When using salicylic acid or other acne treatments, it may take 6-8 weeks to start noticing results. Anyone who does not see an improvement in their acne after this time may wish to contact a doctor or dermatologist for advice on alternative treatment options.
When it comes down to what percentage of salicylic acid is good for acne, here's our rule of thumb: Most skin types, especially normal to oily, can get away with using 2%. If your skin tends to be on the dry or sensitive side, start with a lower percentage or opt for the 2% but use it 2-3 times a week instead of daily.
2% is also considered the optimal amount for everyday use as it won't cause irritation or unwanted side effects. Word of caution, if you have a skin type that is sensitive, dry, or prone to certain skin conditions such as eczema, avoid using salicylic acid.
Salicylic Acid 02%
A daily gentle exfoliant with 2% salicylic acid that wards off blackheads and keeps your oils in check for that flawless matt look everyone dreams. Salicylic Acid is classified as BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acids. It is readily available in the market as an over-the-counter product.
The OTC salicylic acid was available at 1-5% concentrations used for gentle exfoliation and breakouts treatment. Salicylic acid 2% serum is for you if you have acne prone-skin and excessively oily skin. It helps reduce and prevents acne blemishes, smooth skin texture, and keeps the oils in check.
Is it okay to use salicylic acid every day? While it is okay to use salicylic acid every day, it could cause irritation. Many dermatologists, therefore, recommend using the acid in moderation, beginning by applying it three times a week and working up from there.
Salicylic acid starts working by 2-3 weeks, and takes around 2-3 months to show full effect. This potent antioxidant reduces pigmentation and builds up skin collagen. You will start noticing a brighter complexion in 4-6 weeks but actual improvements, in terms of dark spots reduction, will take around 3-4 months.
Can I use salicylic acid every day? You can use your salicylic acid cleanser every day, but you should not use an exfoliant that contains salicylic acid more than three times per week to avoid drying your skin.
Salicylic acid also improves the shape of the pore lining, and once the pore is normalized, the backed-up, smaller clog can more easily come to the surface, appearing as new clogged pores (blackheads or white bumps).
Why it might not be working: There are multiple types and causes of acne — and if your acne is severe, salicylic acid might not be strong enough for you. “Cystic acne will need something stronger than salicylic acid,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist based in New York City.
The Salicylic 10% peel is a light strength beta hydroxy acid peel used to clear clogged pores with repeated use. This light strength peel is appropriate for an oily, acneic skin type and is meant for new/sensitive users and safe for all skin tones.
How do you get rid of deep blackheads? Deep blackheads should be removed by a medical professional — usually a dermatologist or medical aesthetician. They use a small tool with rigid metal loops on the ends (blackhead or comedo extractor) to apply even pressure to your blackheads.
“Gently press on each side of the blackhead until it begins to release,” she says. “Apply slow and even pressure, and once you are able, lightly pinch the tweezers and pull the blacked out material from the skin to extract it. If the blackhead does not release easily, do not continue to attempt the extraction.”
Can you leave salicylic acid on your face overnight? Yes, you really can! You can use salicylic acid twice a day if required, those with a skin type that is oily and prone to breakouts will benefit from using the BHA most.
Topical salicylic acid treats acne by reducing swelling and redness and unplugging blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink. It treats other skin conditions by softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it falls off or can be removed easily.
Due to its highly effective abilities to penetrate the pores it can become severely drying to the skin and result in some skin side effects from dry patches of skin, redness, peeling, and overall dryness and discomfort.
Signs that treatment is effective
Wart medications, such as salicylic acid, gradually peel away layers of a wart until it reaches the same level as the skin. People may notice the wart becoming flatter over time.
And you can use it all over your face to gently exfoliate it and avoid/cure blackheads and breakouts. For that, cleanse your face using a pH balanced cleanser then apply toner (optional) and take 2-3 drops of the ordinary salicylic acid solution in your palm and pat on to the skin.
Use after cleansing and water-based serums, before oils, suspensions or creams. Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous is a gentle formula that is designed to exfoliate the skin, decongest pores, smooth textural irregularities, and reduce redness and uneven skin tone.
How often should you exfoliate if you have oily or acne-prone skin? These skin types can exfoliate two or three times a week if their skin can tolerate it. Opt for products containing salicylic acid, notes Zeichner, as it's oil-soluble. (These will mainly be of the chemical variety.)
Although you still need to wash your face twice a day, try using a cleanser that has salicylic acid in it just once a day to start. Britt Kimmins notes that salicylic acid is especially good for those with dry skin. You may consider using it at night only and then using your regular cleanser in the morning.