Proper skin care requires the right use and combination of ingredients—it’s all about the science! When you introduce a new ingredient to your skincare regime, such as salicylic acid, you want to ensure you’re using it properly to reap all its benefits! Using a BHA like salicylic acid incorrectly can cause adverse skin reactions like irritation, which can make it harder to repair your skin effectively.
Below, we’ll discuss the dos and don’ts of salicylic acid, from application to pairing with other ingredients. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates the main skin layer to remove excess oil and dead skin cells. This powerful BHA comes from the willow bark plant and works to reduce the appearance of blemishes, prevent breakouts, reduce inflammation, and promote smooth and clear skin.
Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for those who struggle with acne. With continuous use, you’ll begin to see fewer breakouts, a more even skin tone, and smoother skin!
What to Do
If you’re adding salicylic acid to your skincare routine, you can use it effectively by keeping the following points in mind:
Test it on your skin before full application: There’s always a chance that you might be allergic or reactive to any skincare ingredient. Make sure to test a small patch of your skin before adding it to your skincare routine. Cleanse and dry your skin, apply the salicylic acid, and if you don’t have a negative reaction over a 24-hour period, it’s safe for you to use!
Begin with a low dose: Slow and steady wins the race! Letting your skin adjust gradually to salicylic acid will minimize the risk of irritation that can occur when introducing a new ingredient to your skin. A low-dose product like our 2% Salicylic Acid BHA Exfoliating Serum from Isomers Skincare is great for those who are new to using BHA’s.
Always pair with a moisturizer: Salicylic acid can dry out your skin if not followed up with proper hydration. Apply a moisturizer that doesn’t clog your pores to maintain your skin's soft and supple feeling!
What to Avoid
Knowing how to properly use salicylic acid is half the battle—it’s also important to be aware of what not to do when using this powerful BHA! When adding salicylic acid to your routine, make sure to avoid…
Pairing with retinol: These two ingredients target cell renewal and exfoliation. Combining them together can cause inflammation, dryness, roughness, and reactive skin overall. If you need to use both ingredients for your skin type, apply salicylic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Applying to sensitive areas: The skin around your eyes, on the lips, or on open wounds is more sensitive than other areas of your face. To avoid discomfort and irritation, avoid using salicylic acid in these areas.
Mixing with other exfoliants: As touched on above, pairing two exfoliating products together, like retinol and salicylic acid, can be too harsh on your skin. Avoid pairing with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Get Salicylic Acid Serum & More from Isomers Skincare
Adding salicylic acid to your skincare routine is seamless when you know how to do it right! You can find a salicylic acid serum from Isomers Skincare that is formulated to drive real, lasting results.
Visit our Shop to learn more about our products, and use our Build My Routine page to learn which serum works best for your skin.