How long does it take for skin to adjust to salicylic acid?

Author: Mr. Adolf Okuneva MD  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

Although you may notice an improvement after only a few uses of using salicylic acid, it will take several weeks to really see a difference. Important to note: It's common for a process called skin purging to happen when introducing salicylic acid products into your skin care routine.

How long will my skin purge from salicylic acid?

Skin purging is temporary! Since it occurs as a result of cell turnover and movement of deeper clogs to the surface, purging should last for about one complete skin cycle, which is about 28-40 days or four to six weeks. Dr.

Can your skin build a tolerance to salicylic acid?

According to Dr. Melanie Palm, a San Diego area dermatologist and dermatologic cosmetic surgeon, “there's no such thing as developing resistance to ingredients in skin care.” Often, it's our perception of skin that becomes foggy, not a product's power to deliver.

What happens to your skin when you start using salicylic acid?

Skin reactions such as peeling/burning/dry/reddened skin may occur, especially at the start of treatment. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may need to apply smaller amounts of the drug or use it less often.

Why am I getting more pimples after using salicylic acid?

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.

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What does skin purging look like?

In other words, when you use certain products, your skin is likely to look worse before it looks better. A purge can look like blackheads and whiteheads, and it's likely to appear in the places where you normally break out.

Does salicylic acid make things worse before better?

In most cases, yes. Skin purging is a normal reaction to an acne treatment that contains exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid.

What are the negative reactions to salicylic acid?

Slight burning, skin redness, and peeling may occur. These effects are expected. If any of these effects worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Does salicylic acid make your skin age faster?

Salicylic acid does not give you wrinkles, but if you overuse it, it can dehydrate your skin by stripping away too much of the protective sebum on the surface of your skin. Too much oil can lead to blocked pores, but not enough oil can create dehydrated skin, as it can lead to too much transepidermal water loss.

How to know if salicylic acid is working?

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.

Why am I still breaking out with a good skincare routine?

Even with a good skincare routine, breakouts can still happen if the routine isn't matched to your skin's specific needs. Your skin might benefit from tweaking the products you use, possibly changing ingredients or dosages in your acne treatments.

How to treat skin irritation from salicylic acid?

If you are diagnosed with topical salicylate allergy then avoid exposure to salicylate-containing products. Management of salicylate dermatitis may be treated as for any acute dermatitis/eczema; this may include treatment with topical corticosteroids and emollients.

Should I stop using salicylic acid when purging?

The comedones are triggered when skin purges happen at the start of using a product known to cause purging. Dr Beth McLellan recommends sticking with a product that is known to cause purging but not breakouts, such as a leave-on exfoliant that contains 1–2% salicylic acid.

Should I moisturize after salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid can be drying to the skin, so it's important to moisturize your skin after using it. Look for a moisturizer that is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrances and other irritants. Moisturizing after using salicylic acid can help to soothe the skin and prevent dryness and irritation.

What not to mix with salicylic acid?

Retinol: As Retinol and Salicylic Acid are both exfoliating, drying skincare ingredients, using both together in the same routine could lead to serious irritation. Glycolic Acid: Similarly, as an AHA, Glycolic Acid helps exfoliate the top layer of the skin, which is too intense when used alongside Salicylic Acid.

How to reverse salicylate sensitivity?

The body naturally clears salicylates over time. Increasing water intake and avoiding salicylate-rich foods can help speed up this process. In severe cases, doctors may recommend medications to manage symptoms​.

Who should avoid salicylic acid?

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.

Can you overdo salicylic acid?

There can always be too much of a good thing and salicylic acid is no different. The main negative side effect when overused is it can irritate and cause excess dryness. If you have sensitive skin, choose your formula carefully as some products contain denatured alcohol, which can be additionally drying.

How long does it take for your face to get used to salicylic acid?

Although you may notice an improvement after only a few uses of using salicylic acid, it will take several weeks to really see a difference. Important to note: It's common for a process called skin purging to happen when introducing salicylic acid products into your skin care routine.

How do I know if my skin is purging?

Appearance: The blemishes that appear during purging are typically smaller and look the same as each other. A breakout, however, can include varying types of blemishes, including blackheads, whiteheads, and/or cystic acne.

What pairs well with salicylic acid?

For an enhanced skincare regimen, you can pair your salicylic acid serum with the following active ingredients:
  • Hyaluronic acid serum and salicylic acid serum. ...
  • Niacinamide serum and salicylic acid serum. ...
  • Alpha arbutin serum and salicylic acid serum.

Does salicylic acid bring pimples to the surface?

If you've recently started using a product containing retinoids or chemical exfoliants such as glycolic or salicylic acid, there's a good chance your skin is feeling the purge. These ingredients work quicker by helping bring impurities to the surface and small red bumps can actually be a sign the product is working.

How to stop skin purging immediately?

If the skin purging stage is really troublesome, it can be helpful to decrease the frequency of your actives by alternating days of use. Stick with it - in time, things will likely improve. When the frequency of new spots starts to reduce, increase the frequency of your actives again.

Will I have clear skin after purging?

Skin purging is a supercharged cleanse for your complexion. It is usually caused by an active ingredient in a skincare product or a process that speeds up the skin's cell shedding and renewal phase. These ingredients stimulate cell renewal turnover rate leaving behind clearer, smoother skin.

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