Do not apply topical
This medication is for use on the skin only. To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or any broken skin (such as cuts, scrapes, rashes). If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes.
Look for thick moisturizers (Eucerin, Cetaphil, others). Some moisturizers contain urea, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. These are skin-softening agents that may help remove dead skin. They also may cause slight stinging or irritation, so apply this type of product no more than twice a day.
AHAs: AHAs are exfoliating acids that can be too harsh for a damaged skin barrier, leading to further irritation and sensitivity. BHAs: While effective for treating acne, BHAs like salicylic acid can dry and may strip the skin of its natural oils, further compromising the skin barrier.
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.
Topical salicylic acid should not be used to treat genital warts, warts on the face, warts with hair growing from them, warts in the nose or mouth, moles, or birthmarks. Salicylic acid is in a class of medications called keratolytic agents.
The most commonly used keratolytics in dermatology include salicylic acid (a BHA), glycolic acid and lactic acid (AHAs). Medical grade AHA and BHA products are the best home remedy products for getting rid of hard skin.
Salicylic Acid is best suited for oily skin and acne-prone skin. However, dry and sensitive skin types can use Salicylic Acid in their skin care routine, but best to be used in moderation.
Marisa Garshick's, top do's and don'ts when it comes to repairing a damaged skin barrier. “It is important to avoid any ingredients that can worsen irritation or further compromise the skin barrier such as harsh soaps, abrasive scrubs, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or salicylic acid.
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.
Salicylic Acid 3% topical ointment can be applied directly to the wound or placed on dry gauze and then placed on the wound. Wet-Packs or Wet-To-Dry Dressings are not recommended since they will dilute the ointment and decrease its effectiveness.
Cracks heal faster if protected from air exposure and drying. Keep the cracks constantly covered with petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline). Put it on the cracks 3 times a day. If the crack seems mildly infected, use an antibiotic ointment instead (such as Polysporin).
Combined, the salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide help diminish the breakouts you currently have and prevent future occurrences by unclogging pores, lessening redness, and diminishing the environment blemishes grow in. Apply these products to areas where you popped pimples and surrounding areas.
If your skin can tolerate it, salicylic acid products can be used daily. Just make sure you're not using another exfoliator in addition to your salicylic acid product, or else you can over-exfoliate and damage the skin barrier.
How to heal skin barrier? Whether your skin barrier is damaged or healthy, it's still good to nourish it with repairing ingredients such as fatty acids, cholesterol, ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid not only promotes skin hydration, but it also plays a crucial role in wound healing. According to a 2016 review article, hyaluronic acid speeds up wound healing by controlling inflammation and redirecting blood vessels to areas of damaged skin.
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.
Salicylic acid may produce mild side effects, such as skin irritation or peeling. If people experience more severe side effects, they should stop using the product and contact their doctor.
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.
Ask your doctor or check the label for directions about any areas or types of skin where you should not apply the product (such as on the face, any areas of broken/chapped/cut/irritated/scraped skin, or on a recently shaved area of the skin). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
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.