What is salicylic acid? Its benefits and how to use it for the skin

Have you heard of salicylic acid and wondered why it is found in so many skincare products? Salicylic acid is one of the most popular ingredients used to care for skin prone to clogged pores, especially oily and combination skin, because it helps exfoliate the skin and deal with the buildup of oil and dead skin cells inside the pores.

However, using it correctly is important; applying too much product or using it more often than the skin can tolerate may lead to dryness and irritation instead of improving the skin's appearance.

In this article from Dar Beauty, you will learn what salicylic acid is, its benefits for the skin, how to use it, which skin types it is suitable for, and which ingredients can or should not be combined with it.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is an exfoliating ingredient that belongs to the beta hydroxy acid group BHA and is used in many skincare products, such as cleansers, toners, serums, and products designed for skin prone to acne and clogged pores.

Salicylic acid is known for helping remove dead skin cells and deal with oil buildup inside the pores, so it is particularly associated with caring for oily and combination skin and pores prone to clogging.

For this reason, salicylic acid has become a common ingredient in skincare products targeting blackheads and whiteheads, excess oil, and pores that appear more prone to clogging.

How does salicylic acid work on the skin?

To understand why salicylic acid is used for pores, imagine that oil and dead skin cells can build up in the pores. As this buildup increases, the pores may become more prone to clogging and the appearance of blackheads or whiteheads.

Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin and deal with buildup inside the pores, so it can be beneficial for skin prone to clogged pores.

This also explains why its use is not limited to one concern; it may be part of a routine for oily skin, skin with blackheads, or skin with an uneven texture.

If your main concern is blackheads, you can also read Dar Beauty's article on how to deal with blackheads to learn about the factors that help address them and care for skin prone to clogged pores.

What are the benefits of salicylic acid for the skin?

The result varies depending on the product's concentration, how it is used, and the condition of the skin, but salicylic acid is primarily used for these needs:

1. Helps cleanse pores of buildup

One of the main reasons salicylic acid is so popular is its ability to deal with the buildup of oil and dead skin cells associated with clogged pores.

2. Helps deal with blackheads and whiteheads

Because salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin and address clogged pores, it is one of the ingredients used in skincare for skin affected by blackheads and whiteheads.

3. Helps improve skin texture

When dead skin cells build up on the skin's surface, its texture may appear rough or uneven. Appropriate exfoliation helps gradually remove this buildup, which may make the skin feel smoother.

4. Suitable for oily and combination skin care

Salicylic acid is often used in products designed for oily and combination skin, especially when the concern is related to clogged pores or the appearance of blackheads and blemishes.

5. It can be part of a skincare routine for acne-prone skin

Salicylic acid is a well-known ingredient in skincare products for acne-prone skin, but it is not a treatment for every type of acne. If acne is moderate, severe, or persistent, the skin may need evaluation by a dermatologist rather than relying on skincare products alone.

Who is salicylic acid suitable for?

No single ingredient suits all skin types in the same way. Therefore, it is best to choose salicylic acid based on your skin's condition and the product's formulation, rather than simply because the ingredient is popular.

If you are not sure of your skin type, start by determining it through the Dar Beauty guide to identifying your skin type, because choosing ingredients should be based on your skin's actual needs.

How do you use salicylic acid?

The method of use depends on the product type, its concentration, and the manufacturer's instructions. Therefore, there is no single method that applies to all salicylic acid products.

In general, if the product is a leave-on product, such as some serums or toners, you can follow these steps:

1. Cleanse the skin using a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type.
2. Gently dry the skin if the product instructions recommend doing so.
3. Apply an appropriate amount of the salicylic acid product according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Avoid the eye area and irritated or cracked skin.
5. Follow with a suitable moisturizer to keep the skin comfortable.
6. Use sunscreen during the day as part of your skincare routine.

However, when salicylic acid is found in a rinse-off cleanser, the application method is different; apply the product to the skin according to the package instructions, then rinse.

The important thing is not to use a larger amount or use it more often in the belief that this will produce faster results; overuse may increase the likelihood of dryness and irritation.

How often can salicylic acid be used?

There is no one answer that suits everyone. How often you can use salicylic acid depends on the product’s concentration, type, method of use, and your skin’s tolerance.

If your skin is sensitive or you have not used acids before, it is best to start gradually according to the product’s instructions and monitor your skin’s response rather than beginning with intensive use.

As for products designed for daily use, such as some cleansers containing salicylic acid, you should follow the product’s own instructions; the product’s formulation and the length of time it remains in contact with the skin vary from one product to another.

What ingredients can be used with salicylic acid?

A skincare routine containing salicylic acid can be simpler than you expect. You do not need to combine many active ingredients to achieve better care.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide can be incorporated into a routine containing salicylic acid, especially if the goal is to care for oily skin, improve the appearance of pores, and support a balanced skincare routine.

Moisturizer

Moisturizing is not a secondary step when using exfoliants. If you experience dryness or tightness, a suitable moisturizer can help maintain your skin’s comfort and tolerance of your skincare routine.

Sunscreen

Using sunscreen in the morning is an essential part of skincare, especially when building a routine that contains active ingredients and exfoliants.

What should you avoid combining with salicylic acid?

