HOW TO USE SALICYLIC ACID IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products. It not only cleans pores but also targets acne and smooths texture. Because it’s such a mighty multitasker, it’s no wonder many people are interested in creating a routine around it — a salicylic acid routine. If you’re one of those people, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we discuss how to use salicylic acid as part of your beauty ritual so you can reap all the benefits of this talented ingredient.

 

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), a type of acid that exfoliates pores to clear congestion. The salicylic acid found in beauty products is usually derived from the bark of willow trees (also called willow bark), although it can also be sourced from fruits, vegetables, and spices.

 

In the skincare world, salicylic acid is known for its ability to deeply penetrate the skin and exfoliate pores from the inside out, dissolving excess oil and dead skin cells like nobody’s business. The ingredient, considered ideal for treating acne-prone, oily skin, is used in a multitude of products, from cleansers and toners to spot treatments and moisturizers. 

 

What Is the Difference Between BHA and AHA?

BHA and AHA differ in their origins, functions, and uses in skincare. 

• Origins: In skincare, BHA is typically derived from willow bark. AHA can be derived from many natural sources including sugarcane (glycolic acid), milk (lactic acid), or fruit (citric acid).
• Functions: Both BHA and AHA exfoliate the skin but to varying degrees. BHA is a more powerful exfoliator, able to deeply penetrate pores to clear congestion. AHA, due to its water-soluble nature, provides gentler exfoliation. AHA works by breaking up dead skin cells so brighter, smoother, more even skin can emerge. It can also increase skin hydration, make fine lines appear less noticeable, and fade dark marks.
• Uses: Because it can deeply exfoliate skin to clear congestion, BHA is often used for treating acne and controlling oily skin. AHA, on the other hand, is better for treating dullness and texture. AHA is typically found in anti-aging products due to its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation, promote hydration, and uncover glowing skin.

Not sure which one is for you? Choose based on your skin type and concern. If you have dry or aging skin, AHAs will be your best bet. Oily or acne skin? Try a BHA. 

 

Salicylic Acid Benefits and Uses

Using salicylic acid on the face as part of your skincare routine comes with plenty of upsides. One of the major salicylic acid benefits is the ingredient’s ability to unclog pores, helping fight acne, smoothing skin, and reducing inflammation in the process. Salicylic acid uses range from treating acne to improving overall skin tone and texture over time when used consistently. 

 

How to Use Salicylic Acid

Ready to create a skincare routine with salicylic acid? Then check out this step-by-step guide for using salicylic acid as a toner or serum — product formats that make it easy and convenient to incorporate the ingredient into your routine. 

After using a salicylic acid toner or serum, moisturize to mitigate or prevent any excessive dryness or irritation. Thayers’ 2% Salicylic Acid Treatment is found in its Blemish Clearing Toner, Blemish Clearing Pads, Double Action Serum, and gentle Blemish Clearing Cleanser. 

Now, on to how to use salicylic acid on the face!

 

Step 1: Cleanse your skin. Use a gentle moisturizer and double cleanse with a makeup remover if needed. You want to create a clean canvas for your salicylic acid skincare. 

Step 2: Apply your salicylic acid product. Follow the instructions carefully for your toner or serum. 

Step 3: Moisturize. This will help counteract any drying effects or irritation from your salicylic acid skincare. If you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight moisturizer. 

Step 4: Use sunscreen (during the day). There is not much evidence that salicylic acid makes skin more sensitive to UV rays. Nevertheless, it’s still best to be cautious and wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) any time you’re using the ingredient. Wearing sunscreen daily is a good habit in general: it reduces your skin cancer risk, prevents sunburn, and slows premature aging. 

 

When to Use Salicylic Acid in Skincare Routine

You can use salicylic acid in the morning or evening, but if you’re a salicylic acid beginner, nighttime is the way to go. As mentioned above, if you use salicylic acid at night, you won’t have to deal with your skin potentially becoming sensitive to the sun. If using the ingredient in the morning after cleansing, be sure to layer on sunscreen, ideally on top of your moisturizer. 

 

How Often to Use Salicylic Acid

 

Salicylic Acid Before and After: What to Expect

The salicylic acid before and after results can be amazing if you use the ingredient correctly and consistently. However, just like with most other actives, salicylic acid needs time to transform your skin. In the first few days of using salicylic acid, you might notice that your skin feels drier and looks redder. There is also the potential for breakouts as part of the purging process: as salicylic acid clears out pores, it brings to the surface the gunk that has been hiding below the surface of your skin. After a few weeks, your skin will have built a tolerance to the ingredient and you will likely notice a smoother, more radiant complexion with fewer blemishes. 

 

Types of Salicylic Acid Products

• Cleansers: If you want your cleanser to fight acne too, opt for a salicylic acid cleanser. Over time, it’ll leave your skin looking and feeling smoother. Made with our locally grown witch hazel, Thayers Blemish Clearing Cleanser clears acne, helps prevent new breakouts, and controls oil. It contains 1.5% salicylic acid and is gentle on the skin. 
• Toners: Try a salicylic acid toner if you want to exfoliate your skin and remove oil, sweat, and dirt in a single step. Thayers Blemish Clearing Toner is alcohol-free, making it gentler on the skin, and contains our 2% salicylic acid treatment to control acne. It leaves skin cleaner, refreshed, and ready for moisturizer.
• Serums: A salicylic acid serum is the perfect addition to your skincare routine if you want to efficiently address specific skincare concerns. Compared to toners, serums offer a higher concentration of actives. Take Thayers Double Action Acne Serum, a salicylic acid serum that not only clears acne but also fades acne marks. Besides containing 2% salicylic acid, it is also packed with other skin-enhancing ingredients: 4% niacinamide, 3% lactic acid, azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and our locally grown witch hazel.
• Pads: Salicylic acid pads are a great alternative to salicylic acid toners if you’re on the go. You can pack them in your luggage, gym bag, or purse. Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% BHA Pads comes with 60 exfoliating pads.
• Moisturizers: If you prefer to use salicylic acid later in your routine, you’ll get along with a salicylic acid moisturizer. Like other salicylic acid products, this type of skincare item will help clear and prevent breakouts and control oil production.
• Spot Treatments: Salicylic acid spot treatments are a good option if you don’t suffer from constant breakouts but do experience mild acne or the occasional zit. Such spot treatments shrink pimples quickly and reduce redness while preventing new blemishes.

 

 

FAQs

We want your skin to be smooth and your first experience with salicylic acid to go smoothly! In this section, we clear up common user concerns and misconceptions about using salicylic acid on the face. We also share additional salicylic acid uses.