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Beauty Front Benchers

Are you using salicylic acid the right way to treat your acne?

By
Hasina Jeelani
3
min read
Skin
Are you using salicylic acid the right way to treat your acne?
Beauty Front Benchers
Skin

Are you using salicylic acid the right way to treat your acne?

By
Hasina Jeelani
By
Hasina Jeelani
Beauty Front Benchers
Skin
3
Min read
What do we say to congested pores and acne flare-ups? Not today.
Are you using salicylic acid the right way to treat your acne?

Breakouts and flare-ups can show up uninvited at any time—more often than not, before a key milestone or event on your social calendar. Which is why it helps to beef up your acne-fighting arsenal with salicylic acid. Known for dissolving the debris that clogs pores, it works on a deeper level to keep acne at bay.

But what if your skin appears more irritated after using salicylic acid? Or if it has been weeks without any tangible results? Knowing what salicylic acid can do is half the battle won; the second half lies in utilising it adequately in your skincare routine. Ahead, everything you need to know about using it right.

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser Reduces Sebum & Acne - (100ml)
1002777
Minimalist
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COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml)
COSRX
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The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide (100ml)
1128186
The Formularx
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The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash (250ml)
1083450
The Derma Co
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Brillare Better 2% Salicylic Acid Serum (30ml)
1067600
Brillare
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The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum (30ml)
1084820
The Derma Co
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PIXI Clarity Blemish Stickers (24 pcs) - Acne Patch
1140337
PIXI
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Sirona Acne Pimple Patches For Face (72 Pcs)
1127808
Sirona
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1002777
Minimalist
.

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser Reduces Sebum & Acne - (100ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
COSRX
.

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1128186
The Formularx
.

The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide (100ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1083450
The Derma Co
.

The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash (250ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1067600
Brillare
.

Brillare Better 2% Salicylic Acid Serum (30ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1084820
The Derma Co
.

The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum (30ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1140337
PIXI
.

PIXI Clarity Blemish Stickers (24 pcs) - Acne Patch

No items found.
Add to Cart
1127808
Sirona
.

Sirona Acne Pimple Patches For Face (72 Pcs)

No items found.
Add to Cart

What is salicylic acid and what can it do for you?

Originally hailing from the bark of the willow tree, salicylic acid for skin is classified as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid). Being more soluble than other acids, it is able to sink deeper into the skin to offer lasting results. The use of salicylic acid reportedly dates to the first century AD when it was used for treating calluses. Fast forward to the 1800s, and Italian chemist Raffaele Piria had succeeded in preparing salicylic acid. Fast forward another handful of centuries, and you’ll find salicylic acid staring back at you from the label of every cleanser, serum and exfoliator in the skincare aisle.  

So, what exactly are the benefits that you should know about? For starters, it has the ability to burrow its way deep to combat acne. By flushing out the sebum and other gunk settled into the pores, it also puts up a stiff resistance against blackheads and whiteheads.

How to use salicylic acid for pimples

Clear skin with reduced acne. If this sounds like something you’d like to get in on, you can take heart in the fact that there are endless ways to introduce this skincare superhero in your everyday routine.  

How to use salicylic acid on pimples as a cleanser

The crux of any anti-acne skincare routine is ensuring that you are working with a clean canvas that doesn’t allow any bacteria to fester on the skin for long periods of time. This is where salicylic acid cleansers enter the chat for reducing acne-causing bacteria and sebum. For optimal results, you’ll want to rinse your face morning and evening with a cleanser enhanced with salicylic acid. For those with sensitive skin, a lighter frequency of once-a-day can also suffice.

Tira recommends:
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser Reduces Sebum & Acne
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

How to apply salicylic acid on pimples as an exfoliator

Congested pores and sebum build-up? We do not know her. When searching for the best skincare products with salicylic acid, you’ll want to opt for a weekly exfoliator routine. While it helps to start out with once a week, the frequency can be gradually dialled up to two to three times a week depending on the response of your skin.

Tira recommends:
The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide
The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

How to use salicylic acid on pimples as a serum

For vacuuming away excessive oil and impurities, it helps to develop a consistent routine of salicylic acid. When used as a serum, you can tap into this miracle ingredient’s powers for sinking deep into the skin to unclog pores and dislodge acne-causing bacteria. To maximise its efficiency, follow it up with a hand of moisturiser before you call it a night.

Tira recommends:
Brillare Better 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum

How to apply salicylic acid on pimples as a spot treatment

Looking to usher acne on the fastest route to the exit? You’ll want to bet on salicylic acid-infused patches for targeted treatment. To make the most of its acne-clearing properties, it is advisable to apply an anti-acne patch on cleansed skin for no more than six hours at a time.

Tira recommends:
PIXI Clarity Blemish Stickers (24 pcs) - Acne Patch
Sirona Acne Pimple Patches For Face

Dos and don’ts you should know about

Now that you’ve read up on all the ways to use salicylic acid, it is essential to know the precautions that it should be used with. Here are the best skincare tips to keep in mind when using salicylic acid on active acne.  

No items found.

What is salicylic acid and what can it do for you?

