Salicylic acid works to treat acne by unclogging blocked pores. It does this by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can release from the pore more easily, and breaking down oils, such as sebum. Salicylic acid also decreases the skin's sebum production, leading to fewer breakouts.
Using an exfoliating face wash like SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser twice a day will help remove buildup trapped inside pores. Over the course of a month to six weeks, consistent cleansing with a gentle exfoliant can have an impact on both noninflammatory and inflammatory acne.
Glycolic acid combined with salicylic acid is a powerful exfoliating combination to unclog clogged pores. This ingredient combo removes or prevents clogged pores. It even brightens your skin.
Because salicylic acid is oil soluble, it also has the ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore. This makes it especially effective for reducing breakouts, including blackheads and whiteheads.
Opt for salicylic acid
“My go-to treatment for blackheads is recommending a salicylic acid wash once a day,” he says. “There are even medicated face wipes that contain it.” If you want to try salicylic acid, start off by using a product that contains between 2% and 4%.
There are some great at-home remedies that can help remove deep blackheads, such as finding an effective deep-pore cleansing face wash to remove dead skin cells. When looking for an at-home remedy or face wash, some key ingredients to look out for are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Software's Salicylic Acid Foaming Wash is a gentle exfoliating wash that can be used 2-3 times a week to treat sebum plugs. It targets acne-causing bacteria and is formulated for all skin types.
Yes, salicylic acid can cause an initial skin purging phase, where existing clogged pores come to the surface. This is temporary and typically resolves within a few weeks. Learn more about this process from the British Association of Dermatologists.
Retinol and salicylic acid are both big names in skincare right now. Retinol is known for smoothing skin and targeting blemishes, while salicylic acid is primarily used as an exfoliator that unclogs pores. Used together, these two ingredients work together for smooth, clear, glowing skin.
Use Clay or Charcoal Masks
Another effective way to unclog pores is to use a clay or charcoal mask. Clay absorbs excess sebum to clear the skin and reduce breakouts, while charcoal actively draws out impurities, dirt, and debris for perfectly clean, bright skin.
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.
Prolonged exposure to the air causes the blockage to oxidize and darken. Because the pore gets stretched out of shape, it will fill back up again even after it is emptied. These stubborn pores are most likely to occur on the face, chest and back. However, they can also emerge on the ears, neck and scalp.
Also, do not use this medicine if you are a diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation. Do not use this medicine on warts with hair growing from them or on warts on the face, in or on the genital (sex) organs, or inside the nose or mouth. Also do not use on moles or birthmarks. To do so may cause severe irritation.
1 Known as "skin purging," worsening acne is a short-term reaction to ingredients that speed up cell turnover. Salicylic acid helps your body quickly get rid of dead skin cells. As a result, those dead skin cells, dirt, and oils appear on the surface of your skin, which clogs your pores and causes acne.
Salicylic acid can also be a beneficial addition to a skincare routine for those with dry skin. Its exfoliating action helps remove dead skin cells, unclogging pores and preventing the build-up of oils that can contribute to dryness.
Use salicylic acid.
To get the gunk out of your pores, you need the best gunk buster around—salicylic acid. "Gentile exfoliating cleansers of the salicylic acid variant are great because salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that cuts through sebum and breaks it down," says Dr. Gohara.
What is skin cycling? If a recent scroll has left you wondering how to skin cycle, you're in the right place. The short answer is this: Skin cycling is a 4-day cycle that strategically plans out when you should exfoliate, when you should use retinol and when you should give your skin a little break.
Retinol works for acne by preventing clogged pores. You may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment — your skin might even look worse (this is sometimes referred to as the retinol purge). But if you stick with it, you'll see clearer skin.
Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots. Purging often results in whiteheads and small raised red bumps on the skin, known as papules. True breakouts are more likely to induce nodules or cysts - larger, swollen, painful pimples that feel like knots under the skin.
The first few days of using salicylic acid to treat your acne may cause the skin to become dry or irritated. To avoid this, use the product lightly at first and gradually increase the amount once you have gotten used to it. Salicylic acid should not be used on broken, red, swollen, itchy, irritated, or infected skin.
Sebaceous filaments are thin, threadlike appendages that line your sebaceous (oil) glands. They help move an oily lubricant called sebum from the glands to the surface of your skin.
Oil, dirt & debris: When oil from your sebaceous glands, dirt, and dead skin cells get trapped inside a pore, it can lead to clogging. “Secret sources of debris can include your phone, pillowcase, hands, and anything else that regularly touches your face,” reminds Bailey.