Can I Exfoliate If I Have Rosacea?
In my view, exfoliation has minimal benefits even in healthy skin. In rosacea the risks of triggering a flare are much greater so I advise against it.
How to smooth texture without stripping?
Often, the best way to improve texture in rosacea-prone skin is not through direct exfoliation. Instead, focus on treatments that normalise skin cell turnover without irritation. Azelaic acid is excellent for this, as it has a mild keratolytic effect that smooths the skin while also reducing redness and inflammation. A prescription retinoid, introduced very slowly and applied with moisturiser, can also improve texture over the long term, but may require careful guidance from a dermatologist.
How can I help
I see patients in person in central London. An in person consultation allows me to examine the skin directly including features that are difficult to capture in a photograph such as 3-dimensional changes and textural change. This is the better option where the diagnosis is uncertain, where previous treatment has not been effective, or where a procedure is being considered. For more straightforward conditions such as acne and rosacea a remote consultation with clear photographs can be a good option.
Related articles
- A Simple Rosacea-Safe Skincare Routine
- Best Ingredients (and Worst Irritants) for Rosacea
- Retinoids for Rosacea
