BHA or AHA Exfoliants: 1 year (Does salicylic acid expire? Yes!) Remember: If it smells funky, looks gunky or the texture has changed significantly—definitely toss it out! Watch (or sniff) for any new odours, as smell is one of the first qualities to change when a formula has expired.
Acne Products
Toss after: Four to six months. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, two of the most common pimple fighters, decay quickly. Keep them in the refrigerator for maximum potency.
Certain products are required by the FDA to have an expiration date on them, including sunscreens2 and acne treatments that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Toss any sunscreen or anti-acne treatments that are past their expiration dates.
How long should I leave salicylic acid cleanser on my face? This can vary depending on how much time you take to cleanse your skin. For many, the 60 second rule has proven to be the most effective.
Store salicylic acid securely in an area away from sources of heat. Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. This chemical must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental control regulations.
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.
Salicylic acid should not be used for children under the age of 2.
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.
Salicylic acid is the preferred ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the materials that clog pores: excess oil. dead skin cells.
"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.
Ingredients do break down over time and chemicals could become altered, so those with particularly sensitive skin might develop a rash simply due to the change in chemical composition. You may also notice an off smell in skincare products that are past their expiration date — in that case, you should stop using them.
Lotions and Face Cream: throw away after 6 months to 1 year or when the color or scent begins to change. Anti-Aging or Anti-Acne Creams: throw away after 1 year, but if your cream contains benzoyl peroxide or some type of antioxidant, which only lasts up to 3 months.
Most opened products lose their effectiveness after one year and some even sooner, according to cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson. Expired products may not only lack potency, but could also cause an adverse skin reaction.
Do not use DIFFERIN after the expiry (EXP) date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
The short answer is: They should be good for a few years. "Most good cosmetic manufacturers will do accelerated stability testing that includes microbial testing to ensure a product has a two to three year shelf life if unopened," Dobos said.
Does alpha hydroxy acid expire? Yes – check the label for the expiry date of your products. All beauty products, by law, have a symbol on the packaging to show how long they will last for once they've been opened. Your product may well be safe to use longer than this suggests, but it may not be fully effective.
Apply a topical salicylic acid to the spot.
If you find the over-the-counter creams to be too harsh and drying, try a toner with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid works to promote the shedding of the epidermis more readily, open clogged pores and neutralize bacteria within.
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.
Do holes from blackheads go away completely? A blackhead hole will never go away on its own as the dirt buildup stretches and enlarges it. What you can do is clean it with salicylic acid, reduce inflammation using retinoids, and heal the skin and tighten it with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
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.
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.
Salicylic acid may be used morning and night. Because it's so gentle, it may also be applied as a midday spot treatment.
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.
Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together? The simple answer is yes. They complement each other well. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin.
Retinoid or Retinol and Salicylic Acid
But on its own, each can dry out the skin, so together they should be combined with caution. The risk is overdrying, which can lead to irritation and make the situation worse.