How to Use Salicylic Acid on Your Face

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Not only is salicylic acid a popular treatment for facial acne, but it can also exfoliate your skin, unclog your pores, and help reduce redness. Start off applying salicylic acid to your face in small amounts to make sure it won't irritate your skin. Salicylic acid comes in many different forms for treating your face, such as cleansers, gels, serums, and lotions. By consistently applying your chosen salicylic acid product, you'll be much more likely to see positive results.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Applying It to Your Face Safely

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  1. Instead of spreading salicylic acid all over your face, target the areas that have breakouts or acne marks. This is much more helpful and will prevent your face from a severe breakout or irritation if the salicylic acid has a negative effect. [1]
    • Use the acid as a spot treatment, applying it to the areas of your face that are breaking out and avoiding the areas that are already clear.
    • Only applying salicylic acid to breakout areas will also make the product last longer.
  2. If you’re using salicylic acid for the first time, it’s best to use small amounts. Only apply the acid to your face once a week, wait a week or two to see how your face reacts to the product, and then you can increase it. [2]
    • Avoid overusing salicylic acid on your face to keep your skin from drying out.
    • If your skin becomes irritated after using salicylic acid, consider trying a different product or not using it at all.
    • After a week or two, start using the acid twice a week for a week, then three times a week for a week, cutting back on it if your skin starts to dry out or show irritation.
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  3. Some salicylic acid treatments are designed to only stay on your face for a certain amount of time before being rinsed off with water. Read the directions on your salicylic acid product to be sure you’re using it properly. [3]
    • Avoid leaving the acid on your face for longer than instructed.
    • Some products that often require rinsing off are cleansers or exfoliants.
  4. Because salicylic acid can have strong effects on your skin, it’s best if you don’t use it with abrasive soaps or cleansers, as well as products that contain alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. Use gentle soaps and moisturizers on your face while using your salicylic acid treatment for the best results. [4]
    • It’s important to use moisturizers on your face regularly when using salicylic acid because it’s known for drying out your skin.
    • Avoid starting other new facial products when you start using salicylic acid to make sure your skin isn't overwhelmed.
    • Don't use salicylic acid with other topical acne medications or medicated cosmetics.
  5. If there are sections of your face that are super dry, swollen, infected, or contain broken skin, avoid using salicylic acid on these areas. Adding the acid to irritated parts of your face will likely only cause your skin to become more red and irritated. [5]
    • While it's okay to put salicylic acid on parts of your face that are red due to acne bumps, if your skin is red and inflamed due to other issues, it's best not to use the acid on it.
  6. To see clearer skin, smaller pores, or whichever other result you’re looking for, you’ll need to use the salicylic acid on your face consistently. This doesn’t mean you need to use the acid several times a day every day, but if you’re using it two or three times a week, keep doing this for at least 3-4 weeks to begin seeing improvements. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Choosing a Salicylic Acid Product

