Acne and Salicylic Acid Products

For acne-prone skin types, Salicylic acid works well in cleansers, toners, and serums. It can also be found in body sprays to treat hard-to-reach spots on the back, like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

These formulas are usually well tolerated and can be followed by a moisturizer. They work by softening rough and bumpy skin to remove clogged skin cells and improve tone and texture.

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a topical skin care ingredient that’s usually found in formulations like gels, creams, lotions, and ointments. It helps treat acne and blackheads, warts, dandruff, and other conditions by loosening the accumulated sebum and dead skin cells that create these conditions. It’s also a good exfoliant for people with dry or flaky skin.

It’s a type of beta hydroxy acid, a chemical cousin to aspirin, and part of a group of medications called keratolytic agents. It works by softening and breaking apart the lipids that make up the outermost layer of the skin, so the top layers of dead skin and sebum can shed, says Schueller.

The over-the-counter versions of this medication typically contain 2% salicylic acid. They’re often used Salicylic acid products as a toner or medicated pad that you swipe across the skin after washing. Some products that you put on the skin — like those for warts and calluses — may have higher concentrations of this drug.

The product label will tell you how to prepare the skin before applying this medication and exactly how to use it. Follow these instructions carefully. If you don’t understand them, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help. This medicine can interact with certain drugs, so tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and nonprescription medications you take, including vitamins and herbs.

How Does Salicylic Acid Work?

Salicylic acid acts as a comedolytic, which means it helps «break up» and resolve open comedones that lead to blackheads or pimples. It also absorbs excess oil and unclogs pores. It is a great treatment for oily and acne-prone skin types, and can be used in the morning or at night, says Turner. Just be sure to use sunscreen during the day, since it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Most dermatologists recommend looking for an exfoliant with a low concentration of salicylic acid, like 0.5%, and using it daily. You can find this ingredient in a number of cleansers and other treatments, including serums and moisturizers. It is especially effective for treating enlarged pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, says Greenfield.

Look for a product that also has ingredients that counteract its drying effects, such as hydrator hyaluronic acid and glycerin or B vitamins, such as niacinamide, which reduces redness, says Farnsworth. Greenfield loves this Caudalie cleanser because it has all of these, and it’s free of fragrance and alcohol.

You can even apply a salicylic acid serum to your scalp, as it is beneficial for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp skin care company psoriasis, says Greenfield. Just be sure to use a low-concentration formula and do a patch test before applying it to your whole scalp.

Can I Use Salicylic Acid on My Skin?

Salicylic acid can be found in a variety of skin care products including cleansers, toners, exfoliants, and targeted treatments. When added to a daily skincare regimen, it helps treat blackheads, acne, and other signs of aging by gently removing dead skin cells, decreasing oil production, and reducing inflammation. It’s important to follow the directions on the product packaging and avoid overusing it, as this ingredient can cause dryness and peeling in those with sensitive skin.

Since it’s oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate the pores where it dissolves bonds that hold onto dead skin cells and excess oil. This prevents them from building up and clogging the hair follicles. Over time, this helps prevent blemishes like blackheads and whiteheads and can reduce the appearance of large pores.

When added to a daily skin routine, it can also help to treat other skin conditions, including warts and corns, by softening the keratin in the skin, helping to remove it easier. It can also be used to treat symptoms of psoriasis, such as redness and itching, by balancing the flow of oils on the skin.

Before starting to use any salicylic acid product, be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Salicylic acid can interact with certain medications, including acetaminophen (found in some pain relievers), ibuprofen (found in some anti-inflammatory drugs), and aspirin.

What Are the Side Effects of Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid’s ability to both exfoliate the skin and deep clean pores makes it a cornerstone ingredient in acne treatment and routine skincare for clear, healthy-looking skin. It can be found in a wide variety of products such as cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers and spot treatments.

This ingredient is particularly effective for oily skin and those with blackheads because it helps to unclog pore blockages and reduce sebum production. It also helps to soften keratin, a protein that causes dry and hardened skin, which can help to prevent clogged pores and blemishes.

Products containing this ingredient are generally well-tolerated by most skin types, but it’s recommended that those with sensitive skin start with a lower concentration product or patch test before beginning regular use. As with any new product, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist if you notice dryness or irritation.

Because it’s a non-comedogenic ingredient, it can be safely used to help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. It’s also a great addition to anti-aging skin care routines because it can be used to soften and loosen dry, flaky skin, making it appear more youthful and smooth. This is due to the fact that it penetrates the skin, dissolves the intercellular glue that holds dead cells together and stimulates cell turnover. It’s important to note that this ingredient should not be used on sun-sensitive skin, as it can make the skin more vulnerable to UV rays.