Why Salicylic Acid Is the Breakout Treatment Your Skin Needs

How to Treat Breakouts with Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, also known as BHA, and has established itself as a blemish-fighting powerhouse skincare ingredient. You can expect to find salicylic in a number of over the counter products and is often used in professional facials. If you regularly find yourself with unwanted breakouts, salicylic acid could be the answer which is why today we will share some knowledge we about this clever BHA and how you can treat your breakouts.

How do you use salicylic acid for spots?

The way salicylic acid works is by firstly dissolving the bonds that keep the dead skin cells on the outer layer of the skin making it appear dull and over time can build-up and develop into spots and blemishes. Secondly, salicylic acid is oil soluble meaning, unlike other AHAs, it is able to penetrate further down into the skin and work hard at unclogging the pores of bacteria, dirt, debris and excess sebum, all of which are main culprits to creating spots.

Salicylic acid is a highly potent product and is known to cause some sensitivity to those with a sensitive skin type, to avoid any irritation or reactions to the skin it is best to consult a dermatologist to find the best formula and concentration to use. You can also find out more about this BHA in our blog post about the skincare benefits of salicylic acid.

You will find there are a number of skincare products containing salicylic acid, from cleansers to serums, this is hugely beneficial as it gives you the opportunity to find a product that can fit into your daily routine easily. I must point out that if you are wanting salicylic acid to get to work as quickly as possible your best bet is to use a serum due to the fact it remains on the skin for a longer amount of time compared to a cleanser which is washed off.

How long does it take for salicylic acid to clear breakouts?

For salicylic acid to deliver the best results, it should be used in your daily routine regularly. You will find any active spots and blemishes on the surface of the skin have reduced in size and redness after a couple applications. It can take up to several weeks to see the full effects and be left with a clear and even complexion.

If you find several weeks have passed and you haven’t seen the results you were hoping for then it may be a case of checking with a dermatologist to see if the level of concentrate of the acid should be increased. The percentage of salicylic acid in products can vary from 0.5% to 6% with the higher amounts found in treatments and products used by skincare professionals.

Can I use salicylic acid every day?

Due to the fact salicylic acid is one of the more potent skincare ingredients, many experts recommend introducing it into your routine by using it every other day. Continue to do this if your skin shows no signs of irritation then after 2 weeks you are able to increase the times you apply salicylic acid. If salicylic acid is the only form of exfoliation you are using in your routine than it is perfectly safe to use it every day, however if you are using another chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid, or a physical face scrub, this will become too abrasive to the skin and will development a number of skin concerns from dryness, rashes and inflammations.

As we have mentioned in the past, you can have too much of a good thing and overusing salicylic acid can often lead to the skin becoming dry with increased sensitivity. Remember to use salicylic acid in conjunction with other skincare ingredients that are hydrating and moisturising, such as hyaluronic acid, to help counteract any dryness and give the skin a youthful and glowing clarity.

Should I moisturise after using salicylic acid?

Absolutely! It doesn’t really matter which product you use containing salicylic acid, applying a moisturiser afterwards will work wonders for the skin. Products such as serums generally work past the epidermis and treat the area of the skin that cannot be targeted by moisturisers.

Applying a moisturiser after salicylic acid will allow the skin to become more balanced with the protective skin barrier fully functioning with the correct levels of vital waters and oil. This will then protect the skin from any environmental aggressors, such as free radicals, sun exposure and pollution that results in skin damage. In other words, consider moisturiser as an umbrella that can protect the skin from the elements.

Can you put salicylic acid on a popped pimple?

If you are planning on applying salicylic acid to a pimple that has already been popped, expect it to sting! This sensation can remain for a little while until you have followed it with a soothing lotion to help calm the skin. It is best to not squeeze or pop pimples or other breakouts as this will lead to the skin becoming damaged and scarred. If, however, you have given into the temptation of popping a blemish, than following this simple routine should (hopefully) avoid any further skin problems;

Use a non-foaming face wash or cleanser with plenty of anti-bacterial benefits and other ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide. You will be able to clean the area avoiding any bacteria from infecting it and developing into a larger, inflamed, painful spot.

Next, take an acid toner containing salicylic acid, soak a cotton disc and swipe it across the skin. Try your best not to be heavy handed and over work the toner onto the blemish. The salicylic acid will help clear away any remaining traces of debris.

Finally, keep the skin protected from skin stresses by applying a lightweight moisturiser and sunscreen enriched in non-comedogenic ingredients to avoid the pores from becoming clogged.

There you have a simple routine that will prevent any further breakouts or blemishes after you have popped a pimple. I’ll let it go just this once… You can find out more about what the best ingredients are for clearing the skin of spots in our blog post.

I hope this has helped clarify a few questions you may have had about salicylic acid and how it can treat your breakouts, don’t forget to send over any further questions to us on our Instagram.

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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