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.
Salicylic acid is one of my favorite ingredients for treating a variety of skin ailments, including acne and dark spots. It's so effective because in addition to being an anti-inflammatory and an antibacterial, it's a keratolytic, which means it breaks down the keratin in our skin and thus helps to lighten dark spots.
It can take several weeks of use for you to see its full effect. Check with your dermatologist if you aren't seeing results after 6 weeks. Your skin is affected by more than what you put on it.
Yes, this is normal.
Salicylic acid (the active ingredient in Compound W) is a keratolytic agent and works by peeling off the outer layers of the skin. This can look unsightly and by all means cover it but it is not entirely necessary.
Precautions for Salicylic Acid Use
Also, because salicylic acid does affect pigmentations, darker skin types may want to avoid salicylic acid, particularly in high concentrations, to prevent unnatural-looking hypopigmentation.
"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.
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.
Signs it's not working: Your acne isn't going away and your skin is damaged. Why it might not be working: Not all acne is created equal — and if your acne is severe, salicylic might not be strong enough for you. “Cystic acne will need something stronger than salicylic acid,” says NYC-based dermatologist Debra Jaliman.
Salicylic acid may be used morning and night. Because it's so gentle, it may also be applied as a midday spot treatment.
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.
According to Ayodele, a chemical peel is also a great way to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as "it will help the skin to exfoliate quickly and fade the discolouration." Alpha-hydroxy-acids such as glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid work by dissolving the 'glue' that holds dead skin cells together, revealing ...
Using benzoyl peroxide topically will give you even-looking skin tone due to its bleaching properties. With regular use, it might also make your skin appear brighter.
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.
But in general, salicylic acid is the better choice. Unlike glycolic acid, salicylic acid decreases sebum in the skin. This is important because sebum can clog pores, which increases your risk of an acne breakout. Excess sebum also promotes the growth of bacteria that can cause acne.
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.
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.
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.
Although salicylic acid is best known for its ability to treat whiteheads and blackheads, it can also help eliminate buildup and scaling on the skin caused by psoriasis, warts, calluses and dandruff, said Garshick.
But overall, stick to using water-based products and serums together. 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.
Laser treatment: Laser is used widely to treat hyperpigmented, scars, and uneven skin tone. CO2 laser and Erbium lasers are the most popular laser treatments that are used to lighten skin tone. Laser shows quick results, within a few sittings and is the most effective way to lighten skin tone.
AHAs that act as exfoliants, they also work to lighten uneven pigmentation and smooth out skin texture.