Why is salicylic acid not clearing my skin?

Author: Eliza Harris  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Why it might not be working: There are multiple types and causes of acne — and if your acne is severe, salicylic acid might not be strong enough for you. “Cystic acne will need something stronger than salicylic acid,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist based in New York City.

How long does it take salicylic acid to clear skin?

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.

Can skin become resistant to salicylic acid?

The simple answer is, no. Your skin doesn't build up an immunity to skincare products over time. They don't just one day decide they aren't going to work anymore. This is because there is no direct mechanism for your skin to become immune to the effects of products.

How do you know if the salicylic acid is working?

Signs that treatment is effective

Wart medications, such as salicylic acid, gradually peel away layers of a wart until it reaches the same level as the skin. People may notice the wart becoming flatter over time.

Does salicylic acid work for everyone?

While salicylic acid is good for any skin type, Dr. Hu says that people who have acne-prone and oily skin will benefit the most from this ingredient as it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe irritation, combat acne problems, and prevent new breakouts.

SALICYLIC Acid FOR ACNE - A BHA ACID FOR OILY SKIN & WARTS | Skin Science

When salicylic acid doesn t work?

05. The salicylic-complementing sulfur. If your skin isn't responding to salicylic acid, you can use a topical application of sulfur in conjunction with the acid. Sulphur removes excess oil and removes congestion by increasing skin cell turnover.

What to avoid 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.

Why does my skin look worse after salicylic acid?

Skin purging occurs because of some ingredients that accelerate your body's natural process of getting rid of dead skin cells. Products that contain certain components—including lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids—are likely the culprits of your acne breakout.

What does overuse of salicylic acid look like?

Some may find their skin is itchy, others may notice areas of redness, flaky patches of skin, and even painful to touch. If you experience any of these, even in the mildest state, stop using your product containing salicylic acid and seek the help of a dermatologist.

How long does it take to see a difference with salicylic acid?

When Youll See Results: When you use a product with salicylic acid, there are some immediate improvements, because it helps dry out pimples, Dr. Zeichner says. But getting the full blemish-busting effects takes about 12 weeks of regular use.

Does salicylic acid stop working after a while?

Acne products typically last four to six months. Common ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide break down rather quickly once exposed to air and may cause more irritation to the skin.

Does salicylic acid make skin worse before better?

Retinoids such as Tretinoin, acids such as salicylic, and benzoyl peroxide are just a few of the products that cause purging. These products contain active ingredients that increase the skin cell turnover rate, therefore causing your skin to purge.

Does salicylic acid push out acne?

Salicylic acid is a key ingredient in many acne treatments.

This is because it helps to unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and reduce inflammation. It is also gentle enough to use on sensitive skin.

Should you moisturize after salicylic acid?

Should I moisturise after salicylic acid? Yes, it's considered best for your skin and the protective skin barrier to apply a moisturiser after using salicylic acid.

How long should you leave 20% salicylic acid on your face?

The solution is left on your skin for about three to five minutes. During this time you'll probably feel some mild burning or stinging.

What does salicylic acid purging look like?

Some of these ingredients are retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs (glycolic, malic, lactic, and salicylic acid). What does skin 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.

How do you know if your skin is reacting to salicylic acid?

Skin reactions such as peeling/burning/dry/reddened skin may occur, especially at the start of treatment. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may need to apply smaller amounts of the drug or use it less often. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

What does purging skin look like?

What Does Skin Purging Look Like? Purging breakouts look like tiny, red bumps on the skin that are painful when touched. Often, there may be whiteheads and blackheads that appear along with the bumps.

Why am I still breaking out with a good skincare routine?

Usually, it occurs due to several things such as an unhealthy lifestyle, rarely exercising, eating too many high-calorie foods, consuming fatty foods, excess stress, and lack of sleep. Unfortunately, this condition is often ignored and not immediately corrected so that in the end only triggering more acne to your skin.

How to tell the difference between skin purging and breaking out?

After a few weeks of purging, your skin and acne will have noticeably improved. Breaking out is when your skin is reacting because it is sensitive to something in the new product. You may get spots in a new area that you don't typically and they take longer to go away.

What can I pair with salicylic acid?

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.

What to apply after salicylic acid?

The percentage of salicylic acid in these topical treatments are the highest you can find and so expect to experience dryness and flaking. To counteract this skin-reaction it is best to follow the topical spot treatment with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid which will help restore moisture.

What soothes skin after salicylic acid?

How to Heal Over-Exfoliated Skin from Salicylic Acid
  1. Say "aloe" to your new best friend! Other than being extremely soothing, aloe vera can also help restore hydration and rebuild firmness to your skin, which is exactly what you need right now. ...
  2. Invest in a hyaluronic acid serum. ...
  3. Prioritise rebuilding your skin barrier.

What works better than salicylic acid?

Benzoyl peroxide is an active ingredient that is a little more powerful than salicylic acid, and works to penetrate the pores by breaking down the dead skin cells. “Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing and killing bacteria that cause acne, thereby reducing acne itself.

Can you overdo salicylic acid?

You can actually use too much 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.

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