I started applying salicylic acid after the cleansing and toning steps and before moisturising. It is important that you let your skin absorb the product.
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.
You can test this yourself with a well formulated exfoliant: at night, apply your AHA or BHA as usual after cleansing and toning, and do a "split-test." Wait 20 minutes before applying your serum and/or moisturizer to one side, but the other side of your face, apply those next steps immediately.
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.
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.
Acne can cause your skin to feel oily and greasy, so a moisturizer may be the last thing you'd think of trying. A moisturizer, however, may be just what you need if you're using one of the following acne treatments: Benzoyl peroxide.
Engelman notes that “if you're working with salicylic or glycolic acid, they need to be coupled with some sort of moisturizer or lotion to combat the drying effects that they can have on the skin. If your skin is oily and acne-prone, use an oil-free moisturizer to add back the hydration that could be stripped away.”
You want to make sure that you're not using a product that has too high of a concentration of salicylic acid. Gels should have no more than 5% acid. Lotions that are applied once or twice a day should have 1–2% salicylic acid, and solutions like cleansers or toners should have 0.5–2% salicylic acid.
Experts recommend that when you first start using salicylic acid in your skincare regimen, you should use it every other day to see how your skin responds. After about two weeks, if you skin is happy, you can increase to daily use.
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.
Avoid washing treated skin or applying other skin products for at least 1 hour after applying this medicine. Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with clindamycin and tretinoin topical unless your doctor tells you to.
“Spot treatments are usually used at bedtime, so after you cleanse, tone and apply moisturiser, then use the treatment on your spot and leave it overnight.” Even if you're using an acne patch and choose to do so in the day, follow your regular morning routine and then use the patch over it.
Regardless of when you apply it, make sure to tap your spot treatment on before your moisturizer so it can really penetrate your skin and do its thang without having another barrier to penetrate (before?!
This will vary from product to product — a toner may take mere seconds to dry, while a serum or thick nighttime eye cream could take a minute, or even a few minutes to dry and be properly absorbed. A good rule to follow to simplify things? Wait about one minute between applying each skincare product.
To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.
Some preparations, like topical foams, may contain alcohol and sting or burn when applied to the skin. You'll usually apply the foam to a cleansed face with clean hands to all areas where you experience acne blemishes. Don't discontinue using clindamycin if you start to see results.
Our dermatologists recommend applying clindamycin lotion after moisturizer to reduce irritation. To make the topical solution easier to spread, try dotting it onto the skin before rubbing it into the entire affected area. If your skin is dry, you can follow with another layer of moisturizer.
If you use a product containing benzoyl peroxide, it is best to wait until this product has been fully absorbed before applying a serum and/or moisturiser. Benzoyl peroxide works best when it has the chance to absorb into the skin first. This only takes a few seconds.
Salicylic acid works best on blackheads and whiteheads.
"Salicylic acid helps with the first cause by dissolving the type of skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne," he says. Therefore, salicylic acid is ideal for treating blackheads and whiteheads.
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.
“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.
Salicylic acid is best incorporated into a cleanser for gentle exfoliation, or a treatment serum designed to keep blemish-prone skin balanced and under control, says Dr Zamani. If using the latter, be sure to only apply the serum directly to the area you want to treat – don't slather it all over.
Do not use Salicylic based face wash for dry skin with acne as it may further increase dryness. Instead, go for a mild SLS free cleanser and follow up with hydration and moisturizer. Yes! Both.