Although many products containing salicylic acid recommend that you apply them in the morning and night, you should always be cautious when using an ingredient like this in the day as salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
"Salicylic and glycolic acids will definitely help reduce the oily shine on your face and even dry up your inflamed pimples, but using it more than once a day can strip your skin of the natural oils it needs and, if it makes your skin super-dry and irritated, can actually encourage your skin to produce more oil to ...
Products with salicylic acid can be used either morning or night. When using products with salicylic acid during the day, it is recommended to apply a daily SPF as the last step in your skincare regimen.
“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.
Use Salicylic Acid in the morning and Retinol at night. Those with more sensitive skin may need to use these products on alternate days, or reduce Salicylic Acid use to once a week or as and when needed.
How often can you use it: Marmur says salicylic acid should be used in moderation until you know your skin can handle it without irritation. If your skin tolerates it, you can increase the frequency to twice a day, unless you know you'll be getting direct sun exposure, then it should only be applied at night.
By using a salicylic acid enriched wash after cleansing the skin of any remaining makeup, you are helping to rid the skin of any dead skin cell build-up allowing any nourishing products applied afterwards to absorb quicker into the lower layers of the skin and show results quicker.
Alternate a treatment formula with a gentler one.
For those with normal skin, both Linkner and Henry recommend using a treatment cleanser with salicylic acid (if you get the occasional breakout) or glycolic or lactic acids (to give skin a glow boost) once a day and then taking a milder approach for your other cleanse.
You can use the same cleanser for morning and night
In fact, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using the same skincare products for both day and night.
“You should wash your face in the morning for various reasons,” she says. “Bacteria can accumulate throughout the night and, also, you should prime your skin by cleansing it for your morning skincare routine, not to mention to remove your nighttime creams and serums used the night before.”
In an ideal world, you should wash your face twice a day.
Experts agree that two is the magic number: wash once in the morning, and once at night.
"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 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.
Can I apply moisturizer after using salicylic acid? Yes. Moisturizers can help hydrate and repair skin, making it a good step to do after using an exfoliating treatment with salicylic acid.
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.
Can I moisturise after salicylic acid? Absolutely, if anything I strongly suggest moisturising after using salicylic acid. Not only will this soothe and calm the skin after applying the potent BHA to your skin.
Exfoliate: Removing dead skin cells is extremely important in acne-prone skin. Adding an exfoliating step once a week helps. Since salicylic acid is a great exfoliant, you might want to exfoliate a little less than usual. 5.
Wash hands after use. If using cleansers containing salicylic acid, wet the affected area. Gently rub the cleanser into the skin for 10 to 20 seconds. Do not scrub the skin.
One of the most popular Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), salicylic acid is an ultra-common ingredient in many acne fighting products, and is well-suited for both day and night.
Acne treatments — especially those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — are drying and a bit harsh on your skin. If you use too many treatments at the same time, your skin may become irritated, and you may actually suffer more breakouts as a result.
Using both together will however can become too much for the skin and lead to irritation, rashes, redness, flakiness and all-round discomfort. Much like vitamin C and niacinamide, if you are wanting to use both separate the products completely and apply salicylic acid in the morning and retinol for the evening.
Your treatment plan could include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at the same time, but it is best to space them out to decrease your risk for peeling, redness, dermatitis and drying. Doctors suggests switching between products every night, or using one in the AM and the other in the night.
“The benefit of double cleansing is that the first cleanser will break down any makeup, remove dirt and excess oils from the day and clean your skin. The second cleanser will address your particular skin type or concern and should have ingredients to hydrate, smooth or exfoliate and treat acne.
"If a person uses a lot of make-up in the day, at night a thorough two-step cleansing is required." She recommends a make-up remover "that helps to soften the make-up and deep cleanse" for the PM, followed by a face wash. "If one is not applying any make-up, the same cleanser can be used 2-3 times a day," she adds.