How to Treat Acne with Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, also known as a BHA, that has become a powerful acne-fighting ingredient in skincare products. Salicylic acid is found in many over-the-counter products and is often used in professional facials. If you’re constantly experiencing unwanted breakouts, salicylic acid could be the solution. That’s why today we want to tell you a lot about this clever BHA and how to treat it.
How to Use Salicylic Acid for Acne?
Salicylic acid works by first breaking up the dead skin cells that bind to the outer layer of your skin, causing it to appear dull and to form pimples and blemishes over time. Secondly, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means that unlike other AHAs, it can penetrate deeper into the skin to unclog pores of bacteria, dirt, debris, and excess sebum, which are the main causes of acne.
Salicylic acid is a highly potent product that may cause some allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. To avoid skin irritation or reactions, it’s best to consult a dermatologist to find the best formula and concentration. You can also learn more about BHAs in our blog post on the benefits of salicylic acid for skincare.
You will find salicylic acid in many skincare products, from cleansers to serums. This is very beneficial because it gives you the opportunity to find products that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. I must point out that if you want salicylic acid to work as quickly as possible, it is best to use a serum because it stays on the skin longer than a cleanser that you wash off.
How long does salicylic acid take to clear up acne?
In order for salicylic acid to work best, you should use it regularly in your daily routine. After a few uses, you will notice that active spots and blemishes on the surface of your skin become smaller and redder. It may take a few weeks to see the full effects and maintain a clear and even skin tone.
If a few weeks have passed and you haven’t achieved the desired results, you may want to see a dermatologist to determine if you should increase the concentration of the acid. The amount of salicylic acid in products varies between 0.5% and 6%, with skin care professionals using treatments and products with higher levels of salicylic acid.
Can I use salicylic acid every day?
Since salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients in skincare, many experts recommend incorporating it into your routine every other day. If your skin does not show signs of irritation, continue to do so. After 2 weeks, you can increase the frequency of your salicylic acid use. If salicylic acid is the only form of exfoliation you use on a daily basis, it’s completely safe to use it every day. However, if you use other chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or physical facial peels, it can be too harsh on the skin and lead to a host of skin issues like dryness, rashes, and inflammation.
As we mentioned before, you can have too much of a good thing, and overusing salicylic acid can often lead to dry skin and more sensitive skin. Remember to pair salicylic acid with other hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid to combat dryness and give your skin a youthful, translucent glow.
Do you still need to use a moisturizer after using salicylic acid?
Absolutely! Regardless of which product you use that contains salicylic acid, a follow-up moisturizer will work wonders for your skin. Products like serums often work beyond the epidermis to treat areas of the skin that a moisturizer can’t reach.
Using a moisturizer after using salicylic acid can help your skin become more balanced, allowing your skin’s protective barrier to function at full capacity with the right amount of vital water and oils. This protects the skin from environmental aggressors like free radicals, sun exposure, and pollution, which can cause skin damage. In other words, moisturizer acts like an umbrella that shields the skin from the elements.
Can I apply salicylic acid to a popped pimple?
If you try to apply salicylic acid to a pimple you’ve already popped, be prepared to be stung! This sensation may last for a while until you use a soothing lotion to soothe your skin. You shouldn’t pop pimples or other acne because this can cause skin damage and scarring. However, if you want to express a blemish, this simple routine should (hopefully) help. Avoid further skin problems.
Use a non-foaming face wash or cleanser that has a variety of antibacterial properties and other ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide. This will help you clean the area and prevent bacteria from getting infected and developing into a larger, inflamed, painful pimple.
Next, take an acidic tonic containing salicylic acid, soak a cotton pad and rub it onto your skin. Try not to be too rough and don’t apply too much tonic to the pimple. Salicylic acid will help remove any remaining dirt.
Finally, use a light non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen to prevent clogged pores and protect your skin from skin stress.
This will give you a simple routine to prevent further breakouts or breakouts after popping a pimple. I’ll let this one go… Read our blog post for more information on the best ingredients for clearing pimples from your skin.
I hope this helped answer some of your questions about salicylic acid and how well it works for treating acne. Don’t forget to send us more questions via Instagram.
