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From user testimonials to expert advice, salicylic acid has proved to be a fool-proof remedy for acne-prone skin. This ingredient has been found on numerous skincare shelves in the form of serums, cleansers, moisturisers, and more. Salicylic acid has become a popular ingredient in skincare, but do we know how it works for acne-prone skin? Which stages of acne can benefit from it the most? We had these questions too. So we reached out to dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel to have our questions answered. Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of salicylic acid for acne-prone skin, salicylic acid serum uses, our top product recommendations, and more.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
For the uninitiated, salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores, thereby curbing acne. Besides prescription-strength formulas, you will find several over-the-counter (OTC), drugstore products boasting salicylic acid, such as cleansers, face washes, body washes, and serums.
The primary purpose of a salicylic acid formula is to treat acne, blackheads, and whiteheads; it works by penetrating the skin to dissolve the dead cells clogging your pores. It is recommended that you apply salicylic acid topically once a day on the affected area for spotless skin. However, perform a patch test to ensure the product doesn’t cause an adverse reaction on your skin. Place a few drops of salicylic acid along your wrist to check how the skin responds to it.
Salicylic acid is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin, owing to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it’s soluble in oil, which means that it can effectively penetrate oily skin to decongest pores and clear out impurities. While you’d find several salicylic acid-enriched makeup products, we took it upon ourselves to round up the best salicylic acid skin saviours for you. From an efficacious cleanser to an SOS spot corrector, peruse our top picks below.
We recommend the following salicylic acid-infused products:
- Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 02% Cleanser
- Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion
- The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum
- Gabit Salicylic & Green Tea Face Moisturiser
- Plix Jamun Matte Screen Invisible Sunscreen
- Acne Squad Breakout Terminator Spot Corrector With Salicylic Acid
All Your Salicylic Acid Questions Answered By Dr Apratim Goel
Q1. Why is salicylic acid considered a good ingredient for acne-prone skin?
Dr Apratim: Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent, meaning that it breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells so that blocked pores can be unclogged. It also decreases the skin's sebum production leading to fewer acne breakouts.
Q2. What are the different stages of acne and how does salicylic acid benefit in each?
Dr Apratim: There are 4 stages of acne namely -
- Comedonal
- Papular
- Pustular
- Cystic
In the first stage, there are multiple blackheads and whiteheads, they are called comedones. Salicylic acid works as an exfoliant to clear your skin off these comedones.
In the second and third stages, namely the papular and pustular phases, salicylic acid works as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce redness and irritation in these inflamed, tender pimples.
In the last stage, which is the cystic stage, salicylic acid can be used as a part of a combination regime along with oral medicines.
Q3. Which ingredients can be used in combination with salicylic acid to treat acne?
Dr Apratim: Salicylic acid can be used with niacinamide for dual action of exfoliation and anti-inflammation. This combination works well on minimising the appearance of pores and helps eliminate blackheads and whiteheads.
In a skincare routine containing other active ingredients like retinoids or azelaic acid, salicylic acid can be used as a cleanser.
Q4. What are the drawbacks of using salicylic acid?
Dr Apratim: If used too often or in a higher concentration on sensitive skin types, it can cause dryness, flaking, itching and a stinging sensation.
Q5. What other skin types and concerns can benefit from using salicylic acid?
Dr Apratim: Oily skin benefits the most from using salicylic acid. This ingredient aids in decreasing sebum production, in turn reducing oiliness.
Normal skin types may use it twice or thrice weekly as an exfoliating agent to achieve clear skin with unclogged pores.
The Benefits Of Using A Salicylic Acid Serum
From curbing breakouts to eliminating dead cells, salicylic acid offers a wide range of benefits to the skin. Let’s explore a few salicylic acid serum uses below:
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Treats & Prevents Acne: A non-comedogenic ingredient, salicylic acid decongests your pores, clearing out any impurities or greasy residue. The beta-hydroxy acid gently exfoliates the skin to get rid of dead cells, revealing a refreshed epidermis.
Nykaa Recommends: - The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
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Deeply Cleanses: Salicylic acid also thoroughly cleanses your skin, eliminating even the last traces of makeup. Controlling sebum production and tightening your pores, it gives way to a flawless complexion.
Nykaa Recommends: - Dr. Sheth's Neem & Salicylic Acid Face Wash
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Doubles As Peel: According to research, salicylic acid is a safe and efficacious peeling agent for many dermatological and cosmetic problems, including acne vulgaris, melasma, photodamage, freckles, and lentigines. “Newer formulations of salicylic acid containing polyethylene glycol have shown promising results in decreasing and preventing skin tumours in mice, making it a potentially attractive peeling agent for use in the future,” the study confirms.
Nykaa Recommends: - Glamveda Glycolic Acid & Salicylic Acid Peel Off Mask
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Dissolves Dead Skin: Salicylic acid, when used in a sufficient amount, can facilitate desquamation to dissolve and dry dead skin cells that give your skin a dull appearance. Its superior exfoliating properties promote skin cell turnover, revealing a smooth and supple epidermis underneath. A study also supports that salicylic acid causes desquamation by the dissolution of intercellular cement material.
