4 Tips for Using Salicylic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid that is used in skincare to help treat acne. Salicylic acid works by cleaning bacteria and dead skin cells from your pores to treat acne symptoms and reduce the risk of future breakouts. Salicylic acid can be found in many over-the-counter (OTC) topical skincare treatments such as cleansers, exfoliants, toners, gels, and lotions. Stronger formulations can be prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist. Salicylic acid is also used as a common acne spot treatment. However, those with sensitive skin should be wary of using salicylic acid. It may lead to side effects like burning, peeling, dryness, or redness, and you should consult a dermatologist before incorporating into your skincare routine. Products that use salicylic acid are used to fight a number of bacterial problems with your skin. Here are a few skincare benefits that salicylic acid can offer. 1. __Cleans your pores__. Salicylic acid breaks down the oil and bacteria that accumulate on your face from everyday activity, especially with oily skin. This can keep your pores clean, preventing bacteria from seeping inside and causing blemishes. 2. __Exfoliates your face__. Salicylic acid is keratolytic, meaning that it works as a light exfoliant to efficiently wash dead skin cells away from your face, leaving skin cleaner and healthier. 3. __Reduces redness in your complexion__. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing redness and inflammation in a specific area. 4. __Reduces sebum in your skin__. Acne often occurs when your skin secretes an excess of sebum, which salicylic acid can keep in check. Salicylic acid can be useful to people of many different skin types, but it is particularly effective for people suffering from the following skin conditions. 1. __Acne__: Salicylic acid is often used to fight acne because it clears acne-causing bacteria and dead skin cells away from your face. For more inflamed types of acne, salicylic acid works well by cleaning the pores while also acting as an anti-inflammatory. 2. __Melasma and psoriasis__: Stronger formulations of salicylic acid can be used as a spot treatment for conditions that cause discoloration of the skin, such as melasma and psoriasis. One of the side effects of salicylic acid can be dryness or itching, so a dermatologist should be consulted before using salicylic acid for psoriasis. 3. __Oily skin__: Salicylic acid penetrates deeply into your pores to clear out pus, oil, and bacteria that cause clogging of the pores. Those with oily skin may benefit from incorporating this ingredient into their [skincare routine](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-skin-care-routine). Salicylic acid also helps fight blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid can be found in many different types of skincare products. Here are a series of tips to consider before you decide to use salicylic acid in your skincare regimen. 1. __Test it on your skin first__. You should spot test your salicylic acid product on a small patch of your skin before you incorporate it into your skincare routine, to make sure that you don’t have an allergic reaction. To do this, clean your skin and dry it. Then, test a small amount of the acid on a small patch of skin on your face. You are free to use it if you don’t experience tingling, redness, or dryness within 24 hours. 2. __Avoid layering with retinol__. Retinol is a powerful anti-aging skincare ingredient that should not be used alongside salicylic acid, because the combination of the two can irritate the skin. 3. __Use it as a spot treatment for pimples__. If you’re using salicylic acid serum or gel to treat pustules or pimples, use it as a spot treatment on the blemishes themselves. Using high-concentration salicylic acid on your entire face can dry your skin out. 4. __Get the concentration right__. You want to make sure that you’re not using a product that has too high of a concentration of salicylic acid. Gels should have no more than 5% acid. Lotions that are applied once or twice a day should have 1–2% salicylic acid, and solutions like cleansers or toners should have 0.5–2% salicylic acid. Ointments prescribed by dermatologists may have 3–6% salicylic acid. [Benzoyl peroxide](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-benzoyl-peroxide) is another common ingredient found in over-the-counter skincare products that treat acne. Here are some of the differences between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. - __They target different acne problems__. Salicylic acid is typically used to treat blackheads and whiteheads, more so than benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is typically used to treat pustules found in inflammatory acne. - __Benzoyl peroxide is stronger__. Salicylic acid is not as drying as benzoyl peroxide, making it easier for people with sensitive skin to use. - __They have different side effects__. There are common side effects to both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Possible side effects of salicylic acid can include dryness, hives, itching or peeling skin, and stinging or tingling. Benzoyl acid is a stronger ingredient and can cause severe skin irritation. People who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis could suffer an allergic reaction and should get the medical advice of a dermatologist before using benzoyl peroxide products. Individuals experience different levels of sensitivity to ingredients found in various skincare products. To prevent adverse reactions, consult a dermatologist before applying a new product to your skin. This article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Bobbi Brown, RuPaul, Tan France, and more. People use salicylic acid in skincare to treat a number of conditions, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and oily skin. Here is a guide on the benefits of salicylic acid, how it differs from other acne-fighting skincare products, and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.