Wondering if it’s acne or rosacea? While both cause redness and bumps, acne typically involves blackheads and whiteheads, while rosacea often triggers flushing, visible blood vessels, and sensitivity. Discover common symptoms, how to spot the difference and choose the right skincare routine for each.
If you're dealing with persistent bumps or redness, you might wonder—is it acne or rosacea? While both conditions can cause breakouts and irritation, they’re actually very different in terms of causes, symptoms, and treatment. Knowing the difference is key to calming your skin without making things worse.
Acne is a common skin condition caused by clogged pores due to excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It typically appears as:
Common Causes:
Where It Appears:
Want a deeper dive? Check out:
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the central face. It often shows up as:
Common Triggers:
Where It Appears:
Learn more in Rosacea 101: Understanding Triggers & Treatments → blogpost/rosacea101
Unfortunately, yes—you can experience both conditions at the same time. This can make treatment tricky since many acne products are too harsh for rosacea-prone skin.
For Acne-Prone Skin:
Read: Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin That Won’t Clog Pores → blogpost/best-moisturizers-oily-skin-non-comedogenic-acne-safe
For Rosacea-Prone Skin:
Read: 6 Top Rated Cleansers for Sensitive Skin → blogpost/best-cleanser-for-sensitive-skin
Whether you're dealing with acne or rosacea (or both!), take the personalized skin quiz to get top-rated product recommendations tailored to your specific skin concerns.
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with acne, rosacea, or both—and OTC products aren’t helping—it's time to consult a dermatologist.
Prescription treatments like topical antibiotics, ivermectin, or laser therapy may be needed for rosacea, while acne might require topical or oral antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal treatments like spironolactone.
Acne typically includes blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples, while rosacea presents as redness, visible blood vessels, and small red bumps without clogged pores.
Yes! Rosacea bumps can look like pimples, but they lack blackheads and often come with persistent redness and flushing.
Common triggers include heat, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, and sun exposure.
Many acne treatments are too harsh for rosacea. Opt for gentle, non-comedogenic products and avoid strong acids unless directed by a dermatologist.
No, rosacea isn’t caused by oily skin. In fact, many people with rosacea have dry, sensitive skin.