Salicylic acid is a key ingredient in exfoliation and face mask duos and a powerhouse when it comes to creating an anti-aging skincare routine. It is one of the most famous alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). It is widely used for various skin conditions, such as treating acne, blackheads and whiteheads, and for blemishes and other signs of aging. Here are a few things you need to know when introducing salicylic acid into your beauty regimen. 

Is Salicylic Acid an Exfoliant? 

You might be wondering what does salicylic acid do for the skin. The answer depends on its concentration. It is often used as an exfoliant to help shed dead skin cells and support skin turnover. This exfoliating property can help tackle different skin conditions.  

What is salicylic acid? It’s an oil-soluble acid. This means it can penetrate the skin more deeply, which helps remove impurities that can later cause breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads. It’s a key ingredient in many products aimed at treating acne problems. 

Salicylic acid is also used to treat psoriasis, calluses, and plantar warts, but the concentration of the product will be different. 

How Does Salicylic Acid Work? 

What does salicylic acid do? This oil-soluble acid penetrates the skin deeply to dissolve dead skin, leaving you with rejuvenated skin. Many people use salicylic acid for skin with acne problems, but it can work for various skin types.  

Dead skin can clog pores and create blackheads and pimples, so using products with the correct concentration of acid can help prevent breakouts. It’s also one of the best treatments for acne scars. 

Even if this acid is potent, you must be patient when it comes to results. For acne treatment, expect to wait at least four to six weeks to see changes in your skin. It will depend on the treatment and the concentration, but most people start seeing results after eight weeks. 

Its capacity to help shed dead skin is helpful when it comes to treating psoriasis, plantar warts, or calluses. You’ll often find it in foot chemical peels for that reason. 

How To Use Salicylic Acid 

Salicylic acid can be used in different ways, depending on its concentration and the product’s form. The best way to know exactly how to use salicylic acid for your skin is to follow the instructions on the product or ask your doctor. 

For example, if you are treating acne with a soap containing a low percentage of salicylic acid, you can cleanse with it once or twice a day. Concentrated ointments can also be applied as needed. 

As a serum, it is recommended to be applied once a day. Technically, it could be integrated into either your night or your morning skincare routine. However, since it has powerful exfoliating power, it’s better to use it at night. In either case, always ensure you’re wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. 

If retinol is part of your routine, there are a few options for making it work best. Proceed with caution, as not all experts agree on using both these products at the same time. One option is to begin with salicylic acid. The exfoliation will allow the retinol to penetrate the skin deeply. However, this needs to be done carefully to avoid irritating the skin. 

Another option is to use salicylic acid in the morning and retinol at night. You can alternate, keeping both serums at night and using retinol one day and salicylic acid the next. Since both products will exfoliate your skin, it is crucial to include an effective moisturizer in your routine to maintain your skin’s health. 

Is It OK To Use Salicylic Acid Every Day? 

When it comes to salicylic acid, it depends on the concentration and the nature of the product. For acne treatment, follow your doctor’s advice. You may need to apply it more than once a day. For example, salicylic-rich soap can be used twice a day, as are some specific treatments for oily and acne-prone skin. 

For serum, which usually has a low concentration, you can use salicylic acid daily. For concentrations above 2%, you should start by using it every other day until your skin gets accustomed to it. 

If you are wondering, “Should I use salicylic acid in the morning or at night?” the answer will depend, again, on the product and concentration. For anti-aging serum, you can use it at night or in the morning. If in the morning, make sure to apply a quality broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

A Powerful Multipurpose Acid 

There are many salicylic acid uses for skin, whether you are treating acne or want to combat signs of aging. Nothing cleans pores like this powerful ingredient, which can completely transform your skin.