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 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.
