In the world of skincare, a single BHA has gained importance. It is salicylic acid. This beta hydroxy acid has an oil-loving nature. It has been used in skincare products for dealing with several problems like excess sebum production, congested pores, and acne control.

Face washes are part of daily skincare routine so incorporating a salicylic acid in face wash becomes the easiest step for skincare routine. You can use salicylic acid face wash for your skin concerns but you need to be wise while using it. Over use can strip skin barrier and under use may not provide desired effects.

While using salicylic acid you need to find the right balance for your skin. Firstly you need to check the right concentration and the working of salicylic acid then only you can understand how often you can use it. Understanding this would help in achieving your desired healthy and clear skin.

Salicylic acid and the science behind it

Before asking how often to use salicylic acid, firstly you need to know what salicylic acid is  and what it does for skin. Salicylic acid is the beta hydroxy acid which is lipophilic in nature. This gold standard ingredient of skincare can dive right into the pores due to its oil-soluble nature.

Salicylic acid has the ability to cross the oil-layer barriers and go into the pores and perform cleansing action in the pores. It is different from many cleansers that only clears the impurities just from the surface of the face as salicylic goes into the pores and clears the sebum, dust and dead skin cells that can clog the pores. This makes salicylic acid based face wash for oily skin the best choice.

The core benefits of using a salicylic acid face wash are-

  • Oil control
  • Acne control
  • Pore cleansing

Routine for salicylic acid use

You can use salicylic acid in the morning and night routine both. There are no specifications for using it in the day or night. It matters upon your skincare routine how you would like to incorporate it.

AM routine

Using salicylic acid face wash in the morning routine helps in dealing with

  • Oil control: It helps in reducing the excess oil that sits on the face.
  • Ease of layering: It provides a clean surface for layering skincare and makeup and provides better absorption.
  • Pore cleansing: It helps in reducing the appearance of congested pores effectively.

How to use

  • Firstly wash your face with water.
  • Take the right amount of face wash in your hand.
  • Apply it to the face and rub it all over the face with gentle pressure.
  • Rinse off your face.
  • Follow with a toner to balance the skin.
  • If you want you can use a serum as well.
  • Apply a lightweight moisturizer after that.
  • While stepping do not skip sun protection as salicylic acid can make the skin sensitive to sun exposure.

PM routine

Using salicylic acid cleanser in the night routine helps to-

  • Cleanse buildup: It helps in removing the buildup of makeup, skincare, dirt or other stuff from the skin that gets accumulated throughout the day.
  • Skin soothness: It helps in providing better skin exfoliation at night and reduces any signs of inflammation and redness.
  • Better exfoliation: It provides better results because at night the skin goes under repair mode, so the exfoliation also helps a lot.

How to use-

  • Firstly wash your face with water.
  • Take the right amount of face wash in your hand.
  • Apply it to the face and rub it all over the face with gentle pressure.
  • Rinse off your face.
  • Apply a lightweight night cream.

Do not use retinoids along with salicylic acid. If you are using any treatment with retinoids at night time then skip using salicylic acid cleanser.

Choosing the right concentration

The concentration of salicylic acid in a face wash matters how it will give results. Generally in face washes it comes in the range of 1% to 2%. It depends how you want to use it and for what purpose.

1% concentration- It becomes suitable for gentle exfoliation. Most ideal for sensitive skin.

2% concentration: It becomes ideal for oily and acne prone skin who need deeper exfoliation.

Skin type use guide

  • Oily and acne prone skin: Advised to use daily for better results.
  • Combination skin: Can use it in alternate days or select the lower percentage as they require oil clearance specifically around T-zone.
  • Normal skin type: Can use it once or twice or if want regular use then select low concentration.
  • Sensitive skin: Can use very less times and in lower concentrations only.

How overusing salicylic acid is not suitable?

Overusing salicylic acid based face wash can result in skin concerns. It will not give results quicker, instead it would worsen the skin condition. The skin barrier consists of an oil and lipid layer and this acid can breach this layer and strip away skin moisture and protection. This might result in dehydration first and then sebaceous glands get triggered  and produce excess oil.

Last thoughts

Salicylic acid is quite beneficial for skin but it does not mean you go on using it blindly. It is better to use each thing in moderation rather than exploiting its use. You must choose the right concentration of salicylic acid that suits your skin and then use it accordingly. Avoid using it repeatedly if your skin is sensitive or does not react well to salicylic acid.