Originally hailing from the bark of the willow tree, salicylic acid for skin is classified as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid). Being more soluble than other acids, it is able to sink deeper into the skin to offer lasting results. The use of salicylic acid reportedly dates to the first century AD when it was used for treating calluses. Fast forward to the 1800s, and Italian chemist Raffaele Piria had succeeded in preparing salicylic acid. Fast forward another handful of centuries, and you’ll find salicylic acid staring back at you from the label of every cleanser, serum and exfoliator in the skincare aisle.  

So, what exactly are the benefits that you should know about? For starters, it has the ability to burrow its way deep to combat acne. By flushing out the sebum and other gunk settled into the pores, it also puts up a stiff resistance against blackheads and whiteheads.

How to use salicylic acid for pimples

Clear skin with reduced acne. If this sounds like something you’d like to get in on, you can take heart in the fact that there are endless ways to introduce this skincare superhero in your everyday routine.  

How to use salicylic acid on pimples as a cleanser

The crux of any anti-acne skincare routine is ensuring that you are working with a clean canvas that doesn’t allow any bacteria to fester on the skin for long periods of time. This is where salicylic acid cleansers enter the chat for reducing acne-causing bacteria and sebum. For optimal results, you’ll want to rinse your face morning and evening with a cleanser enhanced with salicylic acid. For those with sensitive skin, a lighter frequency of once-a-day can also suffice.

Tira recommends:
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser Reduces Sebum & Acne
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

How to apply salicylic acid on pimples as an exfoliator

Congested pores and sebum build-up? We do not know her. When searching for the best skincare products with salicylic acid, you’ll want to opt for a weekly exfoliator routine. While it helps to start out with once a week, the frequency can be gradually dialled up to two to three times a week depending on the response of your skin.

Tira recommends:
The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide
The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

How to use salicylic acid on pimples as a serum

For vacuuming away excessive oil and impurities, it helps to develop a consistent routine of salicylic acid. When used as a serum, you can tap into this miracle ingredient’s powers for sinking deep into the skin to unclog pores and dislodge acne-causing bacteria. To maximise its efficiency, follow it up with a hand of moisturiser before you call it a night.

Tira recommends:
Brillare Better 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum

How to apply salicylic acid on pimples as a spot treatment

Looking to usher acne on the fastest route to the exit? You’ll want to bet on salicylic acid-infused patches for targeted treatment. To make the most of its acne-clearing properties, it is advisable to apply an anti-acne patch on cleansed skin for no more than six hours at a time.

Tira recommends:
PIXI Clarity Blemish Stickers (24 pcs) - Acne Patch
Sirona Acne Pimple Patches For Face

Dos and don’ts you should know about

Now that you’ve read up on all the ways to use salicylic acid, it is essential to know the precautions that it should be used with. Here are the best skincare tips to keep in mind when using salicylic acid on active acne.  

Dos

Observe patience
Salicylic acid is known to show results in six weeks and it might seem like symptoms are worsening at first as your skin gets adjusted to this ingredient. It is helpful to observe patience and to do a patch-test before making it a mainstay in your skincare routine.
Dilute
Those with sensitive skin can attempt diluting the product with water first for testing its response to the skin.
Start slow
It is advisable to start with lower concentrations when using salicylic acid for pimples to observe how it responds to your skin. As a rule of thumb, anything between 0.5% to 1% should work for a beginner.

Don'ts

Apply on broken skin
While salicylic acid can work miracles for active acne, it is advisable to avoid applying it directly on broken skin.
Layer too many ingredients
When using salicylic acid for skin, you’ll want to take a raincheck on other physical and chemical exfoliants to avoid triggering the skin.
Go overboard
Oily skin type is able to tolerate salicylic acid the best, but those with sensitive skin might need to gradually work their tolerance levels up to avoid causing any irritation.
About

What is salicylic acid and what can it do for you?

Originally hailing from the bark of the willow tree, salicylic acid for skin is classified as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid). Being more soluble than other acids, it is able to sink deeper into the skin to offer lasting results. The use of salicylic acid reportedly dates to the first century AD when it was used for treating calluses. Fast forward to the 1800s, and Italian chemist Raffaele Piria had succeeded in preparing salicylic acid. Fast forward another handful of centuries, and you’ll find salicylic acid staring back at you from the label of every cleanser, serum and exfoliator in the skincare aisle.  

So, what exactly are the benefits that you should know about? For starters, it has the ability to burrow its way deep to combat acne. By flushing out the sebum and other gunk settled into the pores, it also puts up a stiff resistance against blackheads and whiteheads.

How to use salicylic acid for pimples

Clear skin with reduced acne. If this sounds like something you’d like to get in on, you can take heart in the fact that there are endless ways to introduce this skincare superhero in your everyday routine.  

How to use salicylic acid on pimples as a cleanser

The crux of any anti-acne skincare routine is ensuring that you are working with a clean canvas that doesn’t allow any bacteria to fester on the skin for long periods of time. This is where salicylic acid cleansers enter the chat for reducing acne-causing bacteria and sebum. For optimal results, you’ll want to rinse your face morning and evening with a cleanser enhanced with salicylic acid. For those with sensitive skin, a lighter frequency of once-a-day can also suffice.

