Here's How You Can Use Salicylic Acid For Your Acne

Written by Anyuktha Nallani29th Mar 2022
Here's How You Can Use Salicylic Acid For Your Acne

If there’s one thing we know about skincare trends rn– it's the ingredient rage. People are getting more conscious about the ingredients and their amalgamation with each other. Ofcourse, there are some hero ingredients that seem to be doing more rounds around the vanities for their amazing benefits on the skin and one of them is undoubtedly Salicylic acid. So, what is it exactly? It is a form of beta hydroxy acid (BHAs) which naturally occurs in plants and contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It serves as an exfoliant by removing dead skin cells to get rid of acne by drying it up and reducing oiliness on our face. So let’s take a deep dive into its benefits and know how to incorporate it into our skincare routines for a clearer, brighter and healthy skin!

 

Benefits of Salicylic acid for acne

Can I use salicylic acid every day?

Exfoliates

Salicylic acid serves as a peeling agent that exfoliates dead skin cells on the skin. It also helps accelerate cell renewal by exfoliating the skin thoroughly.

Anti-Inflammatory

If you have oily skin or acne that gets triggered faster than people on the internet these days by turning red and inflamed, salicylic acid is about to be your bae! Owing to a chemical called salicin in it, salicylic acid has the ability to calm down irritation and inflamed skin while also helping with redness, soreness and puffiness.

Unclogs Pores
Acne problems are usually closely associated with blackheads and whiteheads and salicylic acid helps tackle just that by unclogging your pores. Sounds amazing right? It dissolves the grime that may have clogged up your pores, and regulates the skin cells properly thus preventing future breakouts to a large extent!

Regulates oil

Salicylic acid goes underneath the superficial layer of oil on the skin and deeply cleanses the pores by suppressing excess sebum production. It also acts as an oil-soluble to decrease excessive oil-buildup. So say goodbye to blotting paper and hello to clear healthy glow!

 

How to use Salicylic acid?

Can I use salicylic acid every day?

Patch test
 
Patch test with salicylic acid product on a small patch on your wrist to make sure that you don’t have an allergic reaction. If after 24 hours you don’t experience any redness, tingling or dryness then, test a small amount of the acid on a small patch of skin on your face. If it goes well, then it's a go ahead to incorporate it into your routine!
 
Avoid layering with retinol
 

A combination of retinol and salicylic acid may potentially irritate or overdry the skin its best if they’re not used together.
 
Use it as a spot treatment for pimples
 
If you’re looking at using salicylic acid mainly for acne or pimples, it's best to use it as a spot treatment. Note: This is only applicable if you’re using high concentration salicylic acid as it might dry your face out.  
 
Use it with niacinamide

Salicylic acid and niacinamide together is a holy duo especially for acne prone skin. While salicylic acid helps clear pores, reduce inflammation and works excellently when layered with niacinamide. Niacinamide is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and helps with acne. When used together they can hydrate and clear your skin like no other!

 

How to incorporate Salicylic acid into your skincare?

Can I use salicylic acid every day?

Dermalogica Age Bright Clearing Serum

Being a blend of two of the most powerful acne and scar clearing ingredients - salicylic acid and niacinamide,  the Dermalogica Age Bright Clearing Serum minimises the formation of breakouts on the skin, and brightens your complexion. Because of its ultra-moisturising properties, it protects your skin from dryness, and fights signs of ageing too! Truly the best of both worlds, no?

Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil Face Oil For Acne-prone Skin

The incredible Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil Face Oil is enriched with retinol and salicylic acid that targets breakouts and visible signs of premature ageing at the same time while rejuvenating and soothing skin overnight so you wake up to a vibrant and clear glow!

Can I use salicylic acid every day?

1) Can I use salicylic acid every day?

It is completely safe to use salicylic acid every day if you don't have any pre-existing medications but in some cases it could cause irritation which is why many dermatologists recommend using the acid in moderation, beginning with three times a week and working up to every day.

2) Is salicylic acid good for pimples?

Salicylic acid helps prevent acne by unclogging blocked pores and breaking down oils, such as sebum. Salicylic acid also decreases the skin's sebum production, leading to fewer future breakouts.

3) Can I use Vitamin C with salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid and vitamin C are both hero products for skincare and especially when combined prove to be more beneficial. The ingredients together help brighten your skin, reduce blemishes or just help slow down the skin’s natural ageing process.

Anyuktha Nallani

Written by

As a skincare and makeup hoarder who watched The Devil Wears Prada a hundred times, this seems like the perfect place to be! A writer with a degree in fashion, I love everything beauty, fashion, art, and literature. When I’m not working, you will find me talking about energy cleansing, binge reading books and binge watching Kdramas while trying to select the right shade of lipstick to go grocery shopping!

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