The issue is not always that a particular ingredient is "forbidden" with salicylic acid, but that combining several exfoliating or active ingredients at the same time may increase the likelihood of irritation, especially for sensitive skin.

As a practical rule, avoid randomly combining salicylic acid with several exfoliants or potent active ingredients in the same routine without knowing how compatible they are with one another.

Retinol or retinal

Both salicylic acid and vitamin A derivatives can be part of a skincare routine, but using them together at the same time may be harsh on some skin types. Therefore, it is best to alternate them or introduce them gradually according to your skin’s tolerance.

If you use retinal, you can read Dar Beauty’s article about retinal, pores, and wrinkles.

Other exfoliating acids

Combining salicylic acid with other acids such as AHA may increase the strength of exfoliation. Therefore, having more than one acid in your routine does not necessarily mean you will get better results.

This is especially important when using products such as toner that already contains more than one type of acid; Dar Beauty’s article on choosing a suitable toner for large pores explains the importance of paying attention to the ingredients in the rest of your routine.

Does salicylic acid cause skin dryness or irritation?

Yes, salicylic acid can cause dryness, redness, or irritation in some people, especially when used too frequently, on irritated skin, or when combined with multiple exfoliating ingredients.

Signs that deserve attention include:

• Noticeable dryness or excessive flaking.
• A strong burning or stinging sensation.
• Persistent redness.
• Severe skin tightness.
• Increased irritation after each use.

If severe or persistent irritation occurs, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist if needed. It is also best not to use salicylic acid on irritated or damaged skin.

Common mistakes when using salicylic acid

Using it daily from the start

Not every skin type needs to use salicylic acid daily. It is best to start gradually if the skin is not used to exfoliants.

Using more than one exfoliant in the same routine

Adding an exfoliating toner, a salicylic acid serum, and another exfoliant to the same routine may be more than the skin needs.

Using it on irritated skin

When the skin barrier is damaged or the skin is severely red and flaky, adding an exfoliating acid may worsen the problem.

Neglecting moisturization

Moisturizing helps maintain skin comfort, especially when your skincare routine contains active ingredients that may cause dryness.

Choosing a product based only on the salicylic acid percentage

The ingredient's concentration matters, but it is not the only factor. The product type, the rest of its formula, how long it stays in contact with the skin, and how it is used are all important factors when choosing.

How do you choose the right salicylic acid product?

If you are looking for a product containing salicylic acid, start with the concern you want to address instead of choosing any product that carries the ingredient's name.

• For oily and combination skin: Consider a cleanser or a leave-on product depending on your needs.
• For clogged pores and blackheads: Look for a formula designed for this concern and use it gradually.
• For sensitive skin: Choose a gentler formula and start with a low frequency if the product instructions allow it.
• If you use multiple active ingredients: Review all the ingredients in your routine before adding salicylic acid.

Among the products available at Dar Beauty is The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, a serum containing salicylic acid at a 2% concentration, suitable for caring for blemish-prone skin and clogged pores.

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is also available, a cleanser containing salicylic acid that may be an option for those who prefer using the ingredient in the cleansing step instead of a leave-on product.

You can also explore Dar Beauty’s skincare section to compare products and choose what suits your skin’s needs instead of collecting several active products unnecessarily.

Frequently asked questions about salicylic acid

Is salicylic acid suitable for oily skin?

Yes, it generally suits oily and combination skin, especially when the concern is related to excess oil or clogged pores, but it should be used according to the product instructions and not overused.

Does salicylic acid remove blackheads?

It helps address clogged pores and blackheads by exfoliating the skin and tackling buildup, but it is not an instant or permanent solution for blackheads.

Can salicylic acid be used daily?

This depends on the product, its concentration, and your skin type. Some products are designed for daily use, while sensitive skin may require less frequent use. Follow the product instructions and monitor your skin’s response.

Can salicylic acid be used with retinal?

Both can be included in a skincare routine, but using them at the same time may increase irritation for some people. Therefore, it is best to use them separately or introduce them gradually according to your skin’s tolerance.

Is salicylic acid suitable for sensitive skin?

It may suit some sensitive skin types, but the likelihood of irritation is higher. If your skin is sensitive, start cautiously and avoid using it on irritated or damaged skin.

Is salicylic acid better than other exfoliants?

Not necessarily. Choosing an exfoliant depends on your skin type, concern, and the product used. Salicylic acid is particularly well suited to skincare for skin prone to clogged pores, while other acids may suit different needs.

Should you use a moisturizer after salicylic acid?

It is best to maintain hydration as part of your routine, especially if you notice dryness or tightness after using salicylic acid. The right moisturizer may help your skin tolerate active ingredients better.

Conclusion

Salicylic acid is a beneficial ingredient in skincare for skin prone to clogged pores, especially oily and combination skin and blackheads, because it helps exfoliate the skin and address the buildup of excess oil and dead skin cells.

However, its effectiveness does not mean that using a larger amount or more products will deliver better results. Choosing the right formula, starting gradually, moisturizing the skin, and not overusing exfoliating ingredients are the most important steps for achieving a balanced routine.

If you want to choose a suitable product, start by identifying your skin type and the concern you want to address, then compare the formula and how to use it instead of choosing a product based only on the ingredient name.

Discover more skincare products through Dar Beauty.