How to Treat Acne with Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, also known as a BHA, that has become a powerful acne-fighting ingredient in skincare products. Salicylic acid is found in many over-the-counter products and is often used in professional facials. If you’re constantly experiencing unwanted breakouts, salicylic acid could be the solution. That’s why today we want to tell you a lot about this clever BHA and how to treat it.
How to Use Salicylic Acid for Acne?
Salicylic acid works by first breaking up the binding of dead skin cells to the outer layer of your skin. This causes the skin to appear dull, which can lead to the formation of acne and blemishes over time. Secondly, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means that unlike other AHAs, it can penetrate deeper into the skin to unclog pores of bacteria, dirt, debris, and excess sebum, which are the main causes of acne.
Salicylic acid is a highly potent product that may cause some allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. To avoid skin irritation or reactions, it’s best to consult a dermatologist to find the best formula and concentration. You can also learn more about BHAs in our blog post on the benefits of salicylic acid for skincare.
You will find salicylic acid in many skin care products, from cleansers to serums. This is very beneficial because it gives you the opportunity to find products that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. I must point out that if you want salicylic acid to work as quickly as possible, it is best to use a serum because it stays on the skin longer compared to a cleanser that is washed off.
How long does salicylic acid take to clear up acne?
In order for salicylic acid to work best, you should use it regularly in your daily routine. After a few uses, you will notice that active spots and blemishes on the surface of your skin become smaller and redder. It may take a few weeks to see the full effects and maintain a clear and even skin tone.
If a few weeks have passed and you haven’t achieved the desired results, you may want to see a dermatologist to determine if you should increase the concentration of the acid. The amount of salicylic acid in products varies between 0.5% and 6%, with skin care professionals using treatments and products with higher levels of salicylic acid.
Can I use salicylic acid every day?
Since salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients in skin care, many experts recommend incorporating it into your routine every other day. If your skin shows no signs of irritation, continue to do this. After 2 weeks, you can increase the frequency of your salicylic acid application. If salicylic acid is the only form of exfoliation you use on a daily basis, it is completely safe to use it every day. However, if you use other chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or physical facial peels, it can be too harsh on the skin and lead to a host of skin issues like dryness, rashes, and inflammation.
As we mentioned before, you can have too much of a good thing, and overusing salicylic acid can often lead to dry skin and more sensitive skin. Remember to pair salicylic acid with other hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid to combat dryness and give your skin a youthful, translucent glow.
Do you still need to use a moisturizer after using salicylic acid?
Absolutely! No matter which product you use that contains salicylic acid, a follow-up moisturizer will work wonders for your skin. Products like serums often work beyond the epidermis to treat areas of the skin that a moisturizer can’t reach.
Using a moisturizer after using salicylic acid can help your skin become more balanced, allowing the skin’s protective barrier to function at full capacity with the right amount of important water and oils. This protects the skin from environmental aggressors like free radicals, sun exposure, and pollution, which can cause skin damage. In other words, moisturizer acts like an umbrella that shields the skin from the elements.
Can I apply salicylic acid to a popped pimple?
If you try to apply salicylic acid to a pimple you’ve already popped, be prepared to be stung! This sensation may last for a while until you use a soothing lotion to soothe your skin. You shouldn’t pop pimples or other acne because this can cause skin damage and scarring. However, if you want to express a blemish, this simple routine should (hopefully) help. Avoid further skin problems.
Use a non-foaming face wash or cleanser that has a variety of antibacterial properties and other ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide. This will help you clean the area and prevent bacteria from infecting and developing into a larger, inflamed, painful pimple.
Next, take an acidic tonic containing salicylic acid, soak a cotton pad and rub it onto your skin. Try not to be too rough and don’t apply too much tonic to the pimple. Salicylic acid will help remove any remaining dirt.
Finally, use a light non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen to prevent clogged pores and protect your skin from skin stress.
This will give you a simple routine to prevent further breakouts or breakouts after popping a pimple. I’ll let this one go… Read our blog post to learn more about the best ingredients for clearing pimples from your skin.
I hope this helped answer some of your questions about salicylic acid and how well it works for acne. Don’t forget to send us more questions via Instagram.
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.