"If salicylic acid is an ingredient in your cleanser, it is fine to use it every day." However, if you are using an exfoliant that has salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advises only using the product three times per week, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.
The best option for people with sensitive and normal skin types is typically a concentration of salicylic acid between 0.5%—gentle enough to reduce irritation but still potent enough to tackle and prevent breakouts. For people with more oily skin, a concentration of 2% salicylic acid is typically preferred.
You are able to use salicylic acid twice daily, but only after your skin has built its tolerance. Oily and acne prone skin will benefit from frequent application, however precautionary actions should always be followed when using this potent ingredient.
Adults—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day. Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day.
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.
Although salicylic acid is considered safe overall, it may cause skin irritation when first starting. It may also remove too much oil, resulting in dryness and potential irritation. Other potential side effects include : skin tingling or stinging.
Should I moisturise after salicylic acid? Yes, it's considered best for your skin and the protective skin barrier to apply a moisturiser after using salicylic acid.
Products containing between 1 to 2% of salicylic acid are effective. However, Dr. Hu recommends looking for products containing 2% if you are trying to treat acne.
Ideal strength should be lower than 8%. BHAs (Salicylic acid): BHAs are stronger than AHAs and also make your skin sensitive to the sun; try not to use it during the day. Look out for formulas with a concentration of 1-2%.
It's normal for your skin to purge when you use a product with a chemical exfoliator, such as AHA's and BHA's. Sometimes, your anti-acne treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can also cause skin purging.
Skin purging occurs because of some ingredients that accelerate your body's natural process of getting rid of dead skin cells. Products that contain certain components—including lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids—are likely the culprits of your acne breakout.
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.
Do I need to exfoliate if I use salicylic acid? No, not really, this is because the way salicylic acid works is as an exfoliant itself. As I have mentioned already, it is an ingredient that is readily found in all manner of skincare products, from face wash to serums.
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.
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.
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. Can salicylic acid dry the skin out?
AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
For dry, rough, bumpy skin. Gently cleanses while exfoliating without disrupting the protective skin barrier. Contains 3 essential ceramides, 0.5% salicylic acid & hyaluronic acid.
Salicylic acid is often used as a key ingredient in acne treatments. This is because it helps to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, two things that can contribute to the development of acne. If you have acne-prone skin, using a product that contains salicylic acid can help to keep your skin clear.
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.
You don't need to wait for the BHA or AHA to absorb or dry; you can apply any other product in your routine - moisturiser, serum, eye cream, or sunscreen - immediately afterwards. Experiment with different strengths of glycolic acid or salicylic acid to see which concentration gives you the best results.
“To exfoliate, look for ingredients in your cleansers that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid or fruit enzymes,” says Haley. “Letting these products work their way into the skin for 60 to 90 seconds will do the job, or clearing pores and removing dead skin cells to provide a healthy glow.”
The percentage of salicylic acid in these topical treatments are the highest you can find and so expect to experience dryness and flaking. To counteract this skin-reaction it is best to follow the topical spot treatment with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid which will help restore moisture.
Salicylic acid and vitamin C are both effective products on their own but, when combined, they can be even more beneficial. Whether you're looking to brighten your skin, reduce the likelihood of blemishes or just help slow down the skin's natural aging process, these ingredients may be just what you're looking for.