Can you put salicylic acid on your face while sleeping?
If you’ve had acne in the past, you’ve probably used products containing salicylic acid, whether you knew it or not. Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is considered effective in combating frequent breakouts and acne-prone skin.
The question is: can this powerful ingredient be used on the face overnight? Will it still have the desired effect, or is it too harsh on the skin and cause increased dryness, flaking, and irritation? Let’s explore how this ingredient works and whether you can put salicylic acid on your face while sleeping.
Don’t forget: If you want to learn more about salicylic acid and its effects on the skin, you can read our dedicated blog post on Beauty Insiders.
Can you leave salicylic acid on your face overnight?
Yes, you really can! You can use salicylic acid twice a day if needed. People with oily and acne-prone skin benefit the most from using BHAs. If you have a dry skin type that gets breakouts from time to time, you may need to find a product that doesn’t stay on the skin for too long and shouldn’t be left on your face overnight.
If you have used salicylic acid before and your skin has developed a tolerance to it
Serums and moisturizers are usually formulated with salicylic acid in concentrations 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 using medicated or professional formulas with concentrations of 15% or higher overnight. These products are great for skin treatments like chemical peels and are best for creating radiant, clear, and transparent skin.
Restore your perfect complexion.
Does salicylic acid work overnight?
Yes, salicylic acid can address all your pimple and acne issues overnight. Due to its exfoliating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, it fights the formation of active skin impurities on the surface of the skin,
working at lower levels to prevent possible breakouts from reaching the surface.
You will find that serum products containing salicylic acid have higher levels of BHA, which may cause drying of the skin. Therefore, it is best to add any skin care products containing salicylic acid
combined with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to keep the skin surface plump, hydrated, and youthful and elastic.
How long does salicylic acid stay on your face?
This depends largely on the product used, as all products stay on the skin for different lengths of time.
If you’re just adding salicylic acid to your routine, it’s best to apply an exfoliating toner to your skin by first dampening a cotton pad and then applying the formula to your face. This is different from a
Salicylic acid-rich cleanser, which is another option, as both products either rinse off the face or get absorbed quickly.
If you opt for a serum, oil, or moisturizer, they tend to stay on the skin longer. Some skincare experts recommend using salicylic acid products overnight to allow the ingredients to absorb without the effects of free radicals like environmental pollution or UV rays.
Should salicylic acid be applied in the morning or at night? You can apply salicylic acid twice a day, morning and night. This will keep your skin clean and free of dirt while fighting blemish-causing bacteria. Using a 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 present, sometimes stripping your skin of the essential oils it needs to stay healthy. In order for your skin barrier to function properly, it needs the right amount of water and oil to ensure it’s strong enough to fight off free radical damage.
By removing this oil, you weaken your skin barrier and stimulate sebum production (the natural oil in your skin), which can lead to pimples, blackheads, and acne.
When does salicylic acid start to work?
If you use salicylic acid-rich products regularly for 6-8 weeks, you may notice an improvement in your acne. If this time has passed and you haven’t noticed any changes in your skin, your next step should be to visit your doctor or dermatologist for a consultation on alternative treatments that are hopefully more effective.
Is it normal to get a rash after using salicylic acid? Yes, it’s completely normal for your skin to develop a rash after using salicylic acid. This breakout, also known as detoxification, occurs due to the effects of the BHA on your skin.
Since salicylic acid is oil-soluble, it can penetrate deep into your pores to remove impurities like excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and more. This pushes all the “dirt” immediately to the surface of the skin, causing acne-like breakouts. Does Salicylic Acid Remove Blackheads?
Yes, it does! Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used ingredients for combating blemishes and acne-prone skin. It dissolves impurities, removes excess sebum, and removes the buildup of dead skin cells that often accumulate on the surface and can cause blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
