Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-461. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765

As it’s oil-soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate down into pores and dissolve excess sebum and debris, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin,’ explains Dr Zamani. It also regulates oil production.’Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of Skin Care Products During Pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician. 2011;57(6):665. Published June 2011.

Salicylic Acid is available in different concentrations, with each concentration designed for a specific purpose. Higher concentrated Salicylic Acid is used as a peeling agent, which can reduce the appearance of acne, melasma and dark spots, while lower concentrations can be used on a daily basis in cleansers and toners. Maghfour J, Ly S, Haidari W, Taylor SL, Feldman SR. Treatment of keratosis pilaris and its variants: a systematic review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(3):1231-1242. doi:10.1080/09546634.2020.1818678 Up your SPF levels immediately after waxing, since recently stripped skin is especially vulnerable to sunburn. Slather on at least SPF 50 before hitting the beach—we love Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70 and L'Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil SPF 50+. 10. Repeat As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a wellness product. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to homeopathic essential oils to ever-trendy CBD topicals, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life. How you should use salicylic depends largely on the type of product - higher concentrations are best used sparingly. Whereas others, such as those in the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear range are formulated for daily use. Below is our step-by-step guide on how to use Salicylic Acid.

Your Complete Routine for Clear Skin

Fabbrocini G, De Vita V, Marasca C, Palmisano F, Monfrecola G. Salicylic acid for the treatment of melasma: new acquisitions for monitoring the clinical improvement. Skin Res Technol. 2013;19(4):466-73. doi:10.1111/srt.12070 Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: Active Molecules Influencing Skin Structure Formation in Cosmetic and Dermatological Treatments. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postȩpy Dermatologii i Alergologii. 2019;36(4):392. Published August 2019. doi: 10.5114/ada.2019.87443. Norsworthy J, Bhatti Z, George T. Topical Salicylic Acid Hypersensitivity. Am J Ther. 2018 Sep/Oct;25(5):e568-e569. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000000646. PMID: 29324467. The beauty of salicylic acid is the fact it is found in an array of formulas containing various percentages, from over-the-counter products to prescriptive. This not only makes the BHA easily found, but you can also find the best product to suit your skin. Salicylic acid is notorious for wreaking havoc on dry and sensitive skin, so for those skin types, opting for a face wash or toner formula will be the most effective as the percentage of the acid is usually lower than that found in a serum.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates dead skin cells on the skin's surface and decreases oil and sebum, says board-certified dermatologist Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, FAAD, owner of Vibrant Dermatology and SkinBar MD. In addition to being an exfoliant, it also works as a comedolytic and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Salicylic acid works by reducing oil and sebum on the skin. It also helps to exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which also contributes to the clogging of pores and dullness of the skin," says Jordan C. Carqueville, M.D., a leading board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. "One of the key features to look for in the face wash is the strength of the active ingredient — in this case, salicylic acid. The most common strength percentage in face washes will be 2%." An anti-inflammatory effect can help skin to look less red and inflamed,’ she continues. ‘The general exfoliating effect will help the skin look brighter and smoother and allow other skincare products to penetrate the skin more effectively.’ Salicylic acid as an exfoliant Follow cleansing by gently applying a Salicylic Acid toner. The NIVEA Derma Skin Toner is a fantastic option as it will rebalance the skin’s pH level and remove any excess oil, make-up or dirt without further clogging the pores. This will also prepare your skin for moisturisation. Koster MI. Making an epidermis. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2009;1170:7. Published July 2009. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04363.x.Indulging in a preparatory margarita may take the edge off, but it could actually make pain worse. "Research shows that acetaldehyde, a breakdown product of alcohol, stimulates a specific type of pain receptor," says Wu. "So if you drink before a treatment, you may be more sensitive to anything that causes pain." 7. Get Milk There's even salicylic acid in body lotion. "Salicylic acid lotion is good for removing dead skin on the body or bumpy skin (keratosis pilaris) or for softening elbows and knees," says Dr. Rabach. If you're new to the hero ingredient, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel says to use it in small amounts at first. "Use will vary between products, but it is important to start out using salicylic acid once every few days to make sure there is not an allergic reaction," he explains. "After that, the product can be used up to two times per day depending on the tolerance of your skin." Salicylic acid is one of the most recognised skin ingredients, with many expressing their admiration for how it can effectively provide clarity, particularly for those prone to acne and frequent flare-ups in breakouts. Scrubbing will do away with those dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles and result in ingrowns. Try a body wash with salicylic acid, such as Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash Pink Grapefruit, which will clear pores and follicles. If you have a salicylic-acid facial scrub, it's fine to use around your bikini area. Lele Gomes, an esthetician at the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City, sees great results with her patients who use a gentle loofah, such as Earth Therapeutics Loofah Bath Pad. 5. Know Before You Go