It’s our hope that vitiligo should never stand in the way of you celebrating and loving your skin, and one way in which many of us express that love for our skin is through our skincare regime – we want our skin to look and feel healthy.

For people living with vitiligo it’s especially important to consider what treatments and products are used on their skin. There are cases in which vitiligo can be triggered by damage to the skin, which is why it is so important to try to avoid practices that might irritate skin. Vitiligo can be triggered by skin traumatised by being irritated, rubbed, or injured – something which is known as the Koebner phenomenon. This can lead us to have many questions in regard to what is best for our skin, some of which we try to answer below.

Exfoliators are skincare products designed to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and increase circulation. Many people say that exfoliating leaves their skin smoother and with a ‘healthy glow’, but is it safe if you have vitiligo? Exfoliators typically contain abrasive particles or chemical agents that help to improve skin texture and promote cell turnover and whilst it can be beneficial for many skin types and conditions, if you have vitiligo and wish to exfoliate it should be done gently and in moderation to avoid irritation.

If you have vitiligo or are concerned about the possibility of developing vitiligo, it’s essential to be gentle with your skincare routine. If you choose to exfoliate your skin, opt for gentle exfoliates designed for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive products that could potentially irritate your skin, and always speak to your dermatologist first.

Moisturisers can be helpful to maintain skin health, and vitiligo skin is no different in this regard. Some people have told us that their vitiligo skin can sometimes become dry, which can make their patches more noticeable and uncomfortable. Regularly applying a moisturiser can help minimise dryness and improve skin comfort. By hydrating the skin, you are improving it’s overall health and it may be less prone to irritation.

As with exfoliating, you should be careful to select gentle products. Hypoallergenic products can reduce the risk of skin irritation and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic options are often good choices. You may want to consider a moisturiser that has SPF included, we discuss on our other blog why sunscreen is important to protect vitiligo skin. It’s important to note that some moisturisers contain ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin, so try to avoid products with harsh chemicals, alcohol, or fragrances.

It’s the same considerations as selecting other skin products. Cleansing and toning can be beneficial to skin in removing toxins, preventing blemishes and keeping your skin clean and clear.  We know for people uncomfortable with other elements of their skin such as acne and ageing, and that these types of skin care feel really important.

Our key things to note here are to treat your skin gently and with care. Vitiligo-affected skin is often more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation, and excessive rubbing or friction can potentially worsen the condition or lead to discomfort. As before, select gentle products (including gentle towels).

We know you may have lots of other questions in relation to skin care, so please check out our blogs on hair removal, anti-ageing treatments, hair dying and tattooing.

If you have another questions then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team or post a comment below.