Can acne treatments be used for rosacea?

Rosacea andacne are two common but very different skin conditions. Yet they are sometimes confused in patients' minds: redness, pimples, inflamed areas... Faced with these apparent similarities, many wonder whether the same acne treatments can be used for rosacea. This article reviews the mechanisms of each pathology, the risks of confusion and the appropriate solutions.

---

1. Understanding rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, mainly localized on the face (cheeks, nose, forehead, chin). Main symptoms:

• Persistent redness or flushing.

• Small red papules or inflammatory pustules.

• Sensation of heat, burning or tingling.

• Dilatation of small vessels (telangiectasias).

Unlikeacne, rosacea is not caused by excess sebum or clogged pores. It results from chronic inflammation, often exacerbated by environmental, hormonal or dietary factors.

---

2. Key differences between acne and rosacea

This distinction is essential for choosing the right treatment, as not all acne treatments are compatible with rosacea.

---

3. Acne treatments and their compatibility

a. Topical retinoids

Vitamin A derivatives (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene) are highly effective foracne, but irritate the sensitive skin of rosacea sufferers. Their use can cause redness, burning and worsening of symptoms. They should therefore be avoided in active rosacea.

b. Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide eliminatesacne-causing bacteria and reduces blackheads and papules. However, for rosacea, it is too aggressive: it irritates the skin and intensifies redness.

c. Topical antibiotics

• Acne: clindamycin, topical erythromycin to reduce bacteria.

• Rosacea: certain antibiotics such as metronidazole, clindamycin or topical ivermectin are effective, but at specific concentrations and formulations.Acne products may be too concentrated or irritating.

d. Oral antibiotics

• Forsevere acne, tetracyclines (doxycycline, lymecycline) are often used in high doses.

• For rosacea, lower doses with an anti-inflammatory action are preferred. Acne doses are too strong and unnecessary, and can cause side effects.

---

4. Risks of using acne treatments on rosacea

• Severe irritation: redness, tingling, burning.

• Worsening inflammation: papules and pustules may become more visible.

• Skin imbalance: overtreatment of beneficial bacteria and the skin barrier.

• Ineffective results: some effective treatments foracne do not reduce the redness or telangiectasia of rosacea.

---

5. Treatments for rosacea

a. Gentle topical care

• Metronidazole-based gels or creams: reduce inflammation.

• Topical Ivermectin: acts on papules and pustules and has an anti-parasitic effect against Demodex folliculorum.

• Azelaic acid: anti-inflammatory and mildly antibacterial, well tolerated.

b. Low-dose oral antibiotics

• Tetracyclines (doxycycline, lymecycline) in anti-inflammatory doses, effective on inflammatory lesions without eliminating sebum.

c. Protection and complementary care

• Gentle cleaning, no harsh soaps.

• Appropriate moisturizing: soothing, non-comedogenic creams.

• Daily sun protection, as the sun exacerbates redness.

• Avoid known triggers: alcohol, spices, heat, stress, certain cosmetics.

---

6. Conclusion

Acne treatments are generally not suitable for rosacea, especially retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. Rosacea requires a specific approach, focused on reducing inflammation, protecting vessels and caring for sensitive skin.

Some antibiotics used in acne can be used in rosacea, but only in specific doses and formulations. The important thing is to consult a dermatologist to avoid aggravating symptoms and choose a safe, effective protocol.

In short, although acne and rosacea both present pimples, their pathophysiology is different. Confusing treatments can lead to severe irritation and disappointing results. An adapted routine, gentle skin care and targeted treatments can help control outbreaks and preserve skin health.