This quality is precisely what makes salicylic acid such a potent ingredient. According to Mudgil, the use of salicylic acid depends on one's skin type, the underlying indication, and how severe the acne is. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Blackhead and whiteheads form when excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and forms a plug that clogs a pore. Kora Organics Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum, GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Face Cream. ", "You wouldn't necessarily use both at the exact same time depending on your skin type and what you're trying to achieve," he says. Do not overuse your acid-based products.. Additionally, salicylic acid is a widely used topical therapy for psoriasis inflammation. The general exfoliating effect will help the skin look brighter and smoother and allow other skincare products to penetrate the skin more effectively.. Because salicylic acid keeps pores clean and unclogged, it prevents future whiteheads and blackheads from developing. But this ingredient takes a different approach when targeting breakouts. Do not rinse off - instead, follow up with any additional serums or creams. As its oil-soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate down into pores and dissolve excess sebum and debris, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, explains Dr Zamani. First off, let's establish what salicylic acid is. This powerful chemical exfoliator sinks deep into your skin to tackle these issues at their source while keeping redness at bay, paving the way for luminous, clear skin. Salicylic acid is a desmolytic meaning it loosens the bonds between corneocytes (the cells that make up the skin's outermost layer). In light of its many skincare benefits, it's no wonder why salicylic acid is included in so many skincare products. "[This] means the hydroxy part of the molecule is separated from the acid part by two carbon atoms, as opposed to an alpha hydroxy acid where they're separated by one carbon atom.". Examples of AHAs, for reference, include glycolic and lactic acids. Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash, Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment. While salicylic acid weakens acne bacteria, benzoyl peroxide can kill acne bacteria. Price $ However, salicylic acid must be used as advised. It's important to note, however, that even though salicylic acid can weaken acne bacteria, it will not completely kill it. To browse more beauty products, head to NDTV Shopping. Salicylic acid is a comedolytic meaning it prevents future whiteheads and blackheads from forming. "Once it has penetrated the skin, the acid part of the molecule can dissolve some of the intracellular 'glue' that holds skin cells together," says Schueller. She has written for Byrdie since 2020. Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, Use in AM & PMAfter cleansing and toning, apply this serum 2x daily. Can too much salicylic acid be a problem? If you're on the hunt for a more affordable spot treatment, try this classic drugstore option, which uses 2 percent salicylic acid and witch hazel to reduce oil and superficial breakouts. "I personally have quite oily skin, and I find that salicylic acid daily on my skin type works totally fine," he says. We will never send third-party emails, or sell your email. If you're a skincare aficionado like us, this isn't the first time that you're hearing about salicylic acid for skincare. The caveat is that some cleansers, peels, and toners can be too harsh, according to Marmur, and should be avoided. All the products weve chosen are paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free. Salicylic acid does not fight against UV rays. "Each vehicle usessalicylicacidin its own special way and is targeted for certain use in specific people, depending on their skin issues," Marmur explains. Therefore, salicylic acid is ideal for treating blackheads and whiteheads. This breaking down of skin cells promotes exfoliation. It also regulates oil production., An anti-inflammatory effect can help skin to look less red and inflamed, she continues. What can be serious: "Applying salicylic acid or any salicylate to very large portions of your body can lead to salicylate poisoning," says Schueller. Keratolytics offer deeper exfoliation but can potentially be more irritating for sensitive skin. We took all our questions about salicylic acid straight to the experts to find out what makes the ingredient so impressive and how it contributes to clear skin. In the over-the-counter battle against breakouts, there are a few key ingredients you should know about, and salicylic acid is at the top of that list. Over-the-counter acne treatments: a review. Keep reading to see what they had to say about all things salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that exfoliates dead skin cells and accelerates skin cell renewal. Thanks to its unique properties, salicylic acid is used to treat a range of skin conditions outside of acne, from warts to dandruff. As a BHA, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate the skin at a deeper level than water-soluble AHA ingredients. Salicylic acid also loosens and breaks apart desmosomes (attachments between cells in the outer layer of skin). Anyone can use salicylic acid, but its especially useful for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Many dermatologists, therefore, recommend using the acid in moderation, beginning by applying it three times a week and working up from there. Derived from willow bark or produced synthetically, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, says Dr Zamani. We respect your privacy. . "Keratolytic medications cause softening and sloughing of the top layer of skin cells," says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Here's everything you need to know