Key Considerations and Tips : Can You Use Salicylic Acid Every Day?

Can You Use Salicylic Acid Every Day?

Salicylic acid is the popular Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) often found blended into blemish-fighting skincare products. Compared to Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) salicylic is oil-soluble meaning it can penetrate further down into the lower layers of the skin and help to unclog pores of any bacteria, debris or excess sebum that can develop into a spots, blackheads and other forms of blemishes. It is also a powerful chemical exfoliant, meaning it is able to slough through away any build-up of dead skin cells that often lead in the complexion looking dull, dry, lacklustre and often experiencing flaky, dry patches on the skin.

Salicylic acid can be blended into various formulations of skincare products, with serums generally containing the highest amount of potency. This makes the ingredient highly is effective at keeping the skin clear and healthy, but has gained a reputation for becoming very drying to the skin if misused or overused throughout your daily skincare routine. If you are wanting to know more about this clever BHA, you can check out our guide on the skincare benefits of salicylic acid.

Is it ok to use salicylic acid every day?

Yes it is considered ok to use salicylic acid every day, however, due to it sometimes resulting in the skin becoming irritated many skin experts and dermatologists suggest using the acid in moderation, starting by applying it 3 times a week and if there are no signs of any reactions, you can build up the usage by one or two more days. When using an over the counter product you can expect to find the percentage of the salicylic acid to be between 0.5% to 2% in strength, anything higher is found in prescription products and used in treatments performed by a trained beauty professional. Allowing enough time for the skin to adjust to powerhouse acid is the best way of avoiding any skin irritation or flare-ups.

To help you get a better understanding of how salicylic acid works on the skin and how often you should use it;

Start by using a product containing salicylic acid 3 times a week

If there are no signs of irritation you can increase the frequency you use the product

Allow your skin to adjust fully to using salicylic acid to avoid any skin reaction, such as stripping it of vital oils

If you have a dry or sensitive skin type you should avoid using salicylic acid as it is too potent for the skin

If you are still concerned with how the acid will affect your skin consult your GP or dermatologist

If you have an oily or blemish-prone skin try applying a serum containing salicylic acid during your evening routine as this allow more time for the ingredient to combat any skin concerns while you sleep

Always perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any product to your skin

Ensure you always apply a daily SPF of 30 and above to protect the skin from harmful UV ray damage

There you have some helpful tips about how to use salicylic acid and the precautions you have to make when introducing it into your skincare routine. If it is breakouts and spots in particular you are wanting to target you can find out more in our blog post about how to treat breakouts with salicylic acid.

How often should you use salicylic acid?

You are able to use salicylic acid twice daily, but only after your skin has built its tolerance. Oily and acne prone skin will benefit from frequent application, however precautionary actions should always be followed when using this potent ingredient. When considering how often you should use salicylic acid can begin with the type of skincare product you decide to use, face wash for example, generally contains a lower percentage of the exfoliant and including the fact you have to rinse it off you are able to use it every day. Remembering of course to keep an eye on how your skin is feeling and looking to avoid irritation.

As for acid toners they generally remain on the skin for longer amount of time and contain a higher level of acid in their formulations, they can however be used daily if your skin is happy for you to do so. Toners enriched with chemical exfoliants, such as BHA, are hugely beneficial for the skin and can slough away the barrier of dead skin from the face resulting in optimal product skin penetration. Over the counter serums contain the highest percentage and should only be used 3-4 times a week allowing the skin to reap the rewards without it becoming too harsh.

Face Cleanser & Gel containing 0.5-5% use once per day

Lotions containing 1-2% use 1 to 2 times a day

Blemish Ointments containing 3-6% use as needed topically on blemishes

Exfoliating Pads containing 0.5-5% use 1-2 times a day

All Over Solutions containing 0.5-2% use 1-2 times a day

What are the side effects of salicylic acid?

The most common side effects you can experience when using salicylic acid are;

Stinging or burning sensation when you first apply the product the skin that can last for over 5 seconds

Tightness and dryness to the skin from using a product that is too potent for your skin type

Flaky, red patches of skin

Breakouts of acne and spots due to the skin becoming stripped of essential sebum

If you experience any swelling, blistering or rashes on the skin you should stop using the product immediately and seek the help from a doctor

If you find yourself overusing any of these products mentioned you may find your skin becomes tight and uncomfortable, this is due to the skin’s natural protective barrier becoming damaged with the vital oils and water being stripped from the skin by the exfoliating acid.

When should I stop using salicylic acid?

You should stop using salicylic acid if you find your skin to be prone to frequent breakouts then using salicylic acid should become a regular step in your skincare routine. By teaming the chemical exfoliant with a number of other skincare ingredients you will create a cocktail of products which will give you the most healthy and happy skin.

Here are some examples of skin ingredients that will compliment and help the skin look its best;

Hyaluronic acid

Niacinamide

Vitamin C

Glycolic acid

Lactic acid

Retinol

All of the ingredients are very potent and some, such as retinol and glycolic acid must be introduced into your routine slowly and only once you have been given the go ahead from a dermatologist or skincare professional. Finding the right routine for you is not an easy task and it may take you a couple of goes at finding the best formulas and products for you, once you do, you will have the most luminous, clear and youthful skin.

Is it normal to breakout after using salicylic acid?

Yes, potent ingredients such as salicylic acid can often result in a flare-up of irritation and negative skin reactions. This is normally due to the increase of the exfoliation of dead skin cells which can often cause dryness and discomfort.

You may also find that you suffer from frequent breakouts and blemishes as salicylic acid works deeply in the pores. It will then push all the unwanted “gunk” to the surface of the skin resulting in various spots and breakouts, such as blackheads and whiteheads. These blemishes will appear after the first couple applications and will begin to subside after 4 weeks. If however, you find there’s no improvement, stop using your salicylic acid product and seek the advice of your doctor or dermatologist.

There you have a little more details about using salicylic acid and how to use it every day, don’t forget to come and give our Instagram a follow to find out more.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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