Salicylic acid belongs to the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) family and is the only truly known and commonly used BHA acid. This acid, extracted from willow bark, has a variety of antimicrobial properties, making it the best active ingredient to combat problematic and blemish-prone skin. Due to its large molecular size and oil solubility, it can penetrate deeper into the pores to help remove bacteria, product residue, dirt, and many other acne-causing impurities. For more information on salicylic acid, check out our guide to BHA skin care benefits on the blog.
Here are some examples of using salicylic acid in your skincare routine. When first introducing this ingredient into your routine and onto your skin, it’s best to do a patch test to make sure it’s safe and won’t cause irritation.
Cleansing Products
Serum
Eye Cream
Spot Treatment
Moisturizer
Facial Oil
Sunscreen with SPF 30 or Higher
Evening Skincare Routine
Cleansing Products
Toner
Serum
Eye Cream
Spot Treatment
Moisturizer
Retinol
Facial Oil
These are some examples of a balanced skincare routine that includes the most effective amounts of products that benefit the skin and prevent skin problems, like breakouts, and premature signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.
Should salicylic acid be used before or after moisturizer?
Generally speaking, the most effective skin products containing salicylic acid are serums, anti-blemish products, and cleansers, all of which are used before moisturizer. If you want to use salicylic acid to improve your overall skin tone, serums and cleansers will give you the fastest results and make a noticeable difference to your skin.
Can I use a salicylic acid serum every day?
If you use a cleanser with salicylic acid, you can use it every day because it is in a lower concentration and then rinse it off your skin so it doesn’t become irritated or dry. Combine it with products that contain moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Don’t forget the benefits of using vitamin C in your daily routine to give your skin a healthy, radiant glow.
When using salicylic acid, an important step in your daily routine is to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day due to the increased sensitivity of the skin to UV radiation.
I hope this clarifies how you can incorporate salicylic acid serums into your skincare routine. With different products containing this BHA, you can find the best formula for your skin type. If you want to learn more about the benefits of AHAs and BHAs for your skin, you can check out our guide on the Beauty Insiders blog.
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