How Long to Leave Salicylic Acid on Face?
Salicylic acid is known for its potency, you’ll often find in formulated into an array of different products. These can often vary in strength and used to help treat persistent acne flare ups, as well as removing corns, calluses, and warts. This is because it’s a keratolytic, also known as peeling agent and will work on the outer surface of the skin. Unlike other acids, such as the popular AHAs, glycolic and lactic, you’ll also find its oil soluble meaning it can work further down into the lower layers of the skin.
Due to its highly effective abilities to penetrate the pores it can become severely drying to the skin and result in some skin side effects from dry patches of skin, redness, peeling, and overall dryness and discomfort. Therefore, you’ll often find skincare experts and dermatologists; recommend you introduce the potent BHA into your daily skincare routine slowly to begin with. To find out more about salicylic acid how it works on the skin, you can check out our dedicated blog post about “What is salicylic acid?” over on The Beauty Insiders.
How long to leave salicylic acid on face?
The formulation of the product will determine how long you leave salicylic acid on your face. As I have already mentioned, if you are new to using the potent BHA, the best product to start with is a cleanser or face wash. This is because it’s the product that remains on the skin for the least amount of time, you simply work it into a lather and rinse it off resulting in salicylic acid remaining on the skin between 1-3 minutes. You’ll also find the percentage of salicylic acid is lower compared to that found in serums, face oils, or moisturisers. With these products you can expect to have the acid remain on your skin for longer periods of time and even overnight.
If you have built the tolerance of your skin and are happy with the results you’re seeing on your face, you can then opt for a serum. Serums are generally considered the most potent option as they work deeper in the skin compared to a moisturiser that tend to remain on the surface. There are face masks and treatments containing the acid that can often contain the highest percentage of BHA and should not be used by anyone suffering from dryness or have a skin type prone to skin conditions such as eczema. Salicylic acid is too potent and will cause a flare-up in unwanted skin reactions. To avoid this, always ensure you check the instructions and use the product correctly and if you have any concerns, consult with your doctor or medical professional.
How long should I leave salicylic acid cleanser on my face?
This can vary depending on how much time you take to cleanse your skin. For many, the 60 second rule has proven to be the most effective. If you’re new to this rule, it’s a simple method that requires you to work the product into the skin for 60 seconds, doing it for this length of time is considered best to deliver optimal results ensuring it works its way into the pores, clearing it of sebum build up, ridding the skin of dirt and bacteria whilst beginning to dissolve the bonds hold dead skin cells onto the surface of the skin. Once these bonds are loosened you can then use an exfoliating toner to slough away any remaining traces of cells revealing a layer of glowing, radiant, fresh skin underneath.
If you ever have any worries about how your skin will react to a product you use on your skin, you can perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying all over the face. This will avoid unwanted irritation or reactions to the skin and give you a better idea of which product formula to use in your routine.
Can I leave salicylic acid overnight?
Yes, you can, but only once you have built the skin’s tolerance. For those with a skin type that is oily and prone to acne and breakouts, salicylic acid is the best ingredient to use to combat any concerns. It is also thought best to use salicylic acid in your evening routine as the deep exfoliation can increase the skin’s sensitivity to exposure to UV rays so you will need to apply a daily SPF of 30 and above. If you are wanting to know more about using salicylic acid overnight, there is a fully dedicated blog post that explains everything in a lot more detail.
Should I moisturise after salicylic acid?
Yes, it’s considered best for your skin and the protective skin barrier to apply a moisturiser after using salicylic acid. To get the best results team it with a moisturiser that is packed with hyaluronic acid, or other hydrating ingredients as this will help lock moisture into the skin ensuring the protective skin barrier is fully functioning and able to protect itself from exposure to free radical damage, such as pollution, UV rays, central heating, and harsh climates. You’ll also find that moisturisers have a thicker consistency and will also form a physical barrier on the surface of the skin which will prevent any environmental aggressors interfere with any active ingredients found in your other products.
How quickly does salicylic acid work?
You’ll find it takes on average, about 6-8 weeks to start noticing a marked improvement of the look and feel of the skin. If you are using salicylic acid as a spot treatment or method of clearing up acne and breakouts, you may find your skin will look a little worse before it gets better. This is just a sign of the BHA doing a thorough job of clearing out the pores of any build in “gunk” found in the pores that tend to develop into various blemishes, such as blackheads, whiteheads, and other spots. You’ll find that your skin will clear up after consistently using the salicylic acid product after 4 weeks.
So, there you have a little more information about how long to leave salicylic acid on your face. As I have already suggested if you have any concerns consult with your GP or come and follow us on Instagram, you can find me in the direct messages.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
