What concentration of salicylic acid should you use?
Everyone knows that salicylic acid is one of the most potent ingredients in skincare, and some may be surprised to learn that it has different benefits. It may seem a little overwhelming, but I assure you it is easy.
Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at what this clever BHA does for your skin.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin care?
Salicylic acid works on the outer surface, breaking down the bonds of dead skin cells that tend to stay on the skin, causing spots, pimples, blackheads, and other breakouts.
The smaller molecular size of salicylic acid means it can penetrate into the lower layers of the skin and open up the pores. It removes excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, germs, and other pollutants.
Salicylic acid can help regulate sebum production, making it a very effective ingredient for those with oily skin and those who often break out.
Salicylic acid is most effective for active breakouts like blackheads and whiteheads, and can prevent further blemishes from forming.
If you want to learn more about salicylic acid and its benefits for your skin, read our dedicated blog post on salicylic acid here at The Beauty Insiders.
What percentage of salicylic acid is effective?
As I mentioned earlier, different formulas contain different percentages of salicylic acid. Effective daily percentages can be found in over-the-counter products like face washes, toners, and cleansers. Although these are considered the easiest to introduce into your daily routine, experts still recommend starting slowly and only using the product two to three times a week at first. This will not only help improve skin tolerance, but also help you determine if the formula is best for your skin.
The percentages found in medical and professional products or treatments are higher and more effective. These higher concentrates act more like exfoliants and many people prefer them for specific issues like acne, acne scars, melasma, age spots, and dark spots.
Below is an overview of different formulas that contain salicylic acid, their percentages, and how often to use them.
Gels and Face Washes – 0.5-5%
These can be used once a day since it is a formula that can be rinsed off the skin.
Toners – 0.5-2%
They have similar effects to gels and cleansers in that they do not leave residue on the skin but instead provide effective exfoliation.
Serums – 3-6%
The combination with other moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid ensures that the skin stays hydrated while avoiding any adverse reactions or irritation.
How often should 10% salicylic acid be used?
Products containing 10% or more salicylic acid exfoliate the skin and should be used as directed to avoid serious side effects. Depending on your skin concerns, using an exfoliating product enriched with 10% salicylic acid every 2-4 weeks can address your concerns, regenerating and rejuvenating your complexion while providing deep cleansing.
As mentioned above, the product should only be used as directed on the packaging or on the advice of your family doctor. If you notice redness, itching, flaking of the skin, or irritation, you must stop using the product. Alternatively, you can avoid this altogether by patch testing your entire skin 24 hours before use.
Can I use 2% salicylic acid every day?
Yes, you can, but only if your skin has developed a tolerance to BHA. If you are adding it to your daily routine, a face wash or cleanser is the best product to get the best results. This is because these formulas will rinse off the skin and will not stay on the face long enough to cause irritation or breakouts.
Once the skin has adjusted to its strength, you can move on to a serum with 2% salicylic acid. I recommend using it in your evening routine because exfoliation can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. For full protection, always use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in your morning routine, even on cloudy and drizzly days because UVA is always present and can penetrate glass, clouds, and water.
Is 2% salicylic acid enough?
Anyway. In over-the-counter formulas, you will find that 2% is the average amount in various skin care products. By adding 2% salicylic acid to a product, the product is effective enough for the skin to remove dead skin cells, excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria. 2% is also considered the best amount for daily use as it does not cause irritation or unwanted side effects. A word of caution: Avoid salicylic acid if you are sensitive, dry, or prone to certain skin conditions such as eczema. Instead, you can use lactic acid or PHA as they gently exfoliate and are better for your skin.
What is the highest level of salicylic acid?
The highest and most effective level of salicylic acid for over-the-counter product formulations is 2%. If you want a higher percentage, closer to 10% or more, you will need to discuss this with a trained professional as this would be required for a peel or facial. It is important not to use products with very high levels of salicylic acid as this can cause severe irritation and side effects to the skin. If you have concerns, consult a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you are using the best product for you and your skin.
So I hope today’s blog has answered some of your questions about salicylic acid and different concentrations. If you have any questions, don’t forget to follow us on 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.
