Topical
2% salicylic acid is highly potent, most people simply cannot tolerate using salicylic acid every day - let alone twice a day.
Yes, 2% salicylic acid can be used daily on teenage acne-prone skin, but it's essential to start slowly to assess your skin's tolerance. Use it every other day initially, then gradually increase to daily use if your skin does not experience excessive dryness or irritation.
I started off using just a drop directly on my breakouts at night, then worked up to using 2 drops twice a day all over my face. Immediately my skin started to purge, but I stuck it out and after about a week and a half, the purging ended and my breakouts started to magically disappear.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a water-based serum made with an optimum concentration of salicylic acid which targets textural irregularities while removing dead skin cells that can clog pores. And because it promotes exfoliation, this solution helps visibly reduce congestion, giving way to brighter, clearer skin.
As for serums and moisturisers, you'll find that their formulas will often contain salicylic acid of 1% to 2% potency which is considered low enough to leave on the skin overnight and rinse off come morning.
For those who need the exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid daily, cleanse with SA Smoothing Cleanser with Ceramides, then follow with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum to enhance hydration.
Yes. Salicylic acid for skin is considered one of the best treatments for acne scars and marks. It is an excellent exfoliant that helps to remove acne-causing bacteria, slough dead skin cells and fade dark spots or marks. In addition, it evens the skin tone and treats skin discoloration.
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.
Should you use Salicylic Acid in the morning or night? Salicylic Acid in skincare can be used daily in both morning and in the night. However, when salicylic acid is being used as a part of the AM skincare routine, it is important to end with sunscreen application as the last step of the process.
Due to its highly effective abilities to penetrate the pores it can become severely drying to the skin and result in some skin side effects from dry patches of skin, redness, peeling, and overall dryness and discomfort.
Whereas Salicylic Acid (BHA) is an oil-soluble ingredient derived from Willow Bark (meaning it can work on the skin's surface as well as penetrate deep inside the pores to help de-clog, reduce the appearance of breakouts, and clear signs of congestion).
Not only will it be too irritating on the skin, but it'll also strip the skin barrier of the essential oil and water. This will have a knock-on effect as your skin will feel it needs to produce more sebum which can result in a flare-up of breakouts and spots.
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant.
Salicylic acid for wrinkles and ageing skin
Your search for learning how to get plump, glowing skin ends with salicylic acid. The exfoliating properties of salicylic acid boost skin cell renewal. This, in turn, stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid
One chemical exfoliant that Dr. Pierre recommends for dark spots is glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps dissolve and shed the "glue" between dead, discolored skin cells, leaving you with a clearer, brighter, all-around glowier face.
For those with dry or sensitive skin, limit salicylic acid use to 2 or 3 times per week. Too much exfoliation can cause irritation and redness and disrupt your skin barrier. Always mix salicylic acid with a hydrating serum or apply moisturiser afterwards to prevent dryness.
Salicylic acid can be drying to the skin, so it's important to moisturize your skin after using it. Look for a moisturizer that is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrances and other irritants. Moisturizing after using salicylic acid can help to soothe the skin and prevent dryness and irritation.
Salicylic acid is best applied to dry skin, whereas hyaluronic acid is best applied to damp skin and then sealed in with a thicker moisturizer/occlusive. Damp skin is more porous, allowing skincare components to enter the skin's barrier more easily.
“Skin purging” is a term some people use to describe an increase in acne after starting a new skin care product, such as a retinoid. However, there are no scientific studies on this topic. Dryness, flaking, or peeling are well-known side effects of some skin care ingredients, such as retinoids.
For BHA (salicylic acid), up to 2% is considered best for regular use and for acne exfoliants.
There are several reasons retinol and salicylic acid should not be used at the same time. Since retinol is such a potent ingredient, it already creates the potential for temporary dryness, redness and flaking. When applied at the same time with salicylic acid, the chances of these effects are increased.