Acne and rosacea
Acne is an inflammation of the hair follicle and the sebaceous gland, with blackheads, pimples and, in more severe cases, nodules that leave scars. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of the face, with persistent redness, visible blood vessels and sometimes acne-like bumps. Both can be treated and controlled with regular dermatologist follow-up.
Summary
- Consultation
- Examination of the face and body, history of past treatments and current medication
- Treatment
- Topical medication, oral medication or both; laser as support in selected cases
- Time to improvement
- Usually 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use
- Follow-up
- Every 4 to 8 weeks at first, then less often
- Lab tests
- Blood tests before and during isotretinoin, when prescribed
Who it is for
For teenagers and adults with pimples that keep coming back, marks or scars left by acne, and for people whose face turns red easily, whose skin stings with skincare products, or who have visible blood vessels on the cheeks and nose.
Adult female acne, which appears on the chin and jawline after age 25, is often related to hormones. In these cases the workup may include lab tests and input from your gynecologist.
How it works
At the consultation Dr. von Kossel examines your skin, classifies the type and severity of acne or rosacea and reviews what you have already used. You leave with a written plan that sets the order in which to use each product.
- Mild and moderate acne: a suitable cleanser and moisturizer, topical retinoids and antimicrobials, and a short course of oral antibiotics when there is inflammation.
- Severe or recurring acne: oral isotretinoin, with blood tests before and during treatment. Women need a reliable contraceptive method, because the drug can cause severe birth defects.
- Rosacea: control of triggers (sun, heat, alcohol, spicy food), topical and oral medication, and laser or light for visible vessels and persistent redness.
- Marks and scars: once acne is under control, fractional laser treats skin texture. See the laser page.
Care during treatment
Acne medication can dry out and irritate the skin. Use sunscreen every day and avoid squeezing blackheads and pimples, a major cause of scarring.
Frequently asked questions
Can acne be cured?
Acne tends to improve with age, and isotretinoin leads to long-term remission in many patients. If acne returns, maintenance treatment keeps it under control.
Is isotretinoin dangerous?
It has known side effects, such as dry skin and lips and changes in cholesterol and liver enzymes. That is why it is used with regular blood tests and follow-up. It must not be used during pregnancy.
Is rosacea an allergy?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of the facial skin. It gets worse with sun, heat, alcohol and some cosmetics, which can make it look like an allergy.
Last updated November 10, 2026 · Medical director (responsável técnica): Dr. Karen von Kossel, CRM-SP 107714 · RQE 58534