Detailed answer

It is not recommended to exfoliate if you have a cold sore on your face. Exfoliation can potentially irritate the cold sore, causing it to worsen or take longer to heal. Additionally, exfoliating can spread the virus to other areas of the face. It's important to avoid any kind of physical or chemical exfoliation until the cold sore has completely healed. Instead, focus on keeping the area clean and moisturized, and consult a healthcare professional for appropriate cold sore treatment and management.