If you have oily, blemish-prone skin, you may have heard of the popular skincare ingredient salicylic acid. It’s known for penetrating deep into pores and removing excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities.
A member of the family of chemical exfoliants known as beta-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid also works on the outer surface of the skin to remove a buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, and debris. All of this impurity can often develop into a host of issues, from blemishes, acne, skin flakes, to a dull, lackluster complexion. If you want to learn more about how salicylic acid works on the skin and how it can positively impact the overall look and feel of your complexion, you can read the dedicated blog post “What is Salicylic Acid?”
Now let’s answer the question in today’s blog post: Is salicylic acid good for acne? So let’s dive in and find out more!
Does Salicylic Acid Cause More Acne?
In short: Yes, salicylic acid can cause more acne, but there are several factors that may contribute to it. Here are some examples of what may be causing the increase in acne flare-ups you’re experiencing.
You’re Using the Wrong Concentrate
Before you introduce the acid into your daily routine, you should focus on the concentrate of BHA in the formula. To get a better idea of the effectiveness of your product, you should look at the ingredient list. If salicylic acid is one of the first five active ingredients listed, it indicates that there are effective levels. This means that the BHA is helping to fight acne and breakouts. If you find yourself using a product infused with salicylic acid and you find that it has no effect on your skin, you may need to switch to a different, more effective formula.
You’re Not Using It Enough
With salicylic acid, you first need to slowly introduce it into your daily routine. Once your skin has developed a tolerance to the acid, you can use it more frequently, which can improve skin clarity and keep your skin barrier fully protected and functioning optimally.
This Ingredient Isn’t Right for You
If your breakouts and acne problems haven’t improved after using a salicylic acid product for more than 4 weeks, it could be a sign that the ingredients in the product aren’t right for you. You may want to consult a doctor or dermatologist to find another ingredient or product that can help you solve your problem without causing an adverse reaction.
This Could Be a Sign It’s Working
Believe it or not, your acne may get worse before it gets better. Once you start using salicylic acid in your daily skincare routine, you’ll often find that your acne seems to get worse. As daunting as it sounds, this is a sign that the powerful BHA is working deep within the pores to remove excess sebum, bacteria, dirt, and debris. When all this “gunpowder” is pushed to the surface of the skin, it can lead to short-term breakouts of acne and pimples, but this will slowly improve after 4 weeks of regular use.
How long does salicylic acid take to work for acne?
As you can see (and I briefly answered this question in the previous section), it usually takes about 4 weeks to see noticeable changes in your skin tone and a reduction in active pimples and acne flare-ups. You may find that you see results faster, sometimes it takes longer depending on the severity of your breakouts, and you’ll need to use the product for about 6 to 8 weeks to see noticeable improvements.
If you don’t see any noticeable improvements during this time, it may be a sign that you should see your doctor about alternative ingredients or products. I also recommend testing new products on your skin for 24 hours before applying them to your face to avoid reactions.
Which acid is best for acne?
Dermatologists and skin care experts consider salicylic acid to be the best acid for treating pimples and acne. There are more potent ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide that are very effective in fighting acne. However, many people prefer salicylic acid, which comes in a variety of formulas, is simple, and easy to incorporate into daily life.
Salicylic acid is found in over-the-counter products such as toners, cleansers, and serums, usually in concentrations of 0.5% to 2%. For higher concentrations, opt for a chemical peel or a professional facial that contains a medicinal percentage of the acid. A chemical peel or facial is considered the best starting point for clear skin.
Can I use salicylic acid every day?
Yes, it is considered safe to use salicylic acid every day once your skin has developed a tolerance to this strong acid. It is best to start by using salicylic acid products only 2-3 times a week, preferably at night, as salicylic acid products are known to increase the skin’s sensitivity to light, which increases the risk of sun damage to the face. To avoid this, you should apply SPF every day to further protect your skin. If you find that your skin is still comfortable after using salicylic acid 2-3 times a week, you can start using it every day. For more information on daily use of salicylic acid, see our dedicated blog post.
Is salicylic acid good for acne scars?
Yes, it is. Due to the exfoliating properties of the acid, you will notice that the pigmentation of the remaining acne scars will decrease and become less visible to the naked eye. If you want to remove acne scars and dark spots quickly and effectively, your best option is to consult a professional who can provide you with a range of chemical peels and facials.
