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How Salicylic Acid Works and Its Benefits for Clearer Skin
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How Salicylic Acid Works and Its Benefits for Clearer Skin

14 April 2025


How Does Salicylic Acid Work?




Salicylic acid is one of the most used beta hydroxy acids (BHA) and is derived from willow bark. Often favoured by those with an oily and blemish prone skin type, this chemical exfoliant works slightly differently to its alpha hydroxy acid cousins, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. The main differences being the fact that it is oil soluble, and its molecular size is very small meaning it can penetrate further down into the skin. Because of this it is able to unclog pores and remove any excess sebum, impurities, bacteria, and debris leaving you with clearer skin and combatting frequent breakouts.



That is just a refresher on what salicylic acid does for the skin, but if you are wanting to know more about its benefits, you can check out our dedicated blog post about the clever BHA on The Beauty Insiders.




Now, let’s turn our attention to the topic of today’s blog post and investigate further into how does salicylic acid work.



How long does it take for salicylic acid to work?




When introducing salicylic acid into your daily routine, you will find there are many different formulas to choose from. You are usually looking for it to take up to 8 weeks to see a marked improvement of the entire complexion and its clarity.



The formulation of product containing salicylic acid will also have an overall effect on how long it will take for you to see any improvements of any problem areas of the skin, such as spots and blackheads. For example, if you are opting for an exfoliating toner containing salicylic acid, you’ll find it is mild enough to use daily and take longer to deliver results, compared to a serum enriched in the BHA as these usually contain higher percentages of salicylic acid meaning they are a more potent formulation. They also generally remain on the skin surface for longer amount of time.




Is it bad to use salicylic acid every day?



Not really, but only if you are using milder formulations that are found over the counter as these have a lower percentage of the acid. If, however, you are using prescription only products, you may find your doctor recommends you use the product in moderation as overuse can lead to irritation, redness, severe dryness, and discomfort for the face. You will also find that the skin is stripped of vital oil, also known as sebum, that naturally occurring on the skin surface. This will trigger the skin to kick start an over production of sebum leading to all manner of problems, from imbalanced pH levels, oilier skin and flare-up in breakouts and acne.




If you ever have any concerns with using salicylic acid and the correct number of times to use it each day, consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you and your skin will remain happy with the results.



Does salicylic acid actually work?




Yes absolutely, if you are wanting to target mild acne, including blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid can deliver impressive skin results and give you all over better clarity. Not only is it able to combat existing breakouts but can also work at preventing any from developing. If you find your acne is a lot more severe however, salicylic acid may not be strong enough to treat the skin, instead I would suggest looking into trying more potent skincare ingredients such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide. As I have already said, these are two highly potent ingredients, and it is very important you consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you are safe to use either ingredient and always perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying it to the face.



Why shouldn’t you use salicylic acid?




If you have a skin type that is very dry and prone to increased sensitivity, then you should avoid using salicylic acid completely. This is because of the molecular size of the BHA is one of the smallest of all varieties of chemical exfoliants meaning it reaches the furthest into the skin compared to lactic acid for example, that is only able to work in the outer layers. This means salicylic acid can become very drying and can become a recipe for disaster, especially if you have a dry skin type. If, however, you are prone to sensitivity and dryness, yet still wish to benefit from using chemical exfoliants your best option is to apply poly hydroxy acids (PHA) which are the gentlest acids to use in your daily routine. You can find out more about their benefits by checking out this blog post.



Does salicylic acid remove blackheads?




Yes, it does indeed! Blackheads are a result of a pore becoming blocked with excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. The reason they become black is due to the “gunk” making its way to the surface and oxidising with oxygen. Many often believing that physical scrubs are the best option as they feel the blackhead is removed from the outer surface. The fact is the root of the blackhead is found deep in the lower layers of the skin which is unable to be touched by scrubs or physical exfoliants. This is when salicylic acid steps in as it can penetrate right to the bottom of the pores and unclog them of any nasty build-up and sloughing away dead skin cells ridding the skin of blackheads.



Can I leave salicylic on overnight?




Yes, you can leave salicylic acid on the skin overnight, especially if it is formulated into a serum or moisturiser. Just ensure you are not applying a percentage strength that is higher than 2% as this can become too harsh for the skin and result in irritation, redness, and discomfort. Once the morning arrives simply rinse off any remaining traces of product and apply your normal routine, not forgetting of course to apply a daily SPF of 30 and above to keep the skin protected from UV exposure, even if it appears to be a cloudy day.



