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How to treat and exfoliate blemish-prone skin 

One of the many frustrating things about having blemish-prone skin is the amount of conflicting advice about exfoliating. Keep reading to find out how to exfoliate your blemish-prone skin properly, without all that rubbing and scrubbing.
25 Jan 2025


What to do when exfoliating: Tips for blemish-prone skin


We’ve all been guilty of scrubbing our face a bit harder or more frequently than necessary, in the belief that we’re cleaning our skin more thoroughly. However, over-exfoliating will lead to the skin drying out and becoming sensitive and uncomfortable. Discover some top tips for exfoliating below:

  • Be gentle: Be gentle with your skin, as otherwise you could irritate blemishes, increase sensitivity, or even increase inflammation.
  • Avoid using too many exfoliating ingredients at once: Make sure your skincare routine has ingredients that complement each other and you are not using too many exfoliating ingredients at once, as this could lead to sensitivity. Examples of exfoliating ingredients include Glycolic Acid (AHA), Lactic Acid (AHA), and Salicylic Acid (BHA).
  • Reduce the frequency: If you find your skin becoming overly dry, cut back on the amount of times you exfoliate. Always ensure to use the instructions on the packaging as a guidance.
  • Avoid physical exfoliants: Physical exfoliants can be rough on our face, instead, opt for a chemical exfoliant.
  • Choosing the right exfoliant for blemish-prone skin: La Roche-Posay’s best products.

Effaclar Clarifying Lotion is La Roche-Posay’s astringent toner, specifically formulated for sensitive skin which is oily and prone to blemishes and enlarged pores. It is enriched with the sebo-regulating micro-exfoliant LHA to gently exfoliate the skin and remove bacteria from the pores. Used after washing, this product helps to eliminate remaining excess oil, unblock pores and visibly reduce their size.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion against a clear texture image


What products should you use after exfoliating for blemish-prone skin?


It’s important to moisturise your blemish-prone skin after exfoliating. The process of exfoliating can be very drying to your skin and could lead to excess sebum being produced to compensate for this. Using a moisturiser is a great way to rehydrate your skin post-exfoliating.

Follow exfoliating with Effaclar Duo+M, La Roche-Posay’s anti-breakout moisturiser that unclogs pores to help prevent spots, whilst providing 24-hour hydration. This formulation delivers fast visible results in 8 hours* and up to 3 times less breakouts**.

A line of top-to-toe La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M


In conclusion, finding the right skincare routine for blemish-prone skin can be challenging, but the right product can help achieve clearer skin. Remember to be gentle when exfoliating and choose products that are specifically designed for blemish-prone skin. Try La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Clarifying Lotion, and Effaclar DUO+M for the best results.

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*Consumer test, 54 subjects, after 1 application.
**Clinical Study, 70 subjects, twice daily application to face, back & chest, 42 days.
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