A Beginner’s Guide to Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid has a celebrated history in skincare and features significantly in various formulations targeting various skin concerns, breakouts are at the top of the list. But its wonderful benefits cannot be restricted there and other skin types can heavily access salicylic acid perks too. From improving your uneven tone and texture to revitalising your skin, salicylic acid has your back.

If you are new to this heavily advantageous acid and looking to start incorporating it into your skincare regimen, it’s best to begin with understanding it first.

So how to use salicylic acid and for what purposes, how much quantity is adequate and which things are important to consider while using it, along with precautions and any potential side effects, we have explored everything in this blog.

What is Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid belongs to the beta hydroxy acids group and has been used as a treatment for a variety of skin concerns. It's naturally derived from meadoweet and willow; these are the plant barks. Belonging to salicylates, a class of drugs, this acid is readily known for its ability to fight pimples and various forms of acne.

It is oil soluble hence, penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and acts on the concern. Moreover, it has an exceptional ability to break down the bonds among dead skin cells and aids the renewal of skin naturally.

Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that make it perfect for redness and swelling associated with acne, effective in psoriasis management, and can be easily combined with a lot of other skincare ingredients. However, expert advice is always required before mixing it with any other active ingredients.

What Does Salicylic Acid Do to Skin

Salicylic acid offers plentiful uses for people with mild acne, ageing signs, and sensitive skin conditions, primarily in dry to oily skin types. Let’s dive in to know what are the major salicylic acid benefits and how to reap the best out of it;

Targets Breakouts

If you have ever heard of salicylic acid, it might be something related to breakouts or acne. When you visit the dermatologist, this - being a major foe of breakouts, maybe at the top of the list to prescribe.

It manages the excess oil by controlling the overproduction of sebum in your skin, hence leading to less acne and associated issues. Being a non-comedogenic ingredient, salicylic acid will not clog your pores and penetrate deep into your skin to give clear and smooth skin. In fact, salicylic acid for bacne has shown wonderful results in young adults.

Fades Blemishes

It exfoliates the outer layer of your skin preventing a buildup contributing to dark spots and blemishes. If your skin is prone to acne and breakouts, it might be possible that you are quite familiar with related blemishes too. How do these form? When a pore or hair follicle gets accumulated by deak cells or oil buildup inviting bacteria to thrive.

Salicylic acid can help you maintain clear and blemish-free skin by reducing the existing ones and preventing the future ones.

Lightens Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation

Your skin can suffer from hyperpigmentation due to several issues, including hormonal, sun exposure, acne, any disorder, and beyond. Salicylic acts on the root layers of the skin from where this hyperpigmentation has started to give your skin a smooth appearance.

If you are suffering from post-acne hyperpigmentation, using this acid will get your skin rid of all the dead skin cells.

Minimises Enlarged Pores

It’s impossible to close the pores once they are open but you can definitely reduce their size or make them appear smaller by using the right skincare ingredients, and salicylic acid is on the list. As we mentioned before, it controls the sebum production in your skin which is responsible for making your pores enlarged.

While salicylic acid for skin, be it any type works effectively, you can combine it with another skincare ingredient such as niacinamide for maximum results.

Promotes Improved Tone and Texture

Uneven tone and texture can negatively impact your self-esteem. At the same time, it’s a result of your skin’s poor health. Salicylic acid can be the best remedy for it if used properly. It renews skin and hence corrects the tone and texture, irrespective of your skin type. That's why salicylic acid is more inclined to help oily skin types, but here it favours dry skin too.

All of the above-mentioned benefits cannot be reaped in just one use, but you need to be consistent and patient for the wonderful outcomes.

How to Use Salicylic Acid

It's pretty easy to incorporate salicylic acid into your routine skincare. It's gentle on the skin, if used in the correct concentration but suggested to use it once a day. You can go with the morning use or the nighttime use, as per your convenience. But we suggest you stick to the same standard and apply this daily without missing.

We recommend using it in your daytime routine as if you are going out, it may make your skin more vulnerable to damage by harmful UV rays.

But, what is the proper way of applying it to make the most out of it? Take one to two drops of salicylic acid serum using a dropper on your face and neck and spread it gently using your fingertips. You must cleanse your face before this application so the skin is ready to welcome the serum with clean canvas.

Before applying the moisturiser, wait for at least two to three minutes to let the serum absorb into your skin. For best results, you can combine salicylic acid with a hyaluronic acid serum.

Though you need to be patient, three to four weeks are enough to start showing the results. Even after using it for a prolonged duration, if there is absolutely no improvement, you must consult your dermatologist to look into the matter.

Can You Use Salicylic Acid Every Day?

Yes, salicylic acid is considered a mild skincare ingredient and it’s completely safe to use every day. But proper precautions are required. Using it in the sunlight can make your skin prone to sunburns and associated skin concerns.

Furthermore, you must start with a lesser concentration to make your skin tolerant of it. Then gradually, you can increase the concentration. It’s best to ask your dermatologist for the appropriate concentration amount in the beginning.

Salicylic Acid and Pregnancy

We understand the fact that women may undergo a lot of skin challenges during their pregnancies, including acne and breakouts. Salicylic acid is extremely popular and common in the world of skincare, dermatologists still recommend avoiding salicylic acid during pregnancies especially if you are under special care.

However, generally, it is considered safe to use during pregnancy in lower strengths.

Potential Side Effects

While a salicylic acid serum helps with various skin concerns, your skin can be naturally allergic to it. Always talk to your doctor first.

It is safe to use on the skin, but you may get affected due to a broad range of reasons. The very first one is you are new to this ingredient and your skin may take some time to adjust itself. If you are a beginner, you might notice some purging on the skin – it is considered normal.

In some cases, it can dry out the skin by removing the excessive oil.

Other than these, itching sensations, skin peeling, hives, and tingling can be the other probable side effects. Certain cases have been observed where people faced hypersensitive reactions after applying salicylic acid. A little discomfort is entirely normal but if the issue persists or has become unbearable, contact the dermatologist immediately.

FAQs

• Is salicylic acid good for pimples?
  Yes, salicylic acid is leaving every other ingredient behind when it comes to treating pimples and acne. Its ability to control oil production further combats the pimples to appear. It also soothes the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  
• Can I use salicylic acid serum for blackheads?
  Yes, this skin ingredient is good to use for your blackheads or whiteheads. It penetrates your pores deeply, dissolving the sebum and dead cells that are responsible for pore clogging and the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
  
  Once you start using salicylic acid, it prevents your skin from developing more whiteheads and blackheads in addition to mitigating the existing ones.
  
  
• How to use salicylic acid on the face?
  You can buy a salicylic acid-based cleanser or serum, it is helpful in both forms. Serving different purposes, you can choose your salicylic acid product.
  
  
• Is salicylic acid safe for everyone?
  If your skin is hypersensitive or allergic, you must consult your doctor instead of randomly purchasing it. Moreover, pregnant women are not recommended to use salicylic acid usually. However, this can differ from woman to woman.
  
  
• How long does it take for salicylic acid to show results?
  Normally, it can take a few weeks to months for salicylic acid to show the desired outcomes. But it also depends upon your skin concern, how stubborn it is, your skin type, and many more factors.