As salicylic acid is pH dependent, the order of it in your skincare routine matters very much. You want to use it right after cleanser and before moisturizer.
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.
The answer is that you don't need to wait. Once a product's pH is established (and if it's a good formula) it will hold steady for while you apply other products afterward, and it takes time for their pH to change.
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.
In most cases, it makes sense to apply serum before moisturizer. This is because serum is usually more lightweight, whereas moisturizer tends to be thicker. Applying serum first can also give the skin more opportunity to absorb the active ingredients. In many skin care routines, moisturizer is the last step.
You can apply a moisturiser or serum immediately after an AHA or BHA exfoliant, which when well formulated, will have the low PH it needs to exfoliate skin effectively.
BEWARE: Retinol + Salicylic Acid
“You do not want to use two potent ingredients that have the same effect on your skin. For example, retinol and salicylic acid can each cause skin irritation when used on its own,” Dr. Yu says. “Combining these items might make your skin feel dry and sensitive, especially to light.”
Combining salicylic acid with ingredients such as niacinamide & AHAs works well to clear pores, reduce acne, and control sebum production. This serum contains 2% salicylic acid and 3% niacinamide. Salicylic acid and Niacinamide are an unique combo that works well on pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Salicylic acid will help open up your pores, and the newly unclogged pores will require proper hydration to keep your skin healthy and fresh. Thus, it is recommended to layer your skin with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid after applying the salicylic serum.
Finding a good moisturizer for acne-prone skin is especially important if you're using a treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can dry out the complexion. According to Dr. Hayag, water-based products containing humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid are ideal.
"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.
Remember to apply the salicylic acid product once a week to begin with in the evening to keep the skin away from overexposure to UV rays. This will result in the skin reaping the rewards of the BHA without any side effects.
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.
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.
Apply plaster at bedtime, leave in place for at least 8 hours, remove plaster in the morning, and repeat every 24 hours as needed.
It is advised by some skincare experts that using a salicylic acid product overnight enables the ingredient to work without being disturbed with the exposure to free radicals, such as pollution or UV rays.
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.
It is best to apply spot treatments after cleansing and toning, but before applying serums and creams. The active ingredients are best applied on clean skin, and if you apply a spot treatment on top of a thicker cream or oil, it may not penetrate as well.
Salicylic acid may be used morning and night. Because it's so gentle, it may also be applied as a midday spot treatment.
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.
Salicylic acid
It's considered to be one of the best treatments for acne scars. You can add products with salicylic acid into your daily routine, or your skin care specialist may use it for less frequent chemical peels. It might take a few weeks to see a difference when using salicylic acid.
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.