Acne is a common skin condition, impacting teens and adults. Whether you have acne breakouts that consist of surface-level blackheads and whiteheads or more severe forms of acne, skincare products with salicylic acid may be recommended by dermatologists to boost your skincare routine and manage breakouts. Those with acne are often unsure what salicylic acid skincare products they should be using. In this blog, we discuss the many effective salicylic acid products on the market and provide tips for incorporating them into your daily routine.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a plant-derived form of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that’s most often harvested from willow tree bark. Unlike water-soluble alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), BHAs are oil soluble, which means they’re able to penetrate deeply into pores where they dissolve the skin’s naturally produced oil (sebum) and dead skin cells that clog pores.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid for the Skin
There are many reasons dermatologists recommend salicylic acid for acne-prone skin, and some of the top benefits of salicylic acid for acne treatment and management include:
- • Clear pores – the oil-soluble formula penetrates deep into pores dissolving excess oil, skin cells, and grime that lead to breakouts.
- • Exfoliation – on skin’s surface, salicylic acid breaks down bonds that hold dead skin cells in place, allowing them to shed away naturally without causing irritation.
- • Reduces oiliness – salicylic acid cuts through skin’s natural oils, which clears pores, but it also reduces skin oiliness and shine.
- • Minimizes inflammation – salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory benefits as well, meaning it soothes irritated skin during breakouts.
- • Decreases bacteria – products with salicylic acid damage bacteria, which prevents them from reproducing in the pores and causing infection.
- • Acne treatment – this multi-tasking ingredient fights oiliness, bacteria, and inflammation, which clears up active breakouts as well as preventing future breakouts.
How to Use Salicylic Acid Safely
Salicylic acid may be a go-to skincare product, but it’s only effective when used correctly. When incorporating salicylic acid into a skincare routine, start by using the product only two or three times each week. If you notice irritation, dryness, or peeling skin, to discontinue use and consult a dermatologist before resuming use. If skin tolerates use a few times a week, increase to using once a day, and a stronger salicylic acid product can be used if lower dose products are tolerated for daily use. It’s essential to include a deep hydrating moisturizer in your routine following salicylic acid to prevent dryness. It’s also important to apply sunscreen during the day to keep treated skin safe from UV damage.
While the right salicylic acid products are tolerated by most people, those with very sensitive, dry, or reactive skin should forego use. Additionally, salicylic acid isn’t recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without approval from their physician.
Types of Salicylic Acid Products
One of the more complicated things about salicylic acid is that it’s used in so many different products. Many patients struggle to find one that fits their routine. They all have unique usage recommendations and benefits, so it’s important to understand each product and choose the one that makes sense for you.
Cleansers
Cleansers are a simple way to introduce salicylic acid into any skincare routine. A good salicylic acid cleanser removes excess oil and dead skin cells. To maximize the efficacy of salicylic acid cleanser, massage the cleanser into skin for 30-60 seconds before rinsing. Some gentle but effective salicylic acid cleansers include:
Pads/Wipes
Maybe you used some over-the-counter salicylic acid pads to fight acne as an adolescent. These products typically contain very low doses of salicylic acid, and they aren’t always the most effective. Clinical grade versions of these teen favorites offer a great on-the-go treatment option for acneic skin. Some of the most recommended pre-treated salicylic acid wipes include:
Serums & Moisturizers
Finally, salicylic acid serums and moisturizers may be beneficial, especially for those who need to deliver this ingredient deeper into skin. After cleansing skin, the pores are clear and able to fully absorb serums and moisturizers, allowing salicylic acid to penetrate deeper into skin. These serums and moisturizers are extremely beneficial for those who have stubborn acne as well as acne damage like dark spots and scarring. Our dermatologists’ go-to salicylic acid serums and moisturizers include:
- • MD Skin Essentials Crush It – a very thin, lightweight serum that’s easily absorbed into skin. Excellent for use during an active breakout or as part of your preventive skincare routine.
- • SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF – this vitamin C serum with salicylic acid is ideal for acne-prone skin.
- • Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum – the salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, and retinol combination found in the pre-treated pads is also available in an easily absorbed serum formulation.
- • ZO Skin Health Retinol Acne Complex – another salicylic acid and retinol combination formula that improves skin’s tone and texture while preventing and treating acne breakouts.
Salicylic Acid Tips & Warnings
Salicylic acid offers benefits for people with many skin types and skincare needs, but there are some important things to remember when you’re incorporating salicylic acid skincare products, including:
- • Don’t overdo it – using more than one salicylic acid product together, unless a dermatologist directs it, can lead to skin irritation, inflammation, and dryness.
- • Be careful with combinations – strong alpha hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and strong retinoids are commonly recommended to manage acne, but when too many are used together, the result can be breakouts that get more severe.
- • Use sunscreen – the new skin revealed when using exfoliating salicylic acid is sensitive to sun damage, so it’s important to apply sunscreen and minimize UV exposure when using salicylic acid.
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• Respond to your skin – if your skin is red, dry, peeling, or inflamed, you may need to reduce the frequency of salicylic acid use or find a formula that’s less concentrated.
Conclusion: Incorporate Salicylic Acid into Your Daily Routine
Salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients for clearing acne breakouts and managing symptoms. From removing dead skin cells to reducing inflammation and skin redness, salicylic acid is a powerhouse for skin health. Incorporating a salicylic acid skincare product into your daily routine, delivers smooth skin, even tone, and reduced risk for breakouts. When in doubt, talk to your dermatologist about how best to incorporate salicylic acid or other ingredients into your skincare routine.
Learn More About Salicylic Acid & Other Dermatologist-Recommended Skincare Products
When you’re ready to clear up acne and achieve brighter, healthier skin, we hope you’ll explore more salicylic acid options and the other unique, dermatologist-recommended products available from DermSkincare. Have questions about how to build a better skincare routine or want more product recommendations? We post blogs regularly with dermatologist recommendations and skincare tips.
