Can I exfoliate and use salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is one of the most well-known skin ingredients. Many people love it for its effectiveness in providing clarity, especially for those who are acne-prone and often breakout.
With such a powerful ingredient in your daily routine, we can’t help but wonder if further exfoliation can help or hurt the health, look, and feel of your complexion. That’s exactly what we want to explore in today’s blog post, and with any luck, we’ll answer all of your questions about exfoliation and using salicylic acid.
For those of you who are still a little confused about what salicylic acid is and how it benefits your skin, the next section is for you. If you already know all about skin care, you can move on to the next section.
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid, also known as the acne buster, is one of the most commonly used members of the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) family. It’s a favorite among dermatologists for skin problems that often show up with breakouts and blemishes. This acid works on the surface of the skin to remove the buildup of dead skin cells. If these cells are left behind, you’ll find your face is covered in blemishes like pimples and blackheads as excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and debris clog your pores. You’ll also find that salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate sebum (the natural oil in your skin). Compared to other acids, salicylic acid has a smaller molecule size, which allows it to penetrate the lower layers of the skin and get deeper into the pores.
The beauty of salicylic acid is that it’s found in a range of formulas, from over-the-counter to prescription products, in varying proportions. This not only makes BHAs easy to find, but it also allows you to find the best product for your skin. Salicylic acid is known to damage dry and sensitive skin. For these skin types, a face wash or toner works best, as it typically contains less acid than a serum.
If you want to learn more about salicylic acid and its benefits, read our dedicated blog post.
Do I need to exfoliate if I use salicylic acid?
No, not really, because salicylic acid is an exfoliant in its own right. As I mentioned before, it’s an ingredient in a wide range of skincare products, from face washes to serums. This results in the acid being used as a regular exfoliant in your daily skincare routine. Using a salicylic acid-rich product along with another exfoliant can cause severe skin irritation and reactions.
If you want to continue using salicylic acid products in conjunction with a physical exfoliant like a scrub, I recommend alternating the use of each product to benefit from these products. For example, use a salicylic acid face wash in the morning and a physical exfoliant in the evening.
Can I use cleansing and exfoliating products containing salicylic acid?
No, avoid using cleansing and exfoliating products containing salicylic acid as this can cause extreme irritation and dryness. As I said before, if you want to use both products in your skincare routine, it is most effective to alternate the use of each product.
Once your skin has developed a tolerance to salicylic acid, you can use salicylic acid twice a day in your skincare routine. This means you can use a BHA-rich product when it suits you, making sure you are not exfoliating in your routine.
For a physical facial exfoliant, I recommend using it at night as the abrasive action can temporarily cause the skin to become sensitive. You’ll find that she can calm down better at night when she’s not exposed to free radicals like UV rays, pollution, and other environmental factors. Using a serum with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid after exfoliation to moisturize and nourish the skin can combat long-term dryness and irritation.
Is salicylic acid an exfoliant?
Yes, it is, just like other chemical peels like glycolic, lactic, and malic acids. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin without the use of physical facial peels, some of which often contain nut shell fragments, pumice, and other abrasive particles.
You’ll also find that salicylic acid has a smaller molecular size and is oil-soluble. This allows the acid to penetrate the lower layers of the skin. When salicylic acid reaches the pores, it can deeply exfoliate and work on areas of the skin that facial peels can’t reach.
What type of scrub should I use?
There are a ton of different peels that are suitable for a variety of skin types. The following sections will help you understand which products are right for your skin type.
Oily Skin Type
Oily skin is prone to breakouts and may also be prone to acne due to excess sebum on the skin’s surface. Therefore, thorough exfoliation is needed, which can be done through physical exfoliation (such as a physical exfoliator or cleansing device) or chemical exfoliation (such as salicylic acid).
Acne-Prone Skin Type
For acne-prone skin, it is best to choose products with chemical exfoliants, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Although it may be tempting to exfoliate your skin to the point of being unrecognizable, this can be damaging to your skin because it not only spreads bacteria, leading to more breakouts, but it also strips your skin’s protective barrier of essential oils and water. It needs to stay healthy, hydrated, and radiant.
Dry Skin Type
To avoid unnecessary irritation, dry skin especially benefits from thick, creamy textures that are enriched with gentle acids such as lactic acid and polyhydroxy acids. You may also benefit from physical facial peels, which also have a richer, creamier consistency.
Combination Skin Type
Since combination skin types have a mix of oily and dry skin areas, chemical peels are recommended as the best formula. Physical peels and physical devices should be avoided as they can cause increased sensitivity and irritation.
I hope this has answered some of your questions about exfoliation and using salicylic acid. Don’t forget to find us on Instagram if you have any additional questions.
