How to Use Salicylic Acid?
If your skin type is oily and blemish-prone, then someone may have recommended you a product or range that contains salicylic acid. One of the most commonly used BHAs, salicylic acid is a highly effective and powerful ingredient that can easily eliminate the buildup of dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, debris, and other impurities. When left on the skin, they often lead to breakouts, blemishes, and acne.
Salicylic acid has a very small molecular size compared to its counterparts such as glycolic and lactic acids, which means it can penetrate deeper into the skin. It is also oil-soluble, so it can easily penetrate excess sebum. However, this comes with some side effects, as excessive or incorrect use can deplete the skin of essential oils that it needs to stay balanced and healthy. Is this why people with dry or extremely sensitive skin should avoid salicylic acid in their daily skincare routine?
Here’s a quick introduction to how salicylic acid works on the skin, but if you want to learn more, check out our article on the benefits of salicylic acid for skin care. Now let’s take a closer look at the uses of salicylic acid.
What’s the best way to use salicylic acid?
That depends on your daily routine and how you handle salicylic acid in it. Salicylic acid is found in a range of skincare products, from face washes to night serums. Whatever you want to include in your routine, you must first consider your skin type, skin concerns, and the skin care routine you already have in place.
Face washes and cleansers
They typically contain the lowest levels of salicylic acid, which means they are effective products for daily use to combat the buildup of excess oil, dirt, and bacteria. They are also a great product to start with if you are new to salicylic acid because it rinses off the skin, which means they don’t stay on the face for too long, helping to avoid irritation or dryness.
Exfoliating toners
The benefit of using an exfoliating toner after cleansing is that it removes any remaining dead skin cells, debris, and impurities, leaving you with a radiant, vibrant, and healthy-looking complexion. Many people find exfoliating toners to be the most effective and easiest product to incorporate into their daily routine.
Serums and moisturizers
Serums and moisturizers contain the highest concentrations of salicylic acid, so they are often favored by people who want quick results and whose skin has already developed a tolerance for the acid. Since salicylic acid often causes increased sensitivity to light on the skin, it’s best to use a BHA-rich serum and moisturizer as part of your evening routine. You should then use an SPF of 30 or higher in your morning routine to further protect your skin from UV radiation.
You can also book a professional chemical peel at an established spa or salon. It contains medical-grade salicylic acid, which is the most effective form of BHA compared to over-the-counter formulas. This is a good option for people who have a number of different skin issues and want to effectively address them all with one treatment.
As with all skincare products, I always recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist to make sure salicylic acid is good for you and your skin while avoiding any adverse reactions.
How long should salicylic acid be left on your face?
As I just mentioned, this depends on the formula and product you use that contains salicylic acid. Keep in mind that BHAs can cause severe dryness, itching, and irritation to the skin. It’s thought to be best to start with a face cleanser and exfoliating toner to build up your skin’s tolerance. Once your skin gets used to salicylic acid, you can move on to more potent formulas like serums and moisturizers.
Whatever you choose, it’s always best to do a 24-hour patch test before applying any product all over your skin. This is the best way to assess whether your skin will benefit or be irritated by the product.
How to Use Salicylic Acid in Your Daily Life?
Salicylic acid can be used in a variety of ways in your daily life. As you know, cleansers and toners are considered the easiest ways to introduce the acid into your daily life. For oily and blemish-prone skin, using a serum can provide more ideal and faster results.
If you want to learn more about how to incorporate salicylic acid into your daily life, you can read our dedicated blog post on how to incorporate salicylic acid serums into your daily life.
How to Use Salicylic Acid in Your Daily Life?
You can use salicylic acid twice a day when using a cleanser or toner, as these are the gentlest formulas. You can use stronger products daily, but only if you’re sure your skin is happy with them.
With powerful ingredients like salicylic acid, it’s best not to overuse products containing BHAs, as oils may be stripped from the skin. Not only can this cause your skin to feel tight, uncomfortable or itchy, but you’ll also find that acne and blemishes can spread. The skin barrier can also be weakened, leading to further damage such as dark spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Does salicylic acid need to be washed off?
No, not necessarily, as this depends on the salicylic acid product being used. For example, serums are best left on the face for as long as possible, which means they’re a great product to use at night. This means that while you get your beauty sleep, your skin will benefit from the BHA, giving you a healthy complexion in the morning.
You can find out more about using salicylic acid here. If you have any other skincare questions, follow us on Instagram.
