Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used to treat acne, clogged pores, skin texture. Like all BHA's, it is oil soluable which means it goes deep. It's also keratolytic, which means that it breaks down the outer layer of your skin by dissolving the stuff that makes it stick together.

Basically, it goes in deep and it gets shit out.

What it’s used for

• Blackheads
• Clogged pores
• Acne
• Smoothening
• Keratosis Pilaris (chicken skin)
• Warts and corn removal

How to apply

Use it daily if it's in your cleanser, up to 2-3x a week as a serum or toner.

For serums, you can use it as spot treatment for zits, apply it to your T-Zone, or all over your face (except for your eye area).

Use it after cleansing on a dry face, and give it a couple of minutes to set in before moving on. Always follow it with moisturizer and if it is day-time, sunscreen.

You can also use a hydrating serum before moisturizer. If you can handle the stickiness, this is a good candidate for slugging. After moisturizing (