Nykaa Recommends: - NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub: Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide
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Soothes Inflammation: Not many know that salicylic acid lends anti-inflammatory properties to the skin. Consider using a salicylic acid face moisturiser to experience the skin-soothing benefits of the active ingredient. Oily and sensitive skin types, take note.
Nykaa Recommends: - Plum Salicylic & Lactic Acid Skin-Smoothing Gel Moisturizer
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Brightens Complexion: As a result of the deep cleanse and exfoliation, you’d only expect salicylic acid to even out your skin tone and texture. By getting rid of any product buildup, grime, dirt, makeup remnants, and other impurities, salicylic acid leaves your skin feeling super smooth and refreshed.
Nykaa Recommends: - Chemist at Play 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash
If you desire squeaky clean, supple skin, salicylic acid is your best bet. However, for those of you who possess an overly sensitive epidermis, avoid applying a salicylic acid formulation to larger areas of the skin, and begin with a small quantity to avoid irritation.
How To Incorporate A Salicylic Acid Serum In Your Skincare Routine
Wondering how to use salicylic acid serum on face? Salicylic acid, when applied as a serum, provides promising results. After adequately cleansing your skin as part of your 4-step CSMS routine, apply a few drops of a suitable salicylic acid serum. A pea-sized amount or 1-3 drops is sufficient for your entire face. Spread the formula evenly and gently tap it into the skin. Before moving to the next step of your skincare routine, i.e. moisturiser, wait for a couple of minutes for the serum to penetrate. Follow it up with an oil-free moisturiser and non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t leave a greasy residue.
Since salicylic acid may make your skin more sun-sensitive, ensure that you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more for optimal protection. Start by applying a salicylic acid serum every other day to see how your skin reacts and gradually increase the frequency up to twice a day, i.e. AM and PM. Be sure to perform a patch test on the wrist before applying salicylic acid directly to the face.
The Best Salicylic Acid Products
Best of Luxe: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Bid goodbye to uneven skin and clogged pores with an extraordinary formula from The Ordinary — this water-based serum targets textural irregularities and aids in removing dead skin cells. Ideal for blemish-prone, combination, and oily skin, this serum helps to clear up congested skin revealing a clearer complexion. The thin consistency feels light on the skin making it perfect to use in your everyday routine.
SOS Treatment: Nykaa Skin Secrets Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid Spot Patch
If the term ‘nip it in the bud’ was a product, it would be this! Infused with the dual healing benefits of tea tree and salicylic acid, these pimple patches are a quick and effective way to get rid of pesky pimples in a jiffy. Just stick it on the pimple and watch it work its magic, minus all the mess. Got a pimple while you’re travelling? Fret not. These spot patches are travel-friendly and water resistant too!
Top-Rated: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Face Scrub
Not your regular exfoliator — this powder exfoliator is enriched with salicylic acid and rice bran extracts that combat acne and brighten skin in one step. Whether you have oily or sensitive skin, either way, this exfoliant will work wonders on your skin. Create a creamy paste with this powder exfoliant and massage it on your skin in a circular motion to get the job done! It is gentle enough for daily use, so add it to your everyday regime without a second thought.
Editor’s Pick: Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Face Cleanser
90% of users agreed their skin felt smoother and brighter, and saw a significant reduction in skin oiliness in just 6 washes — this cleanser is already a winner in our books! Apart from helping your skin get rid of dirt, grime, and excess sebum, the multi-level cleansing allows the formula to penetrate deeper into the skin reducing acne occurrences in 6 weeks. Also, this formulation is free of all nasties and consists of all the good stuff that makes way for clearer-looking skin.
Dermatologist-Approved: The Derma Co. 1% Salicylic Acid Face Wash
If you have oily, acne-prone skin, or grapple with open pores, then this face wash is a great pick to add to your skincare routine. Created with a blend of salicylic acid, witch hazel, and willow bark, all of which penetrate the skin to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and impurities. What’s more? This is a gel face wash that feels lightweight and absorbs well into the skin to give you the desired results.
FAQs on Salicylic Acid
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How to apply salicylic acid to the face?
You may pick between a salicylic acid-enriched cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen for daily application. A salicylic acid spot corrector will come in handy if you’re experiencing active breakouts.
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Can I apply salicylic acid before sleeping?
Yes, you can — as long as your skin can tolerate the active ingredient overnight. Always be sure to perform a patch before applying any product directly to the skin. Consider following the 1-2-3 rule when using a salicylic acid serum; apply it once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, and thrice a week for three weeks before amping up the frequency.
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Can I use multiple salicylic acid products?
Ideally, you shouldn’t layer too many salicylic acid products at once. Layering multiple actives or formulations boasting the same active ingredient can do more harm than good. Stick to using a salicylic acid cleanser or serum.
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Can I mix salicylic acid with other active ingredients?
You may safely mix salicylic acid with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and alpha arbutin. However, avoid layering too many active-infused products on the skin as they may cancel each other out.
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How do I know if salicylic acid is working?
With the consistent use of a salicylic acid formulation, you should begin noticing an improvement in overall skin texture. The frequency of breakouts will decrease, enlarged pores will shrink, and the skin will become more soft and supple.
