Should I stop using salicylic acid?

Author: Houston Kihn  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Salicylic acid can help unclog blocked pores by breaking down and removing dead skin cells and oil. 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.

Can salicylic acid make skin worse?

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.

Why you shouldn't use 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.

Is it OK to use salicylic acid everyday?

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.

When should you avoid salicylic acid?

If you have particularly dry skin, it's best to avoid salicylic acid as it works to remove oil and might cause even more dryness.

Why I don't use Salicylic Acid to treat my acne... and never will

How long should I leave salicylic acid on my face?

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.

What can I use instead of salicylic acid?

What to use instead of salicylic acid
  1. Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is a great alternative to salicylic acid. ...
  2. Sulfur. ...
  3. Glycolic acid. ...
  4. Zinc oxide. ...
  5. Tea tree oil. ...
  6. Allantoin. ...
  7. Willow bark extract. ...
  8. Marine algae.

Can you use salicylic acid long term?

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of salicylic acid poisoning.

How long should you use salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid penetrates into your skin and works to dissolve the dead skin cells clogging your pores. It can take several weeks of use for you to see its full effect. Check with your dermatologist if you aren't seeing results after 6 weeks.

What happens if you use too much salicylic acid?

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.

Can I use Vitamin C after salicylic acid?

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.

Can I use vitamin C and salicylic acid together?

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.

Should I use salicylic acid in the morning or night?

“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.

Should I stop using acne products?

Stopping Treatment Too Soon

And after your complexion clears, experts suggest continuing the routine to prevent future breakouts. A dermatologist can tell you when you can stop using acne treatments on your skin.

Why is my acne getting worse all of a sudden?

Sudden acne breakouts can be because of numerous reasons, including hormonal changes or hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy diet including lots of deep fried and junk food, release of cortisol hormones because of excessive stress, excessive production of sebum and much more.

Does facial make acne worse?

Facials may help reduce the symptoms of acne in mild cases, but they can sometimes make this skin condition worse.

Should I use salicylic acid twice a day?

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.

Can you become resistant to salicylic acid?

Are you imagining things or have you grown immune to your skincare? Dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum M.D. says that it is possible for some ingredients in your skincare products to become weaker over time through tachyphylaxis, the term for an eventual tolerance to a medication.

Is there a natural salicylic acid?

Natural salicylic acid-USP AMI is obtained by an eco-responsible manufacturing process from the essential oil of wintergreen obtained after distillation of the leaves. This essential oil, concentrated in methyl salicylate, is then hydrolyzed to isolate salicylic acid, which is completely natural.

What is gentler than salicylic acid?

Sulfur works similarly to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in that it helps absorb excess oil production, but it tends to be gentler on your skin.

Should I leave salicylic acid on my face?

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.

How do you use 20% salicylic acid?

Some general directions for applying a salicylic acid peel include:
  1. Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser.
  2. Apply the salicylic acid peel to your skin. ...
  3. Leave the peel on for the recommended amount of time.
  4. Neutralize the peel if directed.
  5. Rinse the peel away with warm water.

Can I use niacinamide with salicylic acid?

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.

How many times a week should you use salicylic acid?

Yes it is considered ok to use salicylic acid every day, however, due to it sometimes resulting in the skin becoming irritated many skin experts and dermatologists suggest using the acid in moderation, starting by applying it 3 times a week and if there are no signs of any reactions, you can build up the usage by one ...

How long does salicylic acid take to work on blackheads?

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.

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