If you have a oily and blemish-prone skin type, it’s probably been recommended to you a product or range of products with salicylic acid. One of the most common BHAs, you will find that salicylic acid is both effective and potent, but it can also lead to frequent breakouts, spots, and blemishes if it is left on the skin.
Compared to other acids, like glycolic and lactic, the molecular weight of salicylic acid is smaller, which means it can reach a deeper level in the skin. It’s also oil-resistant, which makes it easy to reduce any remaining oil. However, this does have some negative side effects, as it is overused or misused, it can lead to the depletion of the vital oil in the skin and a healthy and balanced state. Is it the reason why those who are dry, or prone to severe sensitivity should avoid utilizing salicylic acid in their daily skin care regimen?
Here, you will learn the basic principles of how salicylic acid functions on the skin, but if you want to learn more about the benefits of salicylic acid in regards to skincare, you can check out our dedicated article on the subject. Now we must seek to learn more about how to utilize salicylic acid.
What is the most effective way to utilize salicylic acid?
This is based on your regular regimen and how you can incorporate salicylic acid into it. You’ll discover that salicylic acid is composed of numerous skincare products, including cleansers that are intended for use on the face as well as overnight serums. Whatever you choose to incorporate into your regular routine, you must first consider your skin type, your concerns regarding skin, and the already established routine of skincare you have.
Face Cleaners and Facials.
These typically have the lowest concentration of salicylic acid, which makes them an ideal product to utilize on a daily basis to combat the accumulation of oil, dirt and bacteria. They are also beneficial to begin with if you are new to salicylic acid, as they are derived from the skin, meaning they do not remain on the face for a long time period, this will allow you to avoid irritation or dryness.
Exfoliating Targets
The advantage of using an exfoliating toner following cleansing is that it allows you to eliminate any remaining cell debris, nutrients, or microorganisms, this leaves you with a bright, vibrant, and healthy complexion. Many believe that exfoliating toners are the most effective and simplest to incorporate into their regular regimen.
Soaps and Moisturizers
Serums and moisturisers have the greatest concentration of salicylic acid, which is often preferred by those who want fast results and have already built their skin’s tolerance to the acid. With salicylic acid often causing the skin to have increased sensitivity to the sun, it’s best to utilize your BHA-enhanced serum and moisturizers during your evening regimen. You should then proceed to a SPF of 30 or above in your daily regimen for extra protection from the sun’s rays.
You can also reserve your professional chemical peel in a well-established spa or salon. This product will contain the medicalgrade salicylic acid that is most potent in comparison to over-the-counter formulas. This is a great option for anyone who has several different skin issues and wishes to address them all at once with one procedure.
Similar to other skincare products, I would always recommend you talk to a doctor or dermatologist in regards to utilizing salicylic acid on your own and avoiding adverse reactions.
How long does it take to leave salicylic acid on the face?
As I mentioned earlier, this is dependent on the formula and product employed that contain salicylic acid. Be aware of the BHA’s potential for severe dryness, itching, and irritation to the skin, it’s best to begin with face washers and exfoliating toners in order to increase your skin’s tolerance. Once your skin has been used to salicylic acid, you can move on to more powerful formulas, such as serums and moisturizers.
Whatever you choose, it’s best to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any other product to the entire skin. This will help you determine if your skin will be benefitted by the product or if it will have any adverse effects.
How is salicylic acid typically utilized?
As you now understand, cleansers and toners are the most simple to incorporate into your routine, this is because both acids are versatile and can be used in multiple ways. For skin types that have oily or blemish-prone features, they may believe that serums have a greater, quicker effect.
If you desired to know more about how to incorporate salicylic acid into your regimen, you can explore our dedicated blog article about the way to add a serum with salicylic acid to your routine.
How does everyone use salicylic acid on a daily basis?
You can utilize salicylic acid every other day if used with a cleanser or toner that is the most gentle of formulations. For more powerful products, you can use them every day, but only after you’ve built up your skin will you be happy with this.
With the presence of a powerful ingredient like salicylic acid, it’s best to not overuse any products that contain the BHA as the oil can be excised from the skin. This will cause your skin to feel compacted, uncomfortable, or itchy, additionally, there will be a flare-up in spots and imperfections. The skin’s barrier will also become diminished, which will lead to more harm, including dark spots, over-exposure to the sun, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
Will you need to remove the salicylic acid from your system?
No, not necessarily in this case, as the product of salicylic acid is dependent on the acid’s composition. Serums are typically applied in the evening, as they have a longer lifespan on the face. This leads to the skin receiving the benefits of the BHA as you sleep beauty, while also having a complexion that is healthy during the morning.
Here you have a limited amount of information regarding the use of salicylic acid, don’t forget if you have additional questions about skincare, come on, and follow us on Instagram.
