Acne Rosacea: Causes, Triggers, and How to Calm Your Skin

Aug 28

Written By Diana

Acne Rosacea: Understanding, Managing, and Treating This Often-Misunderstood Skin Condition

Acne rosacea is a skin condition that’s close to my heart — because I live with a very mild form of it myself.
Years before I became a licensed esthetician, I overused harsh acne products, skipped SPF, and unknowingly damaged my skin barrier. That combination of over-drying and unprotected sun exposure left my skin more sensitive — and over time, it developed into mild rosacea.

Now, after years of learning, training, and caring for my own skin, I want to share what acne rosacea really is, what triggers it, and how it can be managed without making things worse.

What is Acne Rosacea?

Acne rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often presents with:

Persistent facial redness
Visible broken capillaries (telangiectasia)
Small, red bumps or pustules that can resemble acne
Flushing episodes triggered by heat, stress, or certain foods/drinks

While it may look similar to acne, rosacea is not caused by clogged pores or bacteria in the same way acne vulgaris is. Instead, it involves inflammation, vascular sensitivity, and sometimes an overgrowth of Demodex skin mites.

Common Rosacea Triggers

Rosacea flare-ups are highly individual, but some of the most common triggers include:

Sun exposure without SPF
Heat (weather, hot beverages, saunas, hot showers)
Alcohol, especially red wine
Spicy foods
Stress and lack of sleep
Overuse of harsh exfoliants or acne treatments

How to Treat Acne Rosacea

While there’s currently no “cure” for rosacea, it can be well-managed with the right approach:

1. Protect with SPF Daily
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the gentlest choice. They help reduce redness and prevent UV-related flare-ups.

2. Keep the Skin Barrier Strong
Focus on hydrating, barrier-repairing products — think ceramides, niacinamide, and soothing botanicals like green tea or chamomile.

3. Go Easy on Exfoliation
Avoid aggressive scrubs or high-strength acids. If exfoliation is needed, gentle enzyme treatments or mild lactic acid can be better tolerated.

4. Calm Inflammation
Look for anti-inflammatory ingredients like azelaic acid (also helpful for bumps and discoloration), colloidal oatmeal, and allantoin.

5. Consider Professional Treatments
Light-based therapies, soothing facials, and LED treatments can help with redness and inflammation when performed by a trained provider.

The Good Glow Approach to Acne Rosacea

In my treatment room, my goal is to calm the skin first, then support long-term resilience. For rosacea-prone skin, I take a “less is more” approach — focusing on:

Cooling, calming treatments
Mineral-based SPF
Gentle hydration layering
Avoiding known irritants and triggers

Rosacea skin thrives with consistency and kindness. Over-treating it will almost always backfire.

Final Thoughts

Acne rosacea can be frustrating, especially when it’s mistaken for traditional acne and treated too aggressively. But with the right daily habits, gentle professional care, and trigger awareness, it is absolutely possible to keep symptoms under control — and your skin glowing.

If you suspect you may have rosacea, consult a dermatologist for a diagnosis, then partner with an esthetician (me of course) to create a gentle, consistent care routine.

Stay glowing,
Diana
Founder, Good Glow Skin Therapy

Diana