Is it possible to use too much salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid, the ingredient in the skin that promotes the treatment of acne. It’s not un Reasonable that it’s popular among doctors who specialize in skin care and facial rejuvenation. One of the most popular beta hydroxy acids, BHA, can travel deep into the pores, clearing them of the excess sebum, bacteria, dirt, and other debris that can lead to a variety of skin issues, including blackheads, whiteheads, and spots. You’ll discover that because of its oil solubility and smaller molecular size of salicylic acid, it can reach a greater degree of absorption than other popular chemicals, such as glycolic acid. This is highly beneficial for cleaning the skin type that is oily and prone to frequent breakouts, but it can also have a negative side effect that is dry and irritant. Before we delve into today’s blog entry, let’s take a quick look at the benefits of salicylic acid and how it benefits the skin.
How can the acid salicylicate help the skin?
Loosens the bonds between the dead cells of the top layer of skin, this will allow them to be easily removed from the top layer of skin, the resulting skin will have a vibrant, fresh appearance.
Remove impurities and congestion from the skin by going into the lower layers of the skin.
Facilitates the regulation of sebum production and secretion, which in turn leads to a more manageable skin.
Facilitates the reduction of inflammation and the signs of redness, this leads to larger, active spots that improve in appearance.
combatets imperfections and breakouts, such as whiteheads, blackheads, and spots.
chemically depletes the skin’s chemical composition and decodes the keratin found in the top layer of the skin.
If you desired to know even more about this ingenious powerhouse, visit our dedicated blog regarding the skincare benefits of salicylic acid.
Is it harmful to utilize salicylic acid on a daily basis?
Actually, it’s not possible to say that, but you can use it in a proper way. This implies that because of the salicylic acid’s potent effects, it can often have a drying effect.
As I’ve already mentioned, the composition of the acid that is oil soluble and has a smaller molecular size leads to it entering the pores in great depth. This is beneficial for people with oily skin and a tendency to frequent breakouts and acne. However, if your skin is dry and sensitive, you may apply too much salicylic acid to it. This will lead to several issues. Other than this, it will also be too painful on the skin, this will also remove the barrier to the essential oil and water. This will have a direct effect on your skin: it will need to produce more sebum in order to combat the flare-ups of problems and spots. This cycle will appear to have an infinite duration if you continue to employ the incorrect formulas for your skin, therefore, I always advise you to perform a 24-hour patch test before applying anything to your face. This will facilitate the determination of how pleased your skin is with the effectiveness of the product.
Remember, if you ever have any questions about using a product, seek the advice of a medical professional or derma specialist. This should alleviate your concerns and ensure that you will not cause any additional damage or discomfort to the skin.
How is it possible to know if you’re utilizing the correct amount of salicylic acid?
There are a few obvious symptoms that your skin has been subjected to too many acids. This could be attributed to overly aggressive layering or a too powerful formula. Here are some examples of the symptoms your skin has experienced too much exposure to salicylic acid.
Dryness
You may recognize your skin type as being more dry, which is why it’s important to utilize acids with care. Many believe that salicylic acid is too harsh for the skin if it has a dry skin type, they will instead choose other acids, such as lactic acid or a poly hydroxy acid, also known as PHA. These molecules are larger in size and have a greater capacity to penetrate into the skin than salicylic acid, however, they cannot provide the same degree of light-induced exfoliation to the top layers of the skin or the accumulation of dead cells in the skin.
If you’ve begun employing a salicylic acid regimen, you may feel constricted, uncomfortable, and dry. You may have to expend the utmost effort to produce comic faces as the desire to stretch the skin is overpowering.
Irritation
This is the most common indication of your skin being over-exposed to acids. Some people may find their skin itchy, while others may notice areas of redness, flaky patches of skin, and even painful to interact with. If you have any of these experiences, even in the most severe state, stop using the product with salicylic acid and seek the help of a dermatologist.
Breakouts and Acne Flare-Ups
As I’ve already mentioned, if your formula is too harsh for the skin, you will find that the lipid barrier is lost of the essential oil and water necessary to remain healthy. With the skin lacking this layer, it will lead to an overproduction of sebum that will accumulate on the skin’s surface and block the pores, this will lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and other problems.
If you’ve come to realize you’re suffering from one of the above conditions, it’s probably time to rethink your skincare regimen. The common trap that many people fall into is believing that the most potent formula will lead to the greatest exfoliation. This is incorrect and will lead to more problems than benefits. Take some time to explore your skin and learn more about its type and favored ingredients.
Is too much salicylic acid associated with acne?
Yes, if you recognize that using a new chemical product containing salicylic acid will lead to your developing acne, the BHA is probably responsible for this. Two reasons would explain this, the first is that the formula would work in the lower layers and unclog the pores of dirt, excess sebum, bacteria, and other impurities. You’ll often observe this gunky substance being pushed to the surface and appearing as acne. This is common and typically occurs around the 4 week mark of using your new product. Skincare professionals typically attribute this to the skin purging process and it will slowly diminish after six weeks.
Another potential cause of acne is the previously mentioned waterless and oilless barrier to the skin. This weakens the skin’s barrier to prevent free radicals from entering the skin and causing spots, as well as the over production of sebum that causes acne.
Here is a response to some of the recent questions regarding the excessive use of salicylic acid. If you have additional questions, come on, and find us on Instagram, we enjoy hearing from you!
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.