Can I put salicylic acid on my face while sleeping?
If you’ve had acne in the past, chances are you’ve used products that contain salicylic acid, whether you realize it or not. Salicylic acid, one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids, has a reputation for being effective
in combating frequent breakouts and acne-prone skin.
The question is: Can this powerful ingredient be used overnight on the face? Does it still provide the results you want, or is it too harsh on the skin, causing dryness, flaking, and increased irritation? Let’s explore how this
ingredient works and see if you can sleep with salicylic acid on your face.
Don’t forget, if you want to learn more about salicylic acid and how it affects your skin, you can check out our dedicated blog post on The Beauty Insiders.
Can salicylic acid be left on the face overnight?
Yes, you really can! You can use salicylic acid twice a day if necessary. Those with oily and acne-prone skin types will benefit the most from using BHA. If you have a dry skin type that breaks out from time to time, you may
need to find a product that doesn’t sit on your skin for too long, and you should avoid leaving it on your face overnight.
If you have used salicylic acid before and your skin has developed a tolerance to it
For serums and moisturizers, you’ll find them formulated with salicylic acid typically at a concentration of 1% to 2%, which is considered low enough to leave on the skin overnight and rinse off in the morning.
I strongly advise against overnight use of medical or professional grade formulas at concentrations of 15% or higher. Ideal for skin treatments like chemical peels, these products are best for restoring a vibrant, clear,
flawless complexion.
Does salicylic acid work overnight?
Yes, salicylic acid can solve all pimples and acne problems overnight. Thanks to its exfoliating, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, it fights against the outbreak of blemishes that are active on the skin’s surface and
works in the lower layers to prevent possible breakouts from reaching the surface.
You’ll find that serum products that contain salicylic acid have a higher percentage of BHA, which can cause some skin dehydration. Therefore, it is considered a good idea to combine any salicylic acid skin care product with
moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which can keep the skin surface plump, hydrated and youthful elasticity.
How long does salicylic acid stay on the face?
It depends a lot on the products used, as all products stay on the skin for different lengths of time.
When you’re just introducing salicylic acid into your routine, it’s best to start with an exfoliating toner, which is applied to the skin by dampening a cotton pad and sweeping the formula over the face. This along with a
salicylic acid-rich cleanser is another option, as both products either rinse off the face or absorb quickly.
If you decide to use serums, oils or moisturizers, they tend to stay on the skin significantly longer. Some skincare experts recommend using salicylic acid products overnight to allow the ingredients to work without the effects
of free radicals like pollution or UV rays.
Should salicylic acid be used in the morning or at night? You can use salicylic acid twice a day, morning and night. This keeps skin clean and free of dirt while fighting blemish-causing bacteria. Using BHA twice a day really
depends on your skin type. Oily and acne-prone skin especially benefits from salicylic acid.
For those with slightly drier and more sensitive skin types, it’s best to avoid salicylic acid altogether, as there can be too much salicylic acid, which can sometimes rob the skin of the essential oils it needs to stay healthy.
For your skin barrier to function properly, it needs the right amount of water and oils to ensure it’s strong enough to defend against free radical damage.
By removing this oil, you weaken the skin barrier and stimulate sebum production (the natural oil in the skin), which can lead to breakouts of pimples, blackheads and pimples.
When does salicylic acid start to work?
If you use salicylic acid-rich products regularly for 6-8 weeks, you may see improvements in your acne breakouts. If you find that this time has passed and you don’t notice any changes in your skin, the next step is to consult a
doctor or dermatologist for alternative treatments that will hopefully be more effective.
Is it normal to have a rash after using salicylic acid? Yes, it is completely normal to have breakouts on the skin after using salicylic acid. This burst, also known as a detox, occurs due to the action of BHA on the skin.
Since salicylic acid is oil-soluble, it can penetrate down to unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities. This causes all the “dirt” to be pushed to the surface of the skin at once, resulting in acne-like
breakouts.
Can salicylic acid remove blackheads?
Yes, it does! Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used ingredients to combat blemishes and acne-prone skin. It breaks down impurities, removes excess sebum, and removes the buildup of dead skin cells that often build up
on the surface and can cause blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
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.
