Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide

If you'd like to try an at-home option while you wait for your dermatologist appointment, these are the treatments experts say are worth a try. Clean beauty connoisseurs will love this award-winning product, which favors plant-based ingredients known for their potent effects. However, some uses have reported a chemical smell (odd, considering it’s a plant-based product), so if you think that’ll bother you, best to avoid. If you are new to using salicylic acid products, we recommend initially using one twice a week and then gradually build up usage to once or twice daily. Apply after cleansing and toning. A liquid BHA exfoliant is best applied with a cotton pad. Apply a BHA gel or BHA lotion the same way you would a day or night cream. Apply over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. Then simply follow with the rest of your skincare routine. For daytime, follow with a moisturiser that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater as the last step in your routine. Beauty begins with truth Another important thing: the exfoliating effects of salicylic acid can leave your skin more vulnerable to UV rays, which is why most products containing this ingredient are designed to be applied at night. Make sure you take extra care when it comes to sun protection, and always wear { SPF} as part of your skincare regime. THE BEST SALICYLIC ACID PRODUCTS Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

How to Tell if a Brand of Salicylic Acid Pads Is Safe

These pads from Peter Thomas are a rejuvenating, anti-aging godsend for the skin. They feature a powerful blend of amino acids (proteins known to hydrate and protect against free radicals, the unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells), exfoliating acids, and soothing chamomile and green tea. They’re formulated to help firm the skin, improve texture, and refine pores for an anti-aging boost. While most pads contain a 4-10% concentration of exfoliating acids, this product boasts a 20% concentration of phytic acid, salicylic acid, and sodium lactate (a moisturizer), so you know they mean business. Who It’s For Second, salicylic acid is safe to use daily, but dermatologists suggest gradually increasing the frequency. Dr. Green recommends starting out slow by using salicylic acid 2-3 times per week and slowly increasing the frequency until your skin can tolerate it daily. If you dive right in and overuse it, you run the risk of over-exfoliation, she says, which could contribute to dryness and irritation. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA, for short), which is often confused with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. Naturally purifying and blissfully refreshing, the { Vinopure Purifying Toner} from Caudalie is formulated with 100% natural salicylic acid, antioxidant, age-defying grape polyphenols, organic rosewater and antibacterial organic essential oils of rosemary and peppermint to purify skin and battle blemishes without drying it out. Enjoy a light, surprising breath of freshness with each application! While salicylic acid is certainly a staple in skin care products for acne, it’s also beneficial in some hair products. It can improve conditions like dandruff and psoriasis of the scalp, says Nicole Negbenebor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Iowa City and Mohs Fellow at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dandruff shampoos often contain salicylic acid to exfoliate the flakes away, for example.

While clay does its thing, other acne-fighting ingredients go to bat for your skin. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates away the grime while niacinamide reduces inflammation and shrinks your pores. This face mask also contains triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient that has been shown to be more effective at killing acne-causing bacteria than benzoyl peroxide. Since triclosan was recently banned in the use of toothpaste products, some consumers are still hesitant to knowingly use it. Skin Type: Acne and breakouts can be caused by a plethora of reasons, irrespective of your skin type. But when looking for a salicylic acid product for your acne-prone skin, it is important to consider your skin type as a wrong formulation choice can worsen your skin condition. For instance, if you have very oily or combination skin, then it is likely that the cause of acne is excess sebum production in your pores. Hence, look for a product with a powerful 2% concentration of salicylic acid that can regulate oil production and treat comedo-induced zits. While this concentration may also work for dry skin, it is better to look at formulations with less than 2% BHAs as that can be effective without being abrasive. Sensitive skin types can get irritated with a powerful concentration of any chemical exfoliant, hence, 0.5% to 1% is a safer choice. For corns and calluses—Repeat one or two times a day as needed for up to 14 days, or as directed by your doctor, until the corn or callus is removed.In addition to treating acne, salicylic acid can help control the flaking, scaling, and itching associated with dandruff, Dr. Green explains. It can also be beneficial for those with an oily scalp, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis. Salicylic acid clears the buildup of dead skin cells that clog hair follicles, and it can also replace your clarifying shampoo since it helps remove product buildup. For spot treatment of acne and annoying zits, get your hands on this super-effective salicylic acid product by Clean & Clear. With this product, you can ensure that you provide powerful exfoliation and sebum-absorption properties only on the affected region to prevent abrading other skin areas. Formulated with BHA and witch hazel extracts, the product helps to get rid of acne-causing bacteria, removes dead skin cells, and treats the pimple without over-drying your skin. Besides, the product is safe to apply 2-3 times a day. Additional guidance was provided by Rachel Nazarian, M.D., F.A.A.D. a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology at Schweiger Dermatology, and Dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar. Salicylic acid is used at a 2% concentration in this product, but it’s still gentle enough for daily use. In fact, the manufacturer recommends using it up to twice per day but notes that it should be combined with SPF during the day.

And what about those with skin at the other end of the complexion scale? Salicylic acid is drying, so if your skin is on the dry or sensitive side, take care to use it in moderation. Look for products with a lower concentration of salicylic acid (around 1%) and also keep an eye out for products that contain moisturising { skin care ingredients} too, like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. CAN YOU USE SALICYLIC ACID EVERY DAY? Do not use an OTC acne product again if you have developed a serious allergic reaction from it. Side Effects Both BHAs (salicylic acid) and AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acid) are chemical exfoliants that promote cell turnover and regeneration, but the way in which they exfoliate the skin differs. That's also why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a higher maximum percent for over-the-counter (OTC) products for alpha hydroxy acids — 10% for leave-on products and 30% for rinse-off treatments — but, more on that in the next section.

Avalon is one of my favorite brands because of the clean ingredients,” says Dr. Negbenebor, who recommends this 2% salicylic acid shampoo for dandruff. She points out that the first ingredient is aloe vera, so it’s less likely to dry out your scalp and hair, which salicylic acid can sometimes do. Many shampoos contain harsh sulfates or strong scents, so this one is a nice alternative free of those potential irritants. Sharad J. Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013;6:281-288. Published 2013 Nov 11. doi:10.2147/CCID.S34029 Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take. It’s no surprise that salicylic acid is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin types. These skin types tend to overproduce sebum, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts. Using salicylic acid regularly regulates oil production and cleanses pores, allowing for clear skin with the right amount of shine. A salicylic acid cleanser could be a good starting point for those with acne-prone skin, since it helps to keep pores clear and prevent breakouts before they even occur. Serums are also a great option, particularly for anyone who wants a more even skin tone. If you require a lighter touch, water-weight toners or gel moisturisers are the way forward. Whatever you do, just be careful not to overload your complexion with too many products: “Salicylic can be used in tandem with other ingredients, but it can be quite drying, so my advice would be to not use several actives at the same time, and be mindful of your skin barrier,” says Dr Sonia.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur: Symptoms of overdoseIf these skincare benefits sound good to you (and why wouldn't they?), then it might be time to explore other products containing salicylic acid, including for the scalp, hair, and body. Many products on this list combine salicylic acid with other actives for intense exfoliating and other benefits. It doesn’t contain any hydrating or soothing ingredients to balance out the acid, so it can be harsh if not used properly.