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“Effective Skincare Tips for Using Retinol with Rosacea”
Beauty

“Effective Skincare Tips for Using Retinol with Rosacea”

27 March 2025


Can you Use Retinol with Rosacea?




Finding a skincare routine at the best of times can be tricky, let alone when you prone to flare-ups in rosacea. It can often feel like an impossible task finding ingredients that can keep your complexion looking and feeling its best. With that in mind, I wouldn’t blame you for scratching your head with slight confusion when you hear how using retinol can help combat rosacea. Yes, admittedly it doesn’t really add up using one of the most potent skincare ingredients topically on a skin that is suffering from rosacea, known for making your skin feel tight, dry, and uncomfortable.



Don’t worry though as we will make everything a lot clearer by the end of today’s blog post, so stick around if you want to know whether you can use retinol with rosacea.




Will retinol make rosacea worse?



The short answer is no, it won’t, even though common belief and misunderstanding of how retinol works may make you feel it is a recipe for disaster. Quite often many think retinol exfoliates the skin when in fact it increases the speed of the skin cell cycle, pushing away the build-up of dead skin cells and revealing fresh, vibrant skin giving you a glowing complexion. This is why using retinol with rosacea will benefit the areas suffering from inflammation as they will be significantly reduced. Having said that, if your skin is particularly sensitive it is best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you are using the correct concentrate that will benefit the skin and prevent any unwanted reactions.




Can you use retinol cream on rosacea?



Yes, you can, so long as you have checked with a dermatologist or medical professional that it is safe to do so. As I have already mentioned, by applying a topical cream or lotion containing retinol you are able to reduce any inflammation or flare-up of rosacea. To help combat any further potential severe dryness, team your retinol cream by applying a serum beforehand packed with hyaluronic acid and other hydrating and skin-repairing ingredients.




One important point to remember with retinol is that it must be introduced in the correct way. You do this by starting with one application a week during your evening routine, you then need to allow the skin to build tolerance and work your way up to every other evening. If this is new information for you and you’re finding retinol a little confusing to understand you can check out our dedicated blog post about the skincare benefits of retinol.



What retinol is best for rosacea?




When you first start using retinol to combat rosacea flare-ups it is advisable to use formulas that are available over the counter. The reason for this is because the percentage of retinoid used in the product is lower than the other more potent formulas that are medical grade or prescription only.



Try to find formulas that are light-weight and are in a serum or oil consistency especially if there are other hydrating ingredients included in the blend as this will not only help calm the inflammation of the skin surface, but you will also ensure the protective skin barrier is strengthened with the correct levels of water. The reason this is important is because when the skin barrier is weakened skin damage caused by exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, central heating and UV rays will result in signs of ageing, uneven skin tone and loss of elasticity.




What should you not use on your face if you have rosacea?



There are several skincare ingredients that should be avoided when you are prone to rosacea flare-ups. Here are examples of the worst ingredients that should not be used:




Glycolic acid



Lactic acid




Alcohol



Fragrance




You’ll find that these ingredients are often found in skincare products such as toners, astringents, and cleansers. To avoid aggravating the problem the best thing to do is to never use toners and switch to cleansers that are gentle and non-foaming.



How do you calm down a rosacea flare-up?




If you find you are suffering from a rosacea flare-up here are some of the easiest and most effective steps to take to help combat the inflammation and soothe irritated skin.



Switch to a gentle cleanser- Ensure you are using lukewarm water and massage the cleanser onto your skin very carefully. Once you have finished dry the skin by using a soft towel and patting gently.




Moisturise daily- In fact, moisturise twice a day to ensure you are maintaining effective skin health, especially if you opt for a formulation that is packed with hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients.



Avoid using harsh products- Even the gentlest formulas of face scrubs will be too much for the skin. Therefore, you should avoid using products, such as face scrubs and exfoliating toners.




Use sun protection every day- Even days that are gloomy and overcast it is still very important to use a daily SPF. This will protect the skin from exposure to UVB and UVA rays as well as other environmental aggressors and free radicals.



Test your makeup before applying it to the face- Quite often you’ll find that makeup formulas contain a lot of fragrance which can cause rosacea to worsen. Before applying any foundations or any makeup test it by dabbing a small amount next to the inflamed area of skin. If there are no signs of the rosacea becoming worse, you are safe to apply the makeup to your face.




How long do the retinol uglies last?



The retinol uglies are a term used by many to describe the side effects of applying retinol to the skin for the first time. When building the skin’s tolerance, you’ll find there are areas of flaky patches of skin, slight redness, itchiness, and the skin will feel dry and uncomfortable. There is no escaping the uglies and it is considered something that you just must wait out, some find they last a week, some closer to three weeks. You can help combat and soothe any areas with hyaluronic acid to give the skin a boost in hydration.




There you have a little information about using retinol when you have rosacea, don’t forget if you have any concerns with using certain skincare products its best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist. For any other skincare related questions you can come and follow us on Instagram.













DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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