When should salicylic acid be used in routine?

Author: Kelvin Hoppe MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

By using a salicylic acid enriched wash after cleansing the skin of any remaining makeup, you are helping to rid the skin of any dead skin cell build-up allowing any nourishing products applied afterwards to absorb quicker into the lower layers of the skin and show results quicker.

Do you apply salicylic acid before or after moisturizer?

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.

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.

Can I apply 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 ...

When should I use my salicylic acid cleanser?

Although many products containing salicylic acid recommend that you apply them in the morning and night, you should always be cautious when using an ingredient like this in the day as salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Vlog: Morning skin care routine with salicylic acid | Dr Dray

Can I use niacinamide after 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.

Should I use a salicylic acid cleanser everyday?

Is it okay to use salicylic acid every day? 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.

How do I add salicylic acid to my skin care routine?

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.

How long should you wait to apply moisturizer after salicylic acid?

You can test this yourself with a well formulated exfoliant: at night, apply your AHA or BHA as usual after cleansing and toning, and do a "split-test." Wait 20 minutes before applying your serum and/or moisturizer to one side, but the other side of your face, apply those next steps immediately.

What do you put on after salicylic acid?

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.

Can I use niacinamide in the morning and salicylic acid at night?

Using both together will however can become too much for the skin and lead to irritation, rashes, redness, flakiness and all-round discomfort. Much like vitamin C and niacinamide, if you are wanting to use both separate the products completely and apply salicylic acid in the morning and retinol for the evening.

Can I use salicylic acid in the morning and vitamin C at night?

Yes, you can, BUT you will get better results if you use vitamin C and glycolic acid/salicyclic acid separately. We recommend using vitamin C in the morning and your AHA or BHA at night.

How many times should I use salicylic acid serum?

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.

Should I use salicylic acid before niacinamide?

It is considered the best idea to apply niacinamide before salicylic acid. This is because the humectant traits of niacinamide ensure the natural skin barrier contains the correct levels of water. When the skin barrier is moisturised and healthy it can keep itself protected from exposure to free radical damage.

What should be a skincare routine?

Here are the steps for a good skincare regimen:
  • Wash your face. Morning and night, rinse your face water and rub a small amount of gentle cleanser between clean palms. ...
  • Apply toner. ...
  • Apply serum. ...
  • Apply eye cream. ...
  • Use spot treatment. ...
  • Moisturize. ...
  • Apply retinoid. ...
  • Apply face oil.

Can I use salicylic acid cleanser and vitamin C 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.

Can I use the ordinary salicylic acid everyday?

Don't use more than twice a day and even better, don't use more than once in a day. Don't use on peeling skin. If you want to add this product to your routine, incorporate it gradually.

Can I use salicylic acid with niacinamide zinc?

Using products that contain both ingredients ensures a pH-balanced formulation and reduces some of the guesswork of layering products to achieve desired results. While it's safe to use salicylic acid and niacinamide together, Leung advises that it's best not to combine BHAs with other exfoliants or retinol.

Is salicylic acid better than niacinamide?

Niacinamide and salicylic acid are both great ingredients for treating acne and have a variety of other benefits as well. Salicylic acid is the better option for treating acne, while niacinamide is great for fading scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Which is better for acne niacinamide or salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid helps clear pores, reduce inflammation, and is good for gentle exfoliation. It's a great ingredient for acne-prone skin, especially if you have oily skin type. Salicylic acid works more effectively when layered with niacinamide. Niacinamide is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and helps with acne.

Can I use 2% salicylic acid everyday?

"If salicylic acid is an ingredient in your cleanser, it is fine to use it every day." However, if you are using an exfoliant that salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advises only using the product three times per week, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.

Is salicylic acid good for combination skin?

Certain shampoos do contain this BHA as it helps soothe inflammations and clears up dandruff and scaling. If acne and blackheads are your main concern, and if you have oily to combination skin, you can give Salicylic Acid a shot. Below the age of 2 years, the use of this active is not recommended.

Can I use salicylic acid serum overnight?

Yes, salicylic acid can help overnight with any concerns you have with spots and acne.

Can you use niacinamide after AHA BHA?

Which of these products can be used after the AHA peeling solution? You're welcome to apply Alpha-Arbutin or Niacinamide after the Peeling Solution.

Can you use salicylic acid and BHA together?

To fight the good fight against acne, you may also use salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that increases skin cell turnover, to keep pores clear. But on its own, each can dry out the skin, so together they should be combined with caution.

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