It is safe to use products with salicylic acid every day, unless it is specified otherwise on the product usage guidelines or by your health care professional. CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cream and SA Smoothing Cleanser are suitable for daily use.
Caption Options. For example, salicylic acid, which works to unclog pores, is also a “mild chemical irritant.” Kathleen Suozzi, a dermatologic surgeon at Yale School of Medicine explains that this means salicylic acid also works as a drying agent and can cause skin redness and flaking if used too much.
You can actually use too much salicylic acid. "The primary negative side effect of salicylic acid is its ability to irritate and dry skin in those who are very sensitive or those who overuse it," says Dr. Nazarian.
Do you apply salicylic acid before or after moisturiser? Generally speaking, the most potent skin products containing salicylic acid are those such as serums, spot treatments and cleansers, all of which are applied before moisturisers.
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.
“You can use a salicylic acid–based cleanser in the morning to unclog pores and avoid acne and a glycolic acid–based cleanser at night to exfoliate your skin and get rid of dead skin cells,” notes Jailman.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A SALICYLIC ACID? While the frequency of application will vary from product to product, most will recommend use twice daily.
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.
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.
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 is the preferred ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the materials that clog pores: excess oil. dead skin cells.
You are able to use salicylic acid twice daily, but only after your skin has built its tolerance. Oily and acne prone skin will benefit from frequent application, however precautionary actions should always be followed when using this potent ingredient.
It has the same anti-inflammatory ingredients as aspirin, can help de-clog pores, and is also an exfoliator that helps get rid of dry skin to prevent future break outs (via HuffPost).
Instead, salicylic acid can be effective in the following ways: Gels or Creams: Apply a small amount of these solutions directly to affected areas on the skin and rub them in until they're no longer visible. Don't rinse or remove after application.
You want to make sure that you're not using a product that has too high of a concentration of salicylic acid. Gels should have no more than 5% acid. Lotions that are applied once or twice a day should have 1–2% salicylic acid, and solutions like cleansers or toners should have 0.5–2% salicylic acid.
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. While applying salicylic acid, I massage the product into my skin in a circular motion. I also make sure to keep the product away from my eyes and mouth.
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.
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.
Glycolic acid is an effective exfoliant, meaning it can remove dead skin cells. It's well suited to reducing hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. If you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is usually a better option. It can get rid of excess sebum and prevent or treat acne.
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.
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.
Hyaluronic acid is a skin hydrator, not an exfoliant like salicylic acid. You can definitely use both. In fact, applying hyaluronic acid with your salicylic acid is a very good idea. Salicylic acid can be a little drying to the skin because it's job is to absord excess oil.