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.
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