Can Salicylic Acid Cure Acne?
If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you’ve probably heard of the popular skincare ingredient salicylic acid. Known for its ability to penetrate deep into pores and help remove excess sebum, dirt, bacteria and other impurities.
Salicylic acid, a member of the family of chemical peels known as beta hydroxy acids, also works on the outer surface of the skin to remove buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, and debris. What often happens is that all of these
blemishes turn into some sort of problem, leading to blemishes, acne, flaky patches of skin, and a dull, lackluster complexion.
If you want to learn more about how salicylic acid works on the skin and how it affects the overall look and feel of your complexion, you can check out the dedicated What Is Salicylic Acid blog post. Now let’s answer the
question in today’s blog post: Is salicylic acid good for acne? So, let’s dig in and find out more!
Does Salicylic Acid Cause More Acne?
In summary, yes, salicylic acid may cause more acne, but there are several factors. Below are some examples of possible causes of increased acne breakouts.
You are using the wrong concentrate. Before incorporating acids into your routine, it’s important to focus on BHA concentrate in your formulas. To get a better idea of your product’s effectiveness, review the ingredient list.
When salicylic acid appears in the first five active ingredients listed, it indicates that effective levels are present.
This means that BHA helps fight acne and breakouts. If you find yourself using a salicylic acid-fortified product and find it has no effect on your skin, you may need to switch to another, more effective formula. you don’t use
enough
Salicylic acid usually requires you to slowly introduce it into your daily routine at first. Once your skin develops a tolerance to the acid, you can use it more often, improving skin clarity and keeping the skin barrier
protected and functioning optimally.
This ingredient is not for you. If you notice no improvement in your breakouts and acne problems after using a salicylic acid-fortified product for more than 4 weeks, it may be a sign that the ingredients in the product are not
right for you. You may want to consult your doctor or dermatologist to find another ingredient or product that addresses this issue without causing any adverse reactions.
That might be a sign it’s working. Believe it or not, your acne can get worse before it gets better. You’ll often find that your acne seems to get worse once you start using salicylic acid in your daily skincare routine. As
daunting as it may sound, it’s a sign that the powerful BHA is working deep into the pores to remove excess sebum, bacteria, dirt and debris.
When all this “dirt” is pushed to the surface of the skin, the short-term problem is breakouts of acne and pimples, but after 4 weeks of regular use, these problems slowly improve. How long does it take for salicylic acid acne
to work?
As you can see, I briefly answered this question in the previous section. It usually takes about four weeks before you notice visible changes in skin tone and a reduction in active spots and acne breakouts. You may see results
sooner, sometimes longer depending on the severity of the breakout, and you will need to use the product for about 6 to 8 weeks to see noticeable improvement.
If you notice no noticeable improvement within this time period, it may be an indication that you should consult your doctor for alternative ingredients or products. I also recommend that you do a 24 hour patch test before
applying any new product to your face to avoid any reactions.
Which acid is best for stain removal?
Salicylic acid is often considered the best acid for acne and acne by dermatologists and skincare professionals. There are more potent ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, which can be very effective in fighting acne. However,
salicylic acid is favored by many and comes in a variety of formulas that are simple and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Salicylic acid is found in over-the-counter products like toners, cleansers, and serums, usually in concentrations of 0.5% to 2%. For higher concentrations, chemical peels or professional facials that contain a percentage of
pharmaceutical-grade acids are options. It is believed that chemical peels or facials are the best starting point for clear skin.
Can I use salicylic acid every day?
Yes, once your skin has developed a tolerance to the strong acid, it is considered safe to use salicylic acid on a daily basis. To achieve this, it’s best to start off by only using products containing salicylic acid 2-3 times a
week, preferably at night, as it is known to increase photosensitivity of the skin and increase the risk of sun damage on the face.
To avoid this, apply SPF daily for extra skin protection. If you find that your skin is still comfortable after using salicylic acid two to three times a week, you can start using it daily. For more information on daily
salicylic acid use, see our dedicated blog post.
Is salicylic acid good for acne scars?
Yes, due to the exfoliating properties of the acid, you will notice that the hyperpigmentation of the remaining acne scars will be reduced and less visible to the naked eye. If you want to get rid of acne scars and dark spots
quickly and effectively, it’s best to consult a professional who can help you with a range of chemical peels and facials.