Tira recommends:
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser Reduces Sebum & Acne
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

How to apply salicylic acid on pimples as an exfoliator

Congested pores and sebum build-up? We do not know her. When searching for the best skincare products with salicylic acid, you’ll want to opt for a weekly exfoliator routine. While it helps to start out with once a week, the frequency can be gradually dialled up to two to three times a week depending on the response of your skin.

Tira recommends:
The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide
The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

How to use salicylic acid on pimples as a serum

For vacuuming away excessive oil and impurities, it helps to develop a consistent routine of salicylic acid. When used as a serum, you can tap into this miracle ingredient’s powers for sinking deep into the skin to unclog pores and dislodge acne-causing bacteria. To maximise its efficiency, follow it up with a hand of moisturiser before you call it a night.

Tira recommends:
Brillare Better 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum

How to apply salicylic acid on pimples as a spot treatment

Looking to usher acne on the fastest route to the exit? You’ll want to bet on salicylic acid-infused patches for targeted treatment. To make the most of its acne-clearing properties, it is advisable to apply an anti-acne patch on cleansed skin for no more than six hours at a time.

Tira recommends:
PIXI Clarity Blemish Stickers (24 pcs) - Acne Patch
Sirona Acne Pimple Patches For Face

Dos and don’ts you should know about

Now that you’ve read up on all the ways to use salicylic acid, it is essential to know the precautions that it should be used with. Here are the best skincare tips to keep in mind when using salicylic acid on active acne.  

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser Reduces Sebum & Acne - (100ml)
Minimalist
1002777
Know More
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml)
COSRX
Know More
The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide (100ml)
The Formularx
1128186
Know More
The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash (250ml)
The Derma Co
1083450
Know More
Brillare Better 2% Salicylic Acid Serum (30ml)
Brillare
1067600
Know More
The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum (30ml)
The Derma Co
1084820
Know More
PIXI Clarity Blemish Stickers (24 pcs) - Acne Patch
PIXI
1140337
Know More
Sirona Acne Pimple Patches For Face (72 Pcs)
Sirona
1127808
Know More

What is salicylic acid and what can it do for you?

Originally hailing from the bark of the willow tree, salicylic acid for skin is classified as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid). Being more soluble than other acids, it is able to sink deeper into the skin to offer lasting results. The use of salicylic acid reportedly dates to the first century AD when it was used for treating calluses. Fast forward to the 1800s, and Italian chemist Raffaele Piria had succeeded in preparing salicylic acid. Fast forward another handful of centuries, and you’ll find salicylic acid staring back at you from the label of every cleanser, serum and exfoliator in the skincare aisle.  

So, what exactly are the benefits that you should know about? For starters, it has the ability to burrow its way deep to combat acne. By flushing out the sebum and other gunk settled into the pores, it also puts up a stiff resistance against blackheads and whiteheads.

How to use salicylic acid for pimples

Clear skin with reduced acne. If this sounds like something you’d like to get in on, you can take heart in the fact that there are endless ways to introduce this skincare superhero in your everyday routine.  

How to use salicylic acid on pimples as a cleanser

The crux of any anti-acne skincare routine is ensuring that you are working with a clean canvas that doesn’t allow any bacteria to fester on the skin for long periods of time. This is where salicylic acid cleansers enter the chat for reducing acne-causing bacteria and sebum. For optimal results, you’ll want to rinse your face morning and evening with a cleanser enhanced with salicylic acid. For those with sensitive skin, a lighter frequency of once-a-day can also suffice.

Tira recommends:
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser Reduces Sebum & Acne
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

How to apply salicylic acid on pimples as an exfoliator

Congested pores and sebum build-up? We do not know her. When searching for the best skincare products with salicylic acid, you’ll want to opt for a weekly exfoliator routine. While it helps to start out with once a week, the frequency can be gradually dialled up to two to three times a week depending on the response of your skin.

Tira recommends:
The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide
The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

How to use salicylic acid on pimples as a serum

For vacuuming away excessive oil and impurities, it helps to develop a consistent routine of salicylic acid. When used as a serum, you can tap into this miracle ingredient’s powers for sinking deep into the skin to unclog pores and dislodge acne-causing bacteria. To maximise its efficiency, follow it up with a hand of moisturiser before you call it a night.

Tira recommends:
Brillare Better 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum

How to apply salicylic acid on pimples as a spot treatment

Looking to usher acne on the fastest route to the exit? You’ll want to bet on salicylic acid-infused patches for targeted treatment. To make the most of its acne-clearing properties, it is advisable to apply an anti-acne patch on cleansed skin for no more than six hours at a time.

Tira recommends:
PIXI Clarity Blemish Stickers (24 pcs) - Acne Patch
Sirona Acne Pimple Patches For Face

Dos and don’ts you should know about

Now that you’ve read up on all the ways to use salicylic acid, it is essential to know the precautions that it should be used with. Here are the best skincare tips to keep in mind when using salicylic acid on active acne.