What Does Salicylic Acid Do for the Skin?
I’ll be the first to admit that the sheer variety of ingredients in skincare can often be dizzying and confusing. When it comes to finding the best ingredients to combat skin issues, especially if acne, pimples, and breakouts are your main concern, you’ve undoubtedly heard of salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is a powerful heavyweight in the skincare world, whether it’s an over-the-counter product or a professional peel. It’s extracted from willow bark and is considered a salicylate ingredient. Known for its complex structure, figuring out how it works on the skin can be daunting.
This will give you a better idea of how well they work on the skin overall. It belongs to the BHA family, also known as beta hydroxy acid, which is the most common and found in nearly every skincare product that fights acne and breakouts.
There are two types of acids used in skincare: AHA and BHA. These two acid groups differ slightly in the way the molecule is separated from the acid. Alpha hydroxy acids split the acid with one carbon atom, while beta hydroxy acids use two carbon atoms. As a result, BHAs are naturally more potent and can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. For example, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can remove layers of dead skin cells while penetrating deep into the pores to remove dirt, bacteria, and excess sebum. Salicylic acid is very effective and can improve skin clarity, but it can still cause dryness, especially if you have a skin type that is prone to sensitivity and redness. To avoid unwanted skin reactions, perform a 24-hour patch test before applying new products to your face. If you want to learn more about salicylic acid and its importance, you can read our dedicated blog post. Is it OK to use salicylic acid every day?
Conclusion: Yes, but listen to your skin. If you find that your skin feels comfortable and looks clear, you can use salicylic acid every day. Some even recommend using them twice a day once you have built up your skin’s tolerance.
The amount of BHA in each product varies from brand to brand. This can sometimes affect how your skin reacts to using different products. Therefore, we think it is extremely important to patch test your skin first.
If you still notice signs of irritation, it is best to stop using salicylic acid products for a day or two and use a generous serum rich in hyaluronic acid. Once your skin has improved and you no longer have any irritation, you can try to slowly reapply the product.
Is salicylic acid harmful to the skin? No, not really, but it can irritate the skin if not used correctly. Salicylic acid is great for oily and acne-prone skin. If you have a dry, sensitive skin type, BHAs may be too harsh on the skin.
Since salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores and removes excess sebum, it is great for degreasing. If your face is too oily, it can lead to excess sebum production, which can cause more irritation and acne.
The best way to reap the benefits is to slowly introduce salicylic acid into your routine once a week, preferably at night. This helps build tolerance and avoid unwanted reactions.
Does salicylic acid remove dark spots? Yes, it does! Salicylic acid removes dark spots due to the exfoliating properties of BHAs. When dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin, your complexion can appear dull.
You will also notice that breakouts, flaky patches of skin, and dark spots that appear more pigmented become more common. Salicylic acid removes dark spots by removing the dead skin layer. The more she removes, the lighter the dark spots will become. Salicylic acid won’t completely eliminate dark spots, but if you use a powerful BHA along with vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid daily, and wear sunscreen daily, you’ll notice that your complexion looks better. Skin will look more radiant, hydrated and even-toned. Of course, keep in mind that these recommended skin ingredients should only be used daily after consulting a doctor or dermatologist. Can I use a moisturizer after using salicylic acid? Apply a moisturizer after applying it anyway Salicylic acid is a great way to restore the skin barrier while creating a physical barrier on the surface of the skin. Choose a moisturizing formula with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to ensure that the skin’s protective barrier is full of water and oil, and it protects against pollution, free radicals such as UV rays, and harsh weather. Should salicylic acid be used in the morning or at night? This depends on you and your skin type, as some people find that using BHA too frequently can cause irritation and dryness. However, if your skin has developed a tolerance, you can use salicylic acid morning and night.
Skin experts recommend varying the ingredients of acid-containing products to thoroughly cleanse the skin while avoiding unwanted reactions. Try a salicylic acid-rich toner in the morning and a serum with active acids in the evening. Serums are best used at night because the higher acid concentration can work undisturbed without exposure to free radicals.
