Skincare Routine with Salicylic Acid

It's undeniable that salicylic acid benefits your skin, especially if you are dealing with too much oil and associated acne. You are likely aware that salicylic acid is readily available in different formulas to incorporate into your skincare routine. But how?

What is the right way to start using salicylic acid in your skincare regimen to get the most out of it? This blog will explore this so-called miracle skincare ingredient, which skin type can utilise this, and which skincare products you can try to introduce salicylic acid to your skin. So let’s uncover all the details you might want to know before using salicylic acid.

What is Salicylic Acid

One of the most well-known BHA or beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid belongs to salicylates, a class of ingredients, and is obtained from the willow bark.

This is an exfoliating skincare ingredient that is mild on the skin and favours acne and breakout-prone the most. It penetrates deep into your skin's layers and tackles the root cause of the issue, which can be the excessive production of sebum in many cases.

Let’s see how it benefits your skin.

How Does It Help Your Skin

Salicylic acid imparts multiple benefits to your skin, especially if you are prone to acne, breakouts, and blackheads.

• Salicylic acid has an oil-soluble nature and it can deeply cleanse your pores to take out all the dirt and sebum from your pores making your skin feel like a clean canvas.
• There is one common habit shared by all people with excellent skin, and that is their habit of exfoliating their skin regularly. Exfoliation is crucial for your skin's health. Using salicylic acid to gently exfoliate can be a game changer for your concern and get you rid of dull skin and blemishes.
• In case of acne breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads, this acid can serve as a good treatment. With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can heal your acne-damaged skin.

Which Skin Type Can Use It

Salicylic acid is fitting for different skin types including;

Oily skin: This acid can be your go-to ingredient and help you combat greasiness on your skin due to the overproduction of sebum.

Normal skin: You can use it as a part of your regular exfoliating routine.

Combination skin: It's a good option to treat various skin concerns in a gentle way.

Dry skin: You must be cautious while using salicylic acid if your skin is dry as it can overdry your skin or induce irritation.

Sensitive skin: It’s better if you avoid using salicylic acid but if you still want to try it, it's advisable to ask your dermatologist.

Skincare Routine with Salicylic Acid

Using salicylic acid in your skincare routine is not a tough job. You must be disciplined, understand your skin and concerns well, and know what products to try. So let’s see how you can get started.

• Start with a cleanser to deep cleanse your pores and prepare your skin to absorb the upcoming products. Do not over-scrub as it can be harsh on your skin.
• This one is optional. Go for a toner that is specific to your skin type. This helps to remove residual impurities and prevents clogged pores.
• Continue with a face serum targeting your skin concerns. Massage gently and let it absorb.
• Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated from outside. Choose a non-comedogenic one if you are prone to breakouts.
• You can end your morning skincare with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ or higher than that.
• If you are doing the nighttime routine, you can skip the SPF and use an eye cream to complete your skincare regimen.

Don't include salicylic acid in every step of your routine. Rather use one or two products only, as suggested by your dermatologist. In the next section, we will explore the products with salicylic acid.

Skincare Products with Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is readily available in the market, in almost all product types, from serums to body washes, exfoliating masks and spot treatments. It’s extremely easy to find a product infused with salicylic acid and adjust it at any step of your routine.

Cleanser

It’s a great way to introduce salicylic acid. Use a mild cleanser with the lowest concentration and use it thoroughly if it suits your skin. This practice doesn’t allow salicylic acid to stay on your skin for so long and your skin becomes habitual too. It can be done by people with all skin types or those having sensitive skin.

Toner

You might find it a little difficult to find a salicylic acid-based toner to target your enlarged pores and loose skin. Find yourself an alcohol-free toner to get the most out of the product.

Serum

The most popular product type is serum where you can target your concern directly with the right concentration. Remember that salicylic acid in this form can be more concentrated and strong as compared to cleansers and moisturisers so ask your dermatologist before choosing a serum.

DRSQ's Repair Serum is blended with 5% salicylic acid along with biomimetic peptide and barrier-repairing botanicals for acne, pigmentation, and blackheads.

Moisturiser

You can try salicylic acid-based moisturiser to naturally shed your dead skin cells and get a healthy and radiant complexion. It's a convenient way to reduce redness and breakouts. Take note of the actives present in your previously applied serum.

Mask

Mask treatment once a week can be effective to get that instant glow and exfoliation boost. It can dissolve oil leaving the skin thoroughly cleansed.

Chemical Peel

Salicylic acid being one of the most effective exfoliants can serve the best and deep exfoliation to the skin. This is a once-in-a-while practice that can deeply exfoliate, brighten, and reduce inflammation in your skin. It decreases the appearance of post-acne marks and inflammation associated with acne.

Additional Products to Consider

There are some quick ways to use salicylic acid too;

Exfoliating Pads

You don't require physical scrubs but exfoliating pads with salicylic acid to enhance absorption and efficiency. It will remove dirt and debris, improve tone and texture and promote smooth skin. Depending on your skin type and concern, you can use exfoliating pads one to three times a week.

Body Washes

Using a salicylic acid-based body wash cannot only make your skin oil-free but also help to maintain the pH balance of your skin. It's a good option for healthy skin barrier function and can be used daily.

Tips for Using Salicylic Acid

Before you start looking for salicylic acid products, here are a few tips to keep in mind;

• It's highly recommended to talk to your skin specialist before making a purchase. You can discuss your skin type, concerns, and the right concentration to start from.
• This ingredient can make your skin a little susceptible to the sun so include a high SPF in your routine.
• Always conduct a patch test before using the product, no matter what product you have chosen. If it tingles, rinse the product off your skin with water.
• Follow the instructions written on the product to achieve the highest gain.
• Don’t go with the high concentration irrespective of your product type, whether it is a cleanser or a serum.

Possible Side Effects

Though salicylic acid is considered a safe option for a wide range of people, you may notice little irritation and dryness on your skin.

• In some cases, you can feel itching and peeling skin along with hives and a stinging sensation.
• If you have used high concentration or frequently, some chemical peels can lead to flaking and peeling of the skin.
• If your skin is already dry, its prolonged use can make it even more dry. A moisturiser should be applied afterwards.

Key Takeaway

Salicylic acid is a very popular skincare ingredient used for acne. But there is much more to that. It can be combined into your skincare routine very conveniently to help your skin’s multiple concerns at once. From controlling the overproduction of sebum to fading the post-acne hyperpigmentation, salicylic acid has your back.

From normal to oily, combination to normal skin type, you can use this efficient skincare ingredient and see no to minimum side effects. It’s easy to find salicylic acid-formulated products from cleansers to toners, but using more than one or two products with salicylic acid can cause more harm than benefitting your skin.

Speak to your skin health specialist for the best advice.