Does Salicylic Acid Fight Acne?
If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you may have heard of the popular skincare ingredient salicylic acid. It’s known for penetrating deep into the pores and removing excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities.
A member of the beta-hydroxy acid family of chemical exfoliants, salicylic acid also works on the outer surface of the skin to remove accumulated dead skin cells, dirt, and debris. All of this impurity can often develop into a host of issues, from blemishes, acne, skin flakes, to a dull, lackluster complexion. If you want to learn more about how salicylic acid works on the skin and how it can positively impact the overall look and feel of your complexion, you can read the dedicated blog post “What is Salicylic Acid?”
Now let’s answer the question in today’s blog post: Is salicylic acid good for acne? So let’s dive in and find out more!
Does Salicylic Acid Cause More Acne?
In short: Yes, salicylic acid can cause more acne, but there are several factors that may contribute to it. Here are some examples of what may be causing the increase in acne flare-ups you’re experiencing.
You’re Using the Wrong Concentrate
Before you introduce the acid into your daily routine, you should focus on the concentration of BHA in the formula. To get a better idea of how effective your product is, you should check the ingredient list. If salicylic acid is one of the first five active ingredients listed, it indicates that an effective amount is present. This means that the BHA is helping to fight acne and breakouts. If you find yourself using a product that’s high in salicylic acid but isn’t having an effect on your skin, you may need to switch to a different, more effective formula.
You’re Not Using Enough
Salicylic acid generally requires you to introduce it into your daily routine slowly at first. Once your skin has built up a tolerance to the acid, you can use it more often, which can improve your skin’s clarity and keep your skin barrier fully protected and functioning optimally.
This Ingredient Isn’t Right for You
If your breakouts and acne issues aren’t improving after using a salicylic acid product for more than 4 weeks, it could be a sign that the ingredients in the product aren’t right for you. You may want to consult a doctor or dermatologist to find another ingredient or product that can help you resolve your issues without causing an adverse reaction.
This Could Be a Sign It’s Working
Believe it or not, your acne may get worse before it gets better. Once you start using salicylic acid in your daily skincare routine, you’ll often find that your acne seems to get worse. While this may seem daunting, it’s a sign that the powerful BHA is working deep within the pores to remove excess sebum, bacteria, dirt, and debris. When all this “gunpowder” is pushed to the surface of the skin, it can lead to short-term breakouts of acne and pimples, but with regular use, this should slowly subside after 4 weeks.
How long does salicylic acid take to work?
As you can see (and I briefly answered this question in the previous section), it usually takes about 4 weeks to see noticeable changes in your skin tone and a reduction in active pimples and acne flare-ups. You may find that you see results faster, sometimes it takes longer, depending on the severity of your breakouts, and the product needs to be used for about 6 to 8 weeks before you see noticeable improvements.
If you don’t see any noticeable improvements within this time, this may be a sign that you should see your doctor about alternative ingredients or products. I also recommend doing a 24-hour patch test before applying new products to your face to avoid reactions.
Which acid is best for acne?
Dermatologists and skin care experts consider salicylic acid to be the best acid for treating pimples and acne. There are more potent ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide that are very effective in fighting acne. However, many prefer salicylic acid, which comes in a variety of formulas, is simple and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Salicylic acid is found in over-the-counter products such as toners, cleansers and serums, usually in concentrations of 0.5% to 2%. For higher concentrations of the acid, opt for a chemical peel or professional facial, which contains a medicinal percentage of the acid. Chemical peels or facials are considered the best starting point for clear skin.
Can I use salicylic acid every day?
Yes, it is considered safe to use salicylic acid every day once your skin has developed a tolerance to the active acid. It is best to start by using salicylic acid products only 2-3 times a week, preferably at night, as salicylic acid products are known to increase the skin’s sensitivity to light, which increases the risk of sun damage to the face. To avoid this, you should apply a sun protection factor every day to provide your skin with extra protection. If you find that your skin remains comfortable after using salicylic acid 2-3 times a week, you can start using it daily. For more information on daily use of salicylic acid, see our dedicated blog post.
Is salicylic acid good for acne scars?
Yes, it is. Due to the exfoliating properties of the acid, you will notice that the pigmentation of the remaining acne scars will decrease and become less visible to the naked eye. If you want to remove acne scars and dark spots quickly and effectively, your best option is to consult a professional who can provide you with a range of chemical peels and facials.
Here you can learn more about salicylic acid and whether it is good for acne. As I mentioned before, you should consult a doctor before trying any new formula on your skin to avoid negative reactions. If you have any other questions, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram.
