Can salicylic acid be used daily?
Salicylic acid is a common beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is often used in anti-blemish skin care products. Compared to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it is oil-soluble. h. It can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin to help clear out bacteria, dirt, or excess sebum in the pores, which can form acne, blackheads, and other forms of blemishes. It is also an effective chemical peel, which means it can remove the buildup of dead skin cells that often contribute to a dull, dry, and lackluster complexion and often cause flaky, dry patches on the skin.
Salicylic acid can be mixed into a variety of skin care formulas, with serums generally having the highest efficacy. This makes the ingredient very effective in keeping skin clear and healthy, but it can cause very drying skin if not used properly or overused in your skin care routine. If you want to learn more about this clever BHA, you can read our guide to the benefits of salicylic acid in skin care.
Can salicylic acid be used daily?
Yes, it is considered OK to use salicylic acid every day. However, because this can sometimes cause skin irritation, many skin experts and dermatologists recommend using the acid in moderation. Start by using it 3 times a week. If there are no signs of a reaction, you can increase use by an additional day or two. When using over-the-counter products, expect salicylic acid levels to be between 0.5% and 2%. Prescription products have higher concentrations and are used in treatments performed by trained beauty professionals. The best way to avoid skin irritation or rashes is to give your skin enough time to adjust to the strong acid.
To help you better understand how salicylic acid works on your skin and how often you should use it:
Start by using a product containing salicylic acid three times a week.
If there are no signs of irritation, you can increase the frequency of using the product.
Allow your skin to fully adjust to the use of salicylic acid to avoid skin reactions, such as loss of essential oils.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid using salicylic acid because it is too strong for the skin.
If you are still concerned about how the acid may affect your skin, contact your primary care physician or dermatologist.
If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, try using a serum with salicylic acid in your evening routine, as this gives the ingredient more time to address skin issues while you sleep.
Always perform a 24-hour patch test before using any product on your skin.
Always use an SPF of 30 or higher daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Here are some helpful tips on using salicylic acid and the precautions you need to take when introducing it into your skin care routine. If you want to target breakouts and acne, learn more about how to use salicylic acid to treat acne in our blog post.
How often should you use salicylic acid?
You can use salicylic acid twice a day, but only if your skin has developed a proper tolerance. Frequent use can benefit oily and acne-prone skin, but you should always take precautions when using this powerful ingredient. When considering how often you should use salicylic acid, you can start with the type of skin care products you want to use it in. For example, face washes usually have a lower percentage of exfoliants, and since you have to rinse it off, you can use it every day. Of course, remember to be mindful of how your skin feels and looks to avoid irritation.
Acid toners usually stay on the skin longer and have a higher acid content in their formula. However, they can be used daily if your skin allows. Toners that are rich in chemical exfoliants like BHA are extremely beneficial to the skin, removing the dead skin barrier on your face to allow for optimal skin penetration of products. Over-the-counter serums have the highest levels and should only be used 3-4 times a week to allow the skin to reap the benefits without causing too much stress on it. Use 0.5-5% face wash and gel once daily
Use 1-2% lotion 1 to 2 times daily
Apply 3-6% spot cream topically to breakouts as needed
Use 0.5-5% exfoliating pads 1-2 times daily
Use 0.5-2% systemic solution 1-2 times daily
What are the side effects of salicylic acid?
The most common side effects when using salicylic acid are:
A stinging or burning sensation when you first apply the product to your skin, which may last for more than 5 seconds
Tight and dry skin from using a product that is not suitable for your skin type
Scaly, red patches on your skin
Acne and pimples occur because your skin lacks important sebum
If you notice swelling, blisters, or a rash on your skin, you should stop using the product immediately and see a doctor
If you find yourself overusing any of these products, your skin may become tight and uncomfortable. This is because peeling acids strip your skin of important oils and moisture, which damages your skin’s natural protective barrier.
When should I stop using salicylic acid?
If you find your skin is prone to breakouts, you should stop using salicylic acid. Then using salicylic acid should become a regular step in your skin care routine. By combining chemical peels with a range of other skin care ingredients, you can create a cocktail of products that will give you the healthiest, happiest skin you can ever have.
Here are some examples of skin care ingredients that can replenish your skin and help it look its best:
Hyaluronic Acid
Niacinamide
Vitamin C
Glycolic Acid
Lactic Acid
Retinol
All ingredients are very potent, some of them, like retinol and glycolic acid, need to be introduced slowly into your daily regimen and only used after getting the approval of a dermatologist or skin care specialist. Finding a routine that works for you is not an easy task and you may need to try several times before you find the formulas and products that work best for you. Once you do this, you will have radiant, clear, and youthful skin.
Is it normal to get a rash after using salicylic acid?
Yes, powerful ingredients like salicylic acid can often cause irritation and adverse skin reactions. This is usually caused by increased shedding of dead skin cells, which often leads to dryness and discomfort.
You may also notice that you often get rashes and blemishes because salicylic acid works deep inside the pores. This pushes all the unwanted “oil” to the surface of the skin, causing various pimples and breakouts, such as blackheads and whiteheads. These blemishes appear after the first few uses and disappear after 4 weeks. However, if you do not see improvement, stop using salicylic acid products and seek the advice of a doctor or dermatologist.
You can learn more about the uses of salicylic acid and its daily applications here. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more information.
