Step 3 – SBR Serum and BioScience Peptide Complex
• Step 4 – SBR Papaya & Honey Facial Mask

For detailed guidelines on how to use our SBR Treatment Line, click here. 

Editor’s Pro Tip: For both Acne and Rosacea treatment, SunProtect SPF 30+ daytime mineral sunscreen is an imperative preventive measure. This will protect your skin from aging UV rays and other environmental triggers that can worsen your condition. 

Bottomline

Both rosacea and acne are very common skin conditions. However, it is necessary to learn about your correct dosha or skin condition before opting for any of our treatments. The correct diagnosis will speed up the healing process and prevent your condition from worsening. Being made with natural, USDA approved,  organic and wildgathered Ayurvedic botanicals, our products provide seriously effective results within 60 days of use and come with a full money back guarantee. 

Read Next: FAQs on Rosacea and Your Complete Guide to Natural Acne Treatment.