We've learned from our previous acne coverage that you need to be persistent with your skin care routine to see results and salicylic acid products are no different. You may notice some improvement in just a few days, but the most significant results will appear in about four weeks, noted Murphy-Rose.
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant.
Salicylic acid also improves the shape of the pore lining and once the pore is normalized, the backed-up, smaller clog can more easily come to the surface, appearing as new clogged pores (blackheads or white bumps).
Salicylic acid starts working by 2-3 weeks, and takes around 2-3 months to show full effect. This potent antioxidant reduces pigmentation and builds up skin collagen. You will start noticing a brighter complexion in 4-6 weeks but actual improvements, in terms of dark spots reduction, will take around 3-4 months.
With wart medications, such as salicylic acid, the wart should peel away in stages until it is as flat as the skin. If this does not happen, the treatment may not be working. Warts are harmless growths that often appear on the hands and feet.
Salicylic acid creams that are only 1% or 2% in strength, you can leave it overnight on the skin and rinse it off in the morning. Remember to use a good broad spectrum sunscreen because salicylic acid can make your skin sensitive.
Can I put salicylic acid on my face overnight? Yes, you can, but only if you have used salicylic acid before and your skin has a tolerance for it. But if you have extremely dry skin that suffers a lot from changes in your skin care regimen, you should avoid leaving it on your face overnight.
Skin reactions such as peeling/burning/dry/reddened skin may occur, especially at the start of treatment. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may need to apply smaller amounts of the drug or use it less often.
Side Effects of Salicylic Acid Peels
You may experience: Stinging or mildly tender skin. Dryness, peeling, and flaking.
Hu advises only using the product three times per week, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.
A daily cleanser containing salicylic acid can be your best defense against blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. Most dermatologists recommend your cleanser's salicylic acid concentration should be between 0.5%-2% to avoid over-drying your skin.
When it comes down to what percentage of salicylic acid is good for acne, here's our rule of thumb: Most skin types, especially normal to oily, can get away with using 2%. If your skin tends to be on the dry or sensitive side, start with a lower percentage or opt for the 2% but use it 2-3 times a week instead of daily.
Do blackheads go away on their own? Blackheads can sometimes go away on their own — it depends on how deep blackheads are in your skin. If a blackhead is close to the surface of your skin, it's more likely to go away on its own. However, some blackheads can be deeply embedded in your skin.
Due to its highly effective abilities to penetrate the pores it can become severely drying to the skin and result in some skin side effects from dry patches of skin, redness, peeling, and overall dryness and discomfort.
Can Salicylic Acid Make Acne Worse? There are times when using products that contain salicylic acid can make the skin appear worse before it gets better. This is down to a process called 'skin purging' that can occur after treatment with salicylic acid.
Retinol and Salicylic Acid
Combining both of these together will act as a super charged, double intense skin nightmare resulting in severe dryness, sensitivity and an increase in skin photosensitivity.
Moisturize after using it - Salicylic acid can be drying to the skin, so it's important to moisturize your skin after using it. Look for a moisturizer that is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrances and other irritants.
Leave-on acids (follow instructions or wait 20 minutes)
“I recommend waiting 20-30 minutes to ensure the skin is dry and to minimise inadvertent interactions,” she says. What is salicylic acid and how does it clear up spots, clogged pores and psoriasis?
Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds skin cells together. This supports the natural shedding of dead cells, which helps slough away dull or rough skin to reveal a fresh and healthy-looking complexion.
Salicylic acid may produce mild side effects, such as skin irritation or peeling. If people experience more severe side effects, they should stop using the product and contact their doctor.
Salicylic acid benefits
The best leave-on products have a pH between 3 and 4, ideal for effectiveness but also gentle on skin, whose pH is naturally acidic (1). Rinse-off products tend to have a higher pH, so you won't get much of an exfoliation benefit, but your skin will reap soothing and calming benefits.