So, there you have a little more information about how salicylic acid works, don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram, and if you have any more skincare questions, come and find me in the direct messages.




Salicylic acid is one of the most used beta hydroxy acids (BHA) and is derived from willow bark. Often favoured by those with an oily and blemish prone skin type, this chemical exfoliant works slightly differently to its alpha hydroxy acid cousins, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. The main differences being the fact that it is oil soluble, and its molecular size is very small meaning it can penetrate further down into the skin. Because of this it is able to unclog pores and remove any excess sebum, impurities, bacteria, and debris leaving you with clearer skin and combatting frequent breakouts.



That is just a refresher on what salicylic acid does for the skin, but if you are wanting to know more about its benefits, you can check out our dedicated blog post about the clever BHA on The Beauty Insiders.




Now, let’s turn our attention to the topic of today’s blog post and investigate further into how does salicylic acid work.



How long does it take for salicylic acid to work?




When introducing salicylic acid into your daily routine, you will find there are many different formulas to choose from. You are usually looking for it to take up to 8 weeks to see a marked improvement of the entire complexion and its clarity.



The formulation of product containing salicylic acid will also have an overall effect on how long it will take for you to see any improvements of any problem areas of the skin, such as spots and blackheads. For example, if you are opting for an exfoliating toner containing salicylic acid, you’ll find it is mild enough to use daily and take longer to deliver results, compared to a serum enriched in the BHA as these usually contain higher percentages of salicylic acid meaning they are a more potent formulation. They also generally remain on the skin surface for longer amount of time.




Is it bad to use salicylic acid every day?



Not really, but only if you are using milder formulations that are found over the counter as these have a lower percentage of the acid. If, however, you are using prescription only products, you may find your doctor recommends you use the product in moderation as overuse can lead to irritation, redness, severe dryness, and discomfort for the face. You will also find that the skin is stripped of vital oil, also known as sebum, that naturally occurring on the skin surface. This will trigger the skin to kick start an over production of sebum leading to all manner of problems, from imbalanced pH levels, oilier skin and flare-up in breakouts and acne.




If you ever have any concerns with using salicylic acid and the correct number of times to use it each day, consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you and your skin will remain happy with the results.

Does salicylic acid actually work?

Yes absolutely, if you are wanting to target mild acne, including blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid can deliver impressive skin results and give you all over better clarity. Not only is it able to combat existing breakouts but can also work at preventing any from developing. If you find your acne is a lot more severe however, salicylic acid may not be strong enough to treat the skin, instead I would suggest looking into trying more potent skincare ingredients such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide. As I have already said, these are two highly potent ingredients, and it is very important you consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you are safe to use either ingredient and always perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying it to the face.

Why shouldn’t you use salicylic acid?

If you have a skin type that is very dry and prone to increased sensitivity, then you should avoid using salicylic acid completely. This is because of the molecular size of the BHA is one of the smallest of all varieties of chemical exfoliants meaning it reaches the furthest into the skin compared to lactic acid for example, that is only able to work in the outer layers. This means salicylic acid can become very drying and can become a recipe for disaster, especially if you have a dry skin type. If, however, you are prone to sensitivity and dryness, yet still wish to benefit from using chemical exfoliants your best option is to apply poly hydroxy acids (PHA) which are the gentlest acids to use in your daily routine. You can find out more about their benefits by checking out this blog post.

Does salicylic acid remove blackheads?

Yes, it does indeed! Blackheads are a result of a pore becoming blocked with excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. The reason they become black is due to the “gunk” making its way to the surface and oxidising with oxygen. Many often believing that physical scrubs are the best option as they feel the blackhead is removed from the outer surface. The fact is the root of the blackhead is found deep in the lower layers of the skin which is unable to be touched by scrubs or physical exfoliants. This is when salicylic acid steps in as it can penetrate right to the bottom of the pores and unclog them of any nasty build-up and sloughing away dead skin cells ridding the skin of blackheads.

Can I leave salicylic on overnight?

Yes, you can leave salicylic acid on the skin overnight, especially if it is formulated into a serum or moisturiser. Just ensure you are not applying a percentage strength that is higher than 2% as this can become too harsh for the skin and result in irritation, redness, and discomfort. Once the morning arrives simply rinse off any remaining traces of product and apply your normal routine, not forgetting of course to apply a daily SPF of 30 and above to keep the skin protected from UV exposure, even if it appears to be a cloudy day.

So, there you have a little more information about how salicylic acid works, don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram, and if you have any more skincare questions, come and 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.

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