Can salicylic acid cause skin discoloration?

Author: Amalia Sanford  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Dark-skinned people should avoid deep salicylic acid peels, as they can cause hypo pigmentation, or skin lightening.

Does salicylic acid darken skin?

No, salicylic acid is not a skin lightening (as in whitening) agent and therefore, it cannot lighten your skin. However, since salicylic acid has the ability to exfoliate your skin's surface and remove dead skin cells, it can help give your skin a brighter more even complexion.

Can salicylic acid damage 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.

Does salicylic acid help with skin discoloration?

Salicylic acid decreases postacne hyperpigmentation by its anti-inflammatory effects. Ahn and Kim[18] found salicylic acid to have a whitening effect on the skin as well. Mandelic acid also has a beneficial effect in improving skin pigmentation.

Does salicylic acid leave dark spots?

“Salicylic acid has the ability to break up old skin cells and encourage new skin cells to form, which, in turn, helps lighten dark spots and marks left by old pimples,” says Dr. Nazarian.

Why I don't use Salicylic Acid to treat my acne... and never will

Is it okay to use salicylic acid everyday?

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.

What are the side effects of salicylic acid?

Incidence not known
  • Difficult breathing.
  • dryness and peeling of skin.
  • hives or itching.
  • swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue.
  • tightness in the throat.
  • unusually warm skin.

What acid is best for hyperpigmentation?

Popular options include: alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, or tartaric acid. azelaic acid. kojic acid.
...
Shop for the following products online:
  • Malic acid.
  • Glycolic acid.
  • Salicylic acid.

How do you fade hyperpigmentation?

Read on to learn more about how you can fade this form of hyperpigmentation with OTC products, prescription creams, and more.
  1. Vitamin C. ...
  2. Azelaic acid. ...
  3. Mandelic acid. ...
  4. Kojic acid. ...
  5. Niacinamide. ...
  6. Hydroquinone. ...
  7. Retinoids. ...
  8. Chemical peel.

Which acid is used for hyperpigmentation?

Retinol is one of the best ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation due to its ability to speed up cell turnover. Azelaic acid is another ingredient that brightens the skin, but is gentler, making it great for those with sensitive skin.

How long should salicylic acid be left on?

You get the maximum benefit when you adjust your skin to start using it twice a day. But, if you are sensitive to salicylic acid and using it up regularly left your skin dry, red, and peeling, then use it as a toner and leave it up for up to 30 seconds and then rinse off.

Should I use moisturizer after salicylic acid?

Do you apply salicylic acid before or after moisturiser? Generally speaking, the most potent skin products containing salicylic acid are those such as serums, spot treatments and cleansers, all of which are applied before moisturisers.

What happens when you use salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid belongs to a class of drugs known as salicylates. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid may work by helping the skin to shed dead cells from the top layer and by decreasing redness and swelling (inflammation). This decreases the number of pimples that form and speeds healing.

How long does it take hyperpigmentation to fade?

For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), without any treatment at all it can take anywhere from three months to two years for the discoloration to fade, depending on how dark the patches are, and even then it may not disappear completely.

How is salicylic acid used for hyperpigmentation?

To apply salicylic acid: Wash your face: Acids should be applied on clean, dry skin after cleansing. Avoid other exfoliants when using BHAs, as this will increase the risk of irritation. Apply a thin layer: Spread a thin layer of the acid over your face, avoiding the lips and eye area.

Does salicylic acid turn skin white?

Since it's an acid, avoid getting any near the eyes or mouth. Also try to keep it off the normal skin. The acid will turn the wart into dead skin (it will turn white).

Can hyperpigmentation be permanent?

Hyperpigmentation within the dermis has a blue-gray appearance and may either be permanent or resolve over a protracted period of time if left untreated.

How can I lighten my hyperpigmentation naturally?

How To Remove Skin Pigmentation Like Dark Spots Naturally
  1. Aloe Vera Gel. Aloe vera gel is known for scar reduction and reducing the appearance of dark spots. ...
  2. Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple Cider Vinegar his one of the fastest-acting dark spot remover. ...
  3. Onion Juice. ...
  4. Green Tea Extract. ...
  5. Vitamin C. ...
  6. Milk And Curd. ...
  7. Turmeric.

Why wont my dark spots fade?

The condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and it's insanely common among all skin tones. The spots typically appear after your skin has experienced some type of inflammation (acne, mosquito bites, or other traumas).

How can I get pigmentation free skin?

Ways to remove pigmentation from face: Home remedies
  1. Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may help in lightening the pigmentation on your skin. ...
  2. Aloe vera. ...
  3. Red onion. ...
  4. Green tea extract. ...
  5. Black tea water. ...
  6. Milk. ...
  7. Tomato paste. ...
  8. Masoor dal (red lentils)

Who should not use salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid should not be applied to large areas of the body, used for long periods of time, or used under occlusive dressing (air-tight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) in children. Use of salicylic acid topical in children younger than 2 years of age is not recommended.

Should I use salicylic acid in the morning or night?

“You can use a salicylic acid–based cleanser in the morning to unclog pores and avoid acne and a glycolic acid–based cleanser at night to exfoliate your skin and get rid of dead skin cells,” notes Jailman.

Can I use CeraVe salicylic acid cleanser everyday?

It is safe to use products with salicylic acid every day, unless it is specified otherwise on the product usage guidelines or by your health care professional. CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cream and SA Smoothing Cleanser are suitable for daily use.

When does salicylic acid start working?

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.

Should I wash off salicylic acid?

Wipe the pad over the affected areas. Do not rinse off medicine after treatment.

Previous article
Can I use Brilliant Whitening set without using rejuvenating set?
Next article
Should teenagers wash their face?