Is Salicylic Acid Good?
Salicylic acid is a member of the group of chemical exfoliants known as Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) derived from willow bark you’ll find this potent powerhouse formulated into acne targeting skincare products.
It’s an oil soluble ingredient meaning it can penetrate down into the lower layers of the dermis and work at unclogging the pores of dirt, bacteria, and build-up of excess sebum that when left untreated will develop into blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes.
It also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties resulting in it help to reduce and calm any existing breakouts and inflammations, whilst preventing any new ones from forming.
If you are wanting to know a little more details about salicylic acid and how it works on the skin, check out our dedicated blog post.
Is it bad to use salicylic acid every day?
Not really, but only if you use it correctly in your routine and avoid teaming it with other potent formulations that can cause the skin to become overly dried and irritated. To avoid overdoing it with salicylic acid, it is recommended to introduce salicylic acid slowly to your routine to begin with. Try applying it every other day and keep an eye on how your skin reacts to this, once the tolerance is built you can use it more frequently, especially if you have a skin type that is oily and prone to acne.
When using salicylic acid daily you should consider the product formula you apply to the skin. What I mean by this is using a toner or face wash enriched with salicylic acid are rinsed off the skin resulting in them not causing too much irritation, this is the best way of using the BHA twice a day with little to no concerns with negative side effects. If you are wanting to pack a bit more of a punch you can use a serum containing salicylic acid will remain on the skin for a longer amount of time, ideally in the evenings so it can set to work whilst you catch up on your well-deserved beauty sleep.
If you have a skin type that is more sensitive, or suffers from certain skin conditions such as rosacea, you’re pregnant, or on specific mediations it is best to avoid using salicylic acid all together. You may be able to introduce other chemical exfoliants, such as lactic acid or other types of poly hydroxy acids (PHA) once you have checked with a doctor or dermatologist that you are safe to do so.
Why shouldn’t you use salicylic acid?
You shouldn’t use salicylic acid if you have a skin type that is dry and prone to sensitivity. Although the BHA is generally considered safe to use, it can be too potent for certain skins and will often result in several side effects, from discomfort, dry patches of skin, redness, flaky patches of skin, and irritation. You will also find that the salicylic acid when used in excess can strip the skin of the vital oil. It needs this to remain comfortable and the skin barrier functioning properly to protect itself from exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors.
Before applying any type of product containing salicylic acid, you need to perform a patch test for 24 hours before, especially if it is the first time you are introducing the acid into your routine.
What does salicylic acid do to your skin?
There are many benefits provided by salicylic acid that is delivers on the skin, here are some of the main ones experienced by those who introduce the potent powerhouse to their daily routine.
Salicylic acid is oil soluble and can penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin, into the pores to clear them out of bacteria, dirt, and excess sebum.
Salicylic acid can slough away the build-up of dead skin cells revealing new, vibrant skin underneath.
Salicylic acid contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties helping to maintain a calm, soothed skin.
Salicylic acid is able to regulate the production of sebum in the skin keeping it balanced and healthy.
Salicylic acid can work on the outer surface of the skin combating active spots, helping to reduce their size whilst preventing anymore from developing.
There you have some examples of what salicylic acid does for the skin. There is more about how the BHA works on the skin over on our Skin School page, check it out to find out more.
Is salicylic acid a good toner?
Absolutely! In fact, toners are considered the most popular and effective formula that many skincare fans prefer to use. By using a toner you’ll find that the skin will reap the rewards of the various benefits salicylic acid is able to delivery to the skin without the worry of stripping it of vital oils and water. To avoid any signs of irritation or dryness you can also follow your salicylic acid toner with a serum packed with hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Does salicylic acid remove blackheads?
Yes, it certainly does, combating blackheads is one of the many blemish battling benefits salicylic acid is able to deliver. Because the BHA can work its way into the lower layers of the skin it can reach the root of the problem regarding blackheads, and that is clogged pores. A build-up of bacteria, dirt, excess sebum, and other impurities that can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, spots, and flare-up in acne too.
We go into a lot more detail about using salicylic acid to treat blackheads, so check out our dedicated blog post to find out more.
Should I use salicylic acid in the morning or night?
You can use salicylic acid twice a day if you have built a tolerance for the potent BHA. By using it in your morning routine you’ll find it is able to rid the skin of any barrier caused by the layer of dead skin cells ensuring it is able to absorb other products applied on top. For the evening, you will slough away any impurities, bacteria, and debris you picked up during the day resulting in a fully cleansed skin.
There you have a little more information and with any luck I have answered the question, is salicylic acid good? Don’t forget to join us over on Instagram for daily skin tips, product launches, and exclusive discounts.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
