How is rosacea different from acne?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Rosacea and acne both cause inflamed skin lesions, but they differ in several key features: rosacea typically affects the entire central face, occurs later in life, often includes eye symptoms and visible blood vessels, and does not cause blackheads, whereas acne is usually found around lesions, appears earlier in life, and often includes blackheads.

    Both rosacea and acne can cause inflamed bumps, pimples, and nodules on the skin of the face. Use the table below to identify some distinguishing features:

    AcneRosacea
    RednessFound around lesionsAffects the entire central face
    AgeEarlier in life (usually seen during the pre-teen and teenage years)Later in life (usually seen in ages over 30)
    Eye symptomsNot usually presentOften present
    Visible blood vesselsNot usually presentOften present
    BlackheadsOften presentNot usually present

    Adapted from the American Academy of Dermatology Association