We all know if we have acne right? Well actually, acne is often misdiagnosed. People who suffer from Rosacea often think they have acne but they are two distinct conditions which require very different treatments. Using the incorrect skin care, acne cosmetics in particular on Rosacea will often cause your condition to worsen.

So how do you know your pimples acne and not Rosacea? Acne is a series of spots, whiteheads, blackheads and in severe cases cysts and pustules. It is caused by hormonal changes in your body leading to an overproduction of oils. Rosacea appears and looks a little like acne and is very common, affecting people between the ages of 25 and 60. It is incurable but treatable. Usually condition is redness on the nose, cheeks and forehead. Rosacea can look like pimples hence why some people mix the two conditions.

A lot of skin care and acne cosmetics have an exfoliant effect. With acne, you are trying to reduce the oil production and get rid of the dead skin cells blocking your pores. Most acne skin care products will contain at least a mild abrasive material to help get rid of the blackheads and whiteheads. This is a poor treatment for Rosacea as your blood vessels are already irritated i.e. weakened. Abrasive materials will cause an increase in redness, the opposite effect of what you are trying to achieve.

Using makeup when you have acne can be a minefield. On the one hand you are trying to cover up your pimples and blemishes. But the very materials used to do that may lead to an increase in your skin problems. You need to avoid all oil based cosmetics.
The process of applying makeup to cover acne can also spread infection as can touching your face too often. When we are self conscious of our pimples, we often subconsciously put our hands up to our face. We need to break this habit as this is one way of easily spreading infection.

You must always wash your face thoroughly after using any make up products as blocked pores will cause more pimples. Try and avoid wearing cosmetics every day – let your skin breathe once and a while.

Treat yourself to a deep cleansing mask or facial once every few days. Increase your consumption of fruit and vegetables and drink more water. Try and reduce alcohol consumption and leave the colas, coffee and other caffeine products alone.