How to Use Salicylic Acid
Due to its exfoliating properties and ability to promote healthy skin cell turnover, salicylic acid has emerged as a staple in many skincare regimes. Salicylic acid is used to target range of skin concerns like excess oil, clogged pores, dullness, discolouration and uneven texture, so it tends to be viewed as a skin-refining virtuoso. However, as far as ingredients go, this chemical exfoliant is still considered a potent one, so it’s important to know how often to use salicylic acid and which form is right for your skin type. To demystify this process, we’ve consulted Lancôme skincare experts for their advice on how to use salicylic acid on your face to unlock a breadth of skin benefits.
How does salicylic acid work?
Salicylic acid is naturally derived from the bark of willow trees1 and is synthesised today into a host of skincare products including serums, cleansers, toners, essences and even moisturisers. This ingredient is a chemical exfoliant known as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and is lipid-soluble, meaning it deeply penetrates the skin surface. Many individuals experience imbalanced or congested skin at some point, and a buildup of dead skin cells, sebum (oil), dirt and other debris can lead to whiteheads, blackheads and other impurities. Dullness and discolouration are also another sign of dead skin cell buildup on the skin. Salicylic acid can be applied topically to dissolve the bonds between these dead skin cells and encourage the skin to renew itself by urging brighter, smoother, healthier skin to the surface.
1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519032/How do I use salicylic acid in my skincare routine?
To enjoy the many skincare benefits of salicylic acid, we recommend that you first identify your skin type and concerns, since there is no one-size-fits-all approach for how to apply salicylic acid. Lancôme Lancôme's National Skincare Expert, Brittany Hanchard, echoes this sentiment:
“Salicylic acid can be really effective to unclog pores on oily and congested skin, but it can be quite drying for other skin types, depending on the formulation. We always suggest that you start with gradual use to avoid over-exfoliation.”
Lancôme's Clarifique collection is formulated for a range of skin types to help refine and brighten the skin with the help of salicylic acid. In the below guide, we will explore different forms of salicylic acid and how to use this hero ingredient.
Cleanser
Exfoliating cleansers are commonly found in skincare routines since they can be used daily or alternated with your standard cleanser depending on your skin’s tolerance. The Clarifique Cleansing Foam is enriched with salicylic acid and French beech bud extract to micro-exfoliate dull, dead skin cells, cleanse and reduce the appearance of pores and brighten the complexion. Our tip for how to apply this salicylic acid-based cleanser is to disperse a coin-sized amount into your hands, working gently, before massaging over your face. Rinse with warm water.
Essence
While salicylic acid-based cleansers can help regulate oil and refine skin texture, they can also be drying, so it’s important to bolster skin comfort and hydration during your targeted regimen. Lancôme’s Clarifique Dual Essence is infused with Clarifique’s trademark French beech bud extract, glycolic and salicylic acid to assist in the natural skin cell renewal process. Boosted with vitamin Cg, this essence can also help to visibly brighten the skin and improve tone. This essence can be applied after the Clarifique Cleansing Foam – simply shake the bottle, pour a few drops into your hands and dab all over your face with gentle tapping motions (avoid the eye contour area).
Serum
A serum concentrate is one of the most popular forms for how to use salicylic acid to target skin clarity and oiliness. Developed with skin resurfacing ingredients like polyhydroxy acids (a surface exfoliant), French beech bud extract and salicylic acid, the Clarifique Clarifying Serum works to brighten and clarify the skin at multiple levels to address enlarged and clogged pores, dark spots, post-blemish marks, dullness and uneven skin tone. Use the dropper to disperse the product into your palms and gently tap into the skin. This product can be used both morning and night.
Spot solution
For a more targeted approach to age spots and skin discolouration, we recommend Clarifique Spot Eraser before you apply your traditional moisturiser. This spot treatment is formulated to bring homogeneity to the skin’s surface for a more uniform complexion. You can apply your spot eraser day and night alongside your salicylic acid skincare routine.
FAQ: How often should you use salicylic acid?
When it comes to salicylic acid, one of the most commonly asked questions is, ‘can you use salicylic acid every day? Frequency of use largely depends on your skin’s tolerance to BHAs. Individuals with oily skin or blemish-prone may be able to use salicylic acid every day or on alternate days. For others with combination or dry skin, you may only need to use salicylic acid once or twice per week. Start by incorporating your salicylic acid-based product once weekly, then increase to several times per week if your skin responds positively.
FAQ: What should you avoid mixing with salicylic acid?
Since salicylic acid is a potent ingredient itself, using in conjunction with other powerful ingredients like vitamin C may prove too harsh for the skin. While a number of products in the Clarifique range are formulated with salicylic acid and vitamin C derivatives, this is a precisely controlled amount, so we don’t recommend directly layering salicylic acid and pure vitamin C serums as this may sensitise the skin. Instead, you may find it beneficial to use such serums on alternate days, adhering to vitamin C in the morning and salicylic acid at night.
FAQ: Do you apply salicylic acid before or after moisturiser?
Moisturiser should be applied at the end of your routine to deliver comfort and seal in hydration on the skin’s surface. After serums, apply Clarifique Milky Day Cream for visibly plumper, more radiant skin. Salicylic acid also increases photosensitivity, so it’s essential to always apply SPF (after moisturising) as the last step of your skincare ritual but before sun exposure.
We hope you found this guide on how to apply salicylic acid useful. Up next, Lancôme skincare experts debunk truths and myths about what causes wrinkles.