What do you do if salicylic acid doesn't work?

Author: Eunice Smith  |  Last update: Monday, March 21, 2022

Sulfur. If your skin doesn't respond to salicylic acid alone, Dr. Tanzi also recommends trying a topical antibiotic like sulfur either in conjunction with or instead of salicylic acid. This, she says, will help "treat other aspects of acne that don't respond to salicylic acid."

Does salicylic acid always work?

Salicylic acid can be an effective ingredient in skin care products to help treat acne. 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.

How can I make salicylic acid more effective?

4 Tips for Using Salicylic Acid
  1. Test it on your skin first. ...
  2. Avoid layering with retinol. ...
  3. Use it as a spot treatment for pimples. ...
  4. Get the concentration right.

Can your skin 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.

How long does salicylic take to work?

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.

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

Can I use 2 salicylic acid everyday?

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 ...

Can salicylic acid make acne 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.

What can you 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.

Which is better glycolic or salicylic acid?

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.

What is a natural alternative to salicylic acid?

Neosalyl™, a fully natural and pure substitute for synthetic salicylic acid.

What is the strongest salicylic acid?

What forms does salicylic acid come in? “Nowadays you can find it in all forms from cleansers and toners, to spot gels and acne creams,” says Thomas. “2% is the highest strength you will find for a home product though.”

Can you use 2 salicylic acid products?

Don't use with: Although salicylic acid can be combined with other exfoliating ingredients, Mudgil says that in order to avoid irritation, it's best to stick to only one exfoliant at a time.

When should I stop using salicylic acid?

People should stop using the product if it causes pain, bleeding, or blisters. If this happens, see a doctor for advice and alternative treatment options. If people use a pumice stone or emery board to file the wart, do not let anyone else use the same item as sharing equipment may help spread the virus.

How long leave salicylic acid on face?

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.

Can I use moisturizer after salicylic acid?

It works by penetrating and dislodging the gunk (sebum) in your pores, so that it's no longer trapped — resulting in a lower chance of triggering an acne breakout." When you combine salicylic with a moisturizer, you're essentially chemically exfoliating your skin while also giving it the hydration it needs to avoid—you ...

Should you use salicylic acid in the morning or night?

Products with salicylic acid can be used either morning or night. When using products with salicylic acid during the day, it is recommended to apply a daily SPF as the last step in your skincare regimen.

Does salicylic acid remove blackheads?

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.

Can I use Vitamin C with 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 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.

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.

Is tea tree better than salicylic acid?

It Can Help Other Acne Treatments Be More Effective

Tea Tree Oil works on the actual bacteria and resulting inflammation, while Salicylic Acid helps remove the surface oil, dirt, and debris that can clog up the pores and make it easier for p. acnes to create an infection.

How long does skin purging last salicylic acid?

The duration of skin purging can vary, but it should not last any longer than six weeks, says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist with a private practice. This is because after six weeks your skin should become used to the ingredients in the product that caused the purge.

When treating acne Does it get worse before better?

Experiencing a few more breakouts is totally normal when starting a new acne treatment. The reason is that acne medications cause rapid destruction of acne bacteria, which can cause more inflammation and sometimes result in an initial "worsening" of the condition (sometimes called a "purge").

What does acne purging look like?

Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They are often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause your skin to become flaky. The flare ups caused by purging have a shorter lifespan than a breakout.

Previous article
How can I heal my damaged face fast?
Next article
How do you tell if popped pimple is infected?