What is Salicylic Acid?
If you’re looking for an acne-fighting formula, chances are it contains salicylic acid. Clever BHA, also known as beta hydroxy acid, is one of the most commonly used and effective blemish-eliminating ingredients. Whether it’s an over-the-counter product or a professional concentrate, this powerful product will easily remove spots, pimples, or blackheads that were long gone.
If you want to learn more about its skincare benefits, we have a dedicated blog post on the full benefits you can reap when you incorporate the powerful acid into your daily routine.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Understanding what salicylic acid actually is can be a little overwhelming, but understanding what it does on the skin is important in figuring out how to incorporate it into your daily routine. So let’s first get a better understanding of why the acids of choice are called alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. This essentially has to do with the structure of the acid and how often the molecule breaks down. For example, if it splits into one carbon atom, it becomes an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), and if it splits into two carbon atoms, it becomes a beta hydroxy acid (BHA).
Both groups of acids exfoliate the upper layers of the skin. The main difference is that salicylic acid and other BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can penetrate deep into the pores and reach areas of the skin that other AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acids, can’t. By exfoliating and clearing excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria from your pores, your complexion will be refreshed, firmer, and more radiant. You’ll also find that it absorbs other active ingredients quickly, allowing them to work faster.
If you’re still a little confused about the main differences between AHAs and BHAs, you can find more about this at The Beauty Insiders.
What are the main uses of salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is considered a highly effective active ingredient for fighting skin blemishes. It is able to remove dead skin cells and penetrate deep into the pores to fight active acne and blemishes while preventing further breakouts from developing.
Because of the exfoliating properties of medical-grade salicylic acid, BHAs are included in more than just anti-acne skincare products. You’ll also find that people with dry skin issues like psoriasis and dandruff can use specially formulated products to treat them. However, this also comes with a caveat: you should definitely consult a doctor or dermatologist to see if adding salicylic acid to your routine would be beneficial and avoid unnecessary irritation.
Finally, there are some issues like corns, calluses, warts, and more that can also be removed and treated with high concentrations of salicylic acid. This should only be used by medically trained professionals and should not be attempted at home, as the effectiveness of BHAs can cause severe irritation, skin reactions, severe dryness, and discomfort.
Does lemon juice contain salicylic acid?
Not really, although it does have similar properties to salicylic acid, such as: B. Antioxidants that help fight skin-damaging free radicals, such as UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental aggressors.
As for lemon juice, you’ll find that it contains citric acid and vitamin C, both of which can exfoliate the outer layer of skin and treat signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The downside to using lemon juice on your face to fight acne and blemishes is that it can overly dry out the skin, especially if you opt for pure lemon juice, as it lacks moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Although it may be tempting to use lemon juice on your skin, I advise against it because the pH of lemon juice is too acidic and can disrupt the skin’s natural pH. An imbalance can lead to acne breakouts, dry skin, redness, itching, and general discomfort.
How to make a salicylic acid peel at home?
Making a salicylic acid peel at home is easier than many people think. However, if you want to try it, always check with your doctor beforehand. Once you’ve gotten your GP’s approval, here’s how to use a salicylic acid peel at home.
Step 1: Cleanse your skin and pat dry
Step 2: Take your bottle of salicylic acid, preferably no more than 15%, and mix them in a bowl with a base oil of your choice, such as B. Sweet Almond or Olive Oil
Step 3: Apply the salicylic acid and oil mixture to your skin using a fan-shaped brush, avoiding the eye area
Step 4: Pay close attention to how your skin feels and do not leave the mixture on your face for more than 2 minutes
Step 5: Rinse the mixture off your skin
Step 6 – Let your skin slightly dampen and then apply a serum containing hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture to your skin.
Step 7 – Next, apply an SPF 50 sunscreen in the morning for extra UV protection.
As I mentioned before, you should not try this at home without consulting your doctor first. Salicylic acid is a very potent ingredient that needs to be slowly introduced into your daily routine. Therefore, you should only perform an acid peel at home once your skin has developed some tolerance.
Can I use salicylic acid every day?
Yes, you can, but be careful as this depends a lot on your skin type and whether your established skincare routine contains other effective skin ingredients. This doesn’t mean you should avoid salicylic acid, but you should be careful about how and when you apply it to your skin. Our dedicated blog post provides more details on how to use salicylic acid on a daily basis, so check it out there.
Here you can find some answers to questions we receive about salicylic acid and its expected skin benefits. Don’t forget to visit us on Instagram if you have any other skincare questions.
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.