How long should salicylic acid be left on your face?
Salicylic acid is well known for its benefits and is commonly used in many different products. They are often available in different concentrations for treating stubborn acne flare-ups and removing corns, calluses and warts. This is because it is a keratolytic, also known as an exfoliant, which works on the outer surface of the skin. Unlike other acids, such as the popular AHAs, glycolic acid and lactic acid, it is also oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the underlying layers of the skin.
Due to its ability to penetrate pores efficiently, it can be seriously drying and cause several side effects to the skin, such as dry patches, redness, flaking, and general dryness and discomfort. Therefore, skin care experts and dermatologists often recommend slowly introducing the effective BHA into your daily skin care routine. To learn more about the effects of salicylic acid on the skin, you can read our dedicated blog post “What is Salicylic Acid?” on The Beauty Insiders.
How long should salicylic acid be left on your face?
The formulation of the product determines how long salicylic acid stays on your face. As I mentioned, a cleanser or face wash is the best product to start with if you are using a strong BHA for the first time. This is because the product stays on the skin for the shortest amount of time. You simply lather and rinse, leaving the salicylic acid on the skin for 1-3 minutes. You will also notice that the percentage of salicylic acid is lower compared to a serum, face oil, or moisturizer. With these products, the acid can stay on the skin longer, even overnight.
Once your skin has built up a tolerance and you are happy with the results on your face, you can opt for a serum. Serums are generally considered the most effective option because they penetrate deeper into the skin than moisturizers, which tend to stay on the surface. Some acid masks and treatments often contain the highest BHA content and should not be used by people with dry or skin types prone to skin conditions such as eczema. Salicylic acid is too strong and can cause adverse skin reactions. To avoid this, always read the instructions and use the product properly. If you have any concerns, contact your doctor or healthcare professional.
How long should a cleanser with salicylic acid be left on your face?
This can vary, depending on how long you need to clean your skin. For many people, the 60-second rule has proven to be the most effective. If you are not familiar with this rule, it is a simple method that requires you to apply the product to your skin for 60 seconds. This period of time is considered to be the best time to achieve the best results. It ensures that the product penetrates the pores, removes sebum buildup, removes dirt and bacteria from the skin, and at the same time begins to dissolve the bonds of dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. Once these bonds are broken, you can use an exfoliating toner to remove any remaining traces of cells, revealing a radiant, fresh layer of skin underneath.
If you are concerned about your skin reacting to the products you are using, you can do a 24-hour patch test before applying it to your face. This will help you avoid unnecessary skin irritation or reactions and give you a better idea of which product formulas you should use in your daily routine.
Can I leave salicylic acid on overnight?
Yes, you can, but only if you have built up your skin’s tolerance. For people with oily skin and skin prone to acne and rashes, salicylic acid is the best ingredient to solve all problems. It is also believed that salicylic acid is best used at night, as deep exfoliation can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, requiring you to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day. If you want to learn more about using salicylic acid overnight, there is a dedicated blog post that explains everything in more detail.
Do you need to apply a moisturiser after using salicylic acid?
Yes, it is considered best for your skin and the protective skin barrier, Apply a moisturiser after using salicylic acid. For best results, combine it with a moisturiser that is rich in hyaluronic acid or other hydrating ingredients, as this will help to lock moisture into the skin and ensure the skin’s protective barrier is fully functioning and protected from damage from pollution, free radicals such as UV rays, central heating and harsh climates. You will also find that moisturiser has a thicker consistency and also forms a physical barrier on the surface of the skin, preventing environmental aggressors from interfering with the active ingredients in your other products.
How quickly does salicylic acid work?
You will find that on average it takes about 6-8 weeks to notice a significant improvement in the look and feel of your skin. If you use salicylic acid as a spot treatment or way to clear up acne and breakouts, your skin may initially look a little bad before it gets better. This is just a sign that the BHA is thoroughly clearing out the “gunpowder” that builds up in your pores, which is prone to various blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne. After 4 weeks of consistent use of salicylic acid products, you will notice that your skin clears up.
So you can learn more about how long you should leave salicylic acid on your face here. As I suggested before, if you have any questions, contact your GP or follow us on Instagram where you can find me in direct messages.