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  1. This is the concentration range that’s often found in over-the-counter salicylic acid products that you might find at your local drugstore or big box store. When you’re picking out a product for your face, look to see what percentage of salicylic acid it contains. Choose one with at least 0.5% to make sure it’s an active ingredient. [7]
    • A product that contains less than 0.5% salicylic acid likely won’t have as big of an effect on your skin as you’d like.
    • While there are products that contain more than 2% salicylic acid, these are usually prescribed by a dermatologist or doctor because of their strength.
  2. Since the gel form is a little bit thicker than the other options, it’s best used as a spot treatment instead of all over your face. Apply a dab of the gel to any acne spots to help minimize them. [8]
    • Some of the gels are also exfoliators, ridding your skin of dead skin cells while they treat your breakouts.
  3. These serums or liquid solutions often offer salicylic acid in higher doses, such as 2%. As a liquid that doesn't need to be washed off, they spread over your skin easily in a light formula. [9]
    • Choose a salicylic acid option that only contains this ingredient, or opt for a serum that contains other acne-fighting ingredients as well like tea tree oil.
    • A drop or two of serums are all you need for the salicylic acid to work properly.
  4. There are many different types of salicylic acid acne face washes on the market for you to choose from. These can be used up to twice a day, but it’s most recommended that you use them to wash your face before going to bed. Create a lather with the soap, rub it gently into your skin, and rinse it off with clean water. [10]
    • Let the cleanser sit on your skin for 30-60 seconds before rinsing it off.
  5. Salicylic lotions are a bit stronger than regular lotions you would put on your face, so do a spot test on your skin before applying it to larger sections. The lotion does a great job of smoothing and moisturizing your skin while also fighting breakouts and making your pores look smaller. [11]
    • If you’re picking out a lotion with salicylic acid in it, read the bottle to make sure it’s safe to use on your face.
  6. Facial oils often have more concentrated ingredients, and they don’t need to be lathered over your entire face. Choose a facial oil with salicylic acid in it, as well as natural ingredients like chamomile and cucumber seed to help nourish your skin. [12]
    • Use the oil as a spot treatment, spreading a thin layer over acne.
  7. Cleansing pads are a popular option because they’re quick and easy to use. Pick out facial pads containing salicylic acid and gently wipe the pad across areas on your face containing breakouts. Dispose of the pad in the trash once you’re finished. [13]
    • These pads also often contain ingredients that act as a toner to help even out your skin.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is salicylic acid a good choice for my skin?
    Joanna Kula
    Licensed Esthetician
    Joanna Kula is a Licensed Esthetician, Owner and Founder of Skin Devotee Facial Studio in Philadelphia. With over 10 years of experience in skincare, Joanna specializes in transformative facial treatments to help clients achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, and radiant skin. She is also a contributing author for the prestigious Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa magazine and has been featured in a number of magazines including InStyle.
    Joanna Kula
    Licensed Esthetician
    Expert Answer
    Salicylic acid may not be right for your face if you have dry or sensitive skin.
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  • Question
    Is salicylic acid safe for your face?
    Joanna Kula
    Licensed Esthetician
    Joanna Kula is a Licensed Esthetician, Owner and Founder of Skin Devotee Facial Studio in Philadelphia. With over 10 years of experience in skincare, Joanna specializes in transformative facial treatments to help clients achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, and radiant skin. She is also a contributing author for the prestigious Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa magazine and has been featured in a number of magazines including InStyle.
    Joanna Kula
    Licensed Esthetician
    Expert Answer
    Yes! Some people react a little strongly to it and you probably shouldn't use it super frequently, but yeah, it's not going to do any harm in small amounts.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    How does salicylic acid work?
    Joanna Kula
    Licensed Esthetician
    Joanna Kula is a Licensed Esthetician, Owner and Founder of Skin Devotee Facial Studio in Philadelphia. With over 10 years of experience in skincare, Joanna specializes in transformative facial treatments to help clients achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, and radiant skin. She is also a contributing author for the prestigious Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa magazine and has been featured in a number of magazines including InStyle.
    Joanna Kula
    Licensed Esthetician
    Expert Answer
    It has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to clear up congested skin.
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      Warnings

      • Don't use salicylic acid if you're pregnant or on blood thinners.
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      • Avoid using products with a high concentration of salicylic acid (more than 2%) more than is recommended by your dermatologist or healthcare provider.
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      • Avoid getting salicylic acid in your eyes or mucus membranes. If this happens, flush the area out with water for 15 minutes.
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      • If you’re using salicylic acid on your face more than twice a day, this is too much.
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      References

      1. ↑ Joanna Kula. Licensed Esthetician. Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.
      2. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607072.html
      3. ↑ https://www.facingacne.com/salicylic-acid-acne-pros-cons/
      4. ↑ Joanna Kula. Licensed Esthetician. Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.
      5. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607072.html
      6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366450/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdAsQ_i2NdU&t=9s#t=1m
      8. ↑ https://www.facingacne.com/salicylic-acid-acne-pros-cons/
      9. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607072.html
      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366450/
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366450/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEYDSD83N2s#t=11m28s
      4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607072.html

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