MEDICAL NEWS TODAY (11.11.24) Salicylic acid: Is it good for rosacea?
- Tina Gomez
- May 16
- 1 min read
“Salicylic acid acts as an excellent superficial exfoliant with an affinity for the sebaceous (or oil) glands, which are enlarged in rosacea,” said Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Houston, Texas.
She explained that because it can cause negative effects, salicylic acid’s exfoliant properties are only good for some people with rosacea and under certain conditions.
Can salicylic acid trigger rosacea or flare-ups?
Salicylic acid is a key ingredient in wart and acne medications. It may dry the skin, which can potentially cause a rosacea flare-up.
“If not applied correctly, it can lead to irritation in people with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rosacea,” Sartor said. “Patient selection is also important, as it may cause post-inflammatory increased pigmentation in those with darker skin complexions.”
