Salicylic acid, often referred to as BHA, has been used in skincare products since the 1930s, and its popularity hasn’t waned since then. Still today, this ingredient is used to treat acne and pimples, but it also has many other uses that aren’t widely known. Find out about all the benefits of salicylic acid serum in this article, and learn how you can use it to transform your skin.
What Does Salicylic Acid Do?
A great way to make sure you’re getting clear skin is through salicylic acid. This compound loosens dead skin cells, letting you unclog pores and get glowing skin. (1) Used regularly, it can help prevent future breakouts too. Learn how to use it effectively in your routine! How does it work?: When applied topically, salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil and slough off dead skin cells. It also helps remove excess sebum from hair follicles, which prevents them from clogging up with acne-causing bacteria. These actions keep pores clean and clear so that they don’t become infected or inflamed—the main causes of acne formation. What are its benefits? Aside from preventing acne and clearing up existing pimples, salicylic acid has been shown to improve hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. (2) Plus, it promotes collagen production for firmer skin. What products contain it? Salicylic acid is an active ingredient in many anti-acne products like cleansers, toners, masks, serums, and spot treatments. You can also find it as a standalone product for treating keratosis pilaris on arms and legs. In addition to topical skin care products, you can find oral medications containing aspirin (which contains salicylates). However, these are prescription-only medications that may have side effects including stomach bleeding or ulcers if used long-term. Is there any risk?
How Does Salicylic Acid Benefit You?
How does salicylic acid work? What benefits does it have for your skin and what are some of its side effects? In order to answer these questions, we need to understand how it is different from other types of acne medications on the market. Other acne treatments either work by reducing inflammation or by lowering oil production. Salicylic acid works differently; instead of targeting one of these factors, it attempts to peel away damaged cells from your pores. It is then up to your body’s natural process to get rid of these dead cells. This method might seem simpler than other acne treatments, but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work that way. The effectiveness of salicylic acid relies heavily on how well you can stick to a routine. If you don’t use it regularly, then there won’t be any new layers of skin ready to shed off in a few days when they come into contact with air. Without consistent use, salicylic acid will not be able to do its job properly and ultimately won’t be very effective at preventing pimples from forming. Also keep in mind that if you stop using it suddenly, all those layers that haven’t been shed yet will start building up again which means more acne! So make sure to use salicylic acid consistently for the best results! And don’t forget about sun protection!
What Kind Should You Get?
If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free formula that contains salicylic acid. If you have dry skin, get a moisturizing formula with an AHA—glycolic or lactic acid will also do wonders for your complexion. If you have sensitive skin, go for something that’s gentle and fragrance-free. Before trying any of these formulas, however, make sure to read our tips on picking out a product that works for your specific needs. And don’t forget to take a look at some reviews! After all, there’s no better way to figure out if something is right for you than by hearing what other people have experienced.
How To Use Salicylic Acid Properly?
Before using a salicylic acid serum, it’s important to know how to use it properly. This will prevent irritation and help you see results faster. To begin, apply a small amount of serum to clean the skin. For best results, gently massage your skin for about 30 seconds or until absorbed. Wash hands thoroughly after applying and allow time for drying before applying moisturizer or other products. Use salicylic acid serum once a day and gradually increase frequency if your skin can tolerate it. Follow with sunscreen during daylight hours. Be sure to avoid getting any product in your eyes as it may cause stinging or burning. If you have sensitive skin, start by applying only once every two days and then build up from there as tolerated. Always read instructions carefully before application!
When Should You Use It?
Using salicylic acid products at night is a great way to slough off dead skin cells that are slowing you down. Be sure to exfoliate in the morning as well—otherwise, you’ll be trying to shed stuff off of a top layer of still-sticky skin. Think of it like peeling a sticker off of a mirror; if you peel one side and leave the other stuck, that sticker is just going to end up stuck in another place. Exfoliating twice a day will keep your skin smooth and glowing all day long. How do I use it?: As with any skincare product, follow directions carefully! If you have sensitive skin or concerns about allergic reactions, start with a small amount on an inconspicuous area (like behind your ear) for several days before moving on to larger areas. To avoid irritation or sensitivity issues, always use a small amount of product and work from the lightest texture to the heaviest texture (moisturizer first, then serum). Always wait until after cleansing and toning before applying serums—they won’t work as effectively over oil or residue left by cleansers.
Two Bonus Tips for Using Salicylic Acid Serum
Apply it at night—it’s a good idea to use a retinol or other vitamin A serum in addition to your salicylic acid. The combination will get rid of pores, prevent acne, and even out skin tone. If you have oily skin, apply your salicylic acid serums once every three days instead of daily. That said, if you don’t mind getting an extra glow on special occasions, you can also mix it up by using serums every day! Just remember that if you have dry skin, too much exfoliation can make things worse. If you notice your skin getting drier, cut back on how often you use salicylic acid. Also, avoid mixing products with high concentrations of alcohol; they tend to be drying. Instead, look for products containing glycolic acid (or mandelic), lactic acid, or kojic acid for gentle exfoliation.
