Spots, breakouts, and other similar skin problems don’t just happen to teenagers. While their changing hormones make their skin more likely to suffer from issues, people of any age or gender can experience skin problems at any time. Two of the most common skin problems reported in the UK are acne and rosacea.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that causes your hair follicles to become plugged with dead skin cells and oils. This blockage leads to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Cases of acne can range from mild (a few minor breakouts now and then) to severe (large, hard, painful pustules that can leave scars).

Symptoms of Acne

Acne is often accompanied by oily, shiny skin with spots appearing on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. The spots can be:

• Blackheads (open clogged pores reflecting light)
• Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)
• Small red bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules with pus at the crown)
• Large, hard, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
• Pus filled with painful lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)

What is Rosacea?

If the skin on your face tends to flush and blush or has visible blood vessels, you might have a condition called rosacea. Most common in middle-aged white women, rosacea flare-ups can occur for weeks or months at a time. In addition to rosy cheeks, rosacea may also produce acne-like bumps on the face.

Symptoms of Rosacea

Rosy cheeks
Facial blushing and flushing
Visible veins in the face
Swollen, pus-filled pimples that look like acne and have pus
Facial skin that feels hot to the touch
Thickened skin on the nose

Causes of Acne

Acne can be caused by a wide range of factors including genetics, hormonal changes, diet, and some medications or medical conditions. Touching your face often and some cosmetics can lead to breakouts, especially when the latter isn’t fully removed from the face each night.

Causes of Rosacea

What causes rosacea is not fully understood, but it might be because of an overactive immune system, genetics, or environmental factors. Flare-ups can come and go, but there are a few common triggers that can cause one:

• Alcohol
• Exposure to the sun and warm temperatures
• Hot beverages
• Spicy foods
• Windy weather
• Cigarettes
• Exercise
• Some beauty products or perfumes

Rosacea and Acne Treatment

When it comes to acne, you might think you need to wash your face often to reduce the oil, however overwashing your face can cause even more damage. Follow a gentle cleansing ritual and be sure to remove any makeup or cosmetics at night.

Some people are able to treat their acne with over-the-counter products, but if your breakouts require more there are stronger medications available in the form of tablets and topical treatments.

• Lymecycline: An oral antibiotic that attacks bacteria and germs, including those that cause acne.
• Skinoren: A topical cream for acne that contains an active ingredient called azelaic acid. Zealand acid helps clear blocked pores and kills the bacteria on your skin causing acne.

For rosacea, treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms and can involve tablets, topical creams, or laser therapy. One of the most common medications for rosacea is Rozex, a proven topical gel, and cream.

• Rozex Gel and Cream: A topical treatment with metronidazole, an antibiotic that attacks the inflammation, outbreaks, and skin infections caused by rosacea.

Clear up your skin with Pharmacy Planet, where you can buy Rozex Gel and Cream, Lymecycline, and Skinoren online in the UK.