about what it is, how it works, and ways to incorporate it into your skin-care routine. In general, Marmur says to use salicylic acid in moderation until you know your skin can tolerate it. In the world of exfoliants, you've got more than a few options to choose from based on what your skin needs. Not only is it one of Byrdie's favorite salicylic acid treatments, but it's also the top-selling product by Paula's Choice. It's essential that you take advice from an expert before using acids or chemical peeling products on a regular basis, Dr Buldeo continues. However, you can have too much of a good thing, so weve enlisted the experts to discuss the benefits, explains potential side effects and share usage guidelines for adding to salicylic acid to your skincare routine. Price $$ Thismakesit easier to shed the skin cells." For the days when you wake up to find a spot has popped up on your face, turn to this acne spot treatment gel. Salicylic acid is keratolytic, which means that it breaks down keratin, says Dr Nasir. According to Mudgil, salicylicacidis best suited for those with oily skin and superficial acne. As a desmolytic, salicylic acid is a gentler exfoliant than azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide which are both keratolytics. Nikhita has worked as a writer and editor in NYC for over seven years. "My patients also like Obagi Medical Acne Cleansing Wipes," he says, which contain two percent salicylic acid in a handy wipe for use morning and evening. SKIN CARE ROUTINE OPTION A:An exfoliant with salicylic acid - use in evening only a few times a week, SKIN CARE ROUTINE OPTION B:A toner and a targeted treatment with salicylic acid- use 2x a day. It obviously makes sense why the ingredient is a long-time favourite for those with oily, acne-prone skin. Works well with: Marmur recommends using the acne ingredient along with ingredients that soothe the skin, like Canadian willow herb, and calm any irritation that the salicylicacidcould potentially cause. This quality is precisely what makes it such a potent ingredient for targeting acne especially for blackheads and whiteheads. However, there are certain points that need to be noted about this ingredient. Results wont happen overnight. Who should use it: In general, those who have oily skin and are looking to treat superficial acne, like whiteheads, blackheads, and small red pimples, according to Mudgil. You reach for a spot treatment within the second you see a zit invading your face. Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: The Key Difference, 14 Effective Blackhead Treatments Recommended By Dermatologists, The 17 Best Acne Spot Treatments to Zap Pimples Fast, Salicylic Acid for Hair: Benefits and How to Use, Sulfur Is an Age-Old Treatment For Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, Rosacea, and More, Comedonal Acne Is the Most Mild Form of AcneHere's How to Treat It, The Complete Guide to Treating Acne-Prone Skin, 10 Foolproof Ways to Unclog Pores, According to Skincare Experts, 18 Skincare Products With AHA/BHA For Smoother Skin, The 13 Best Chemical Exfoliators for Smooth, Soft, and Radiant Skin. Since salicylic acid is oil-soluble, it can penetrate beneath the skin's surface to clean out excess sebum from the pores and reduce oiliness. The ingredient can penetrate so deeply into skin that actually breaks down the connections between skin cells, according to Schueller and Dr. Wesley. Ad Choices. Keep calm and massage on your skin care. Weve put together a GHS curated selection of our favorite skin care products that contain salicylic acid for fighting acne and controlling oiliness. Salicylic acid can get deep into your skin to do its job. It will take 6-8 weeks (and in some cases longer) of consistent topical use before you begin to see results. Whether youre keen to combat frequent breakouts or searching for a dependable remedy to treat oily skin, look no further than salicylic acid. ", Although salicylic acid is a common ingredient that's easily accessible and found at the drugstore, a lot of variables are at play when it comes to using the acne-fighting ingredient to treat breakouts, so it should still be approached with caution. These are the benefits after using salicylic acid for skincare. So, to find out if salicylic acid will work for you, your skin type, or your type of acne, you first need to understand how it works. Too much can cause irritation. Do not rinse off - instead, follow up with moisturizer. FYI, azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are also comedolytics. You can find it in cleansers, toners, spot treatments, masks, etc. To begin with, salicylic acid is one type of chemical exfoliant called beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). A Dermatologist Breaks Down the Best Acids to Use in Every Decade of Your Life, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, Salicylic acid treats acne vulgaris by suppressing AMPK/SREBP1 pathway in sebocytes, Over-the-counter acne treatments: a review, Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, is a dermatologist based at. That's because it is used as a milder chemical peel for acne-prone skin or those wanting a less intense peel. Heres what it can do: Salicylic acid improves the skins appearance, reduces blemishes and helps to prevent blackheads and breakouts. This Byrdie-approved primer doesnt just make your foundation look more matteit also contains salicylic acid to gently buff away the top layer of dead skin cells throughout the day. If you have a persistent breakout that doesn't clear up even when using salicylic acid, it's possible the ingredient could be contributing to the problem. To find out, we consulted board-certified dermatologists to help break down exactly how salicylic acid works on the skin, who should (and shouldn't) use it, and why it's a cornerstone ingredient in the battle against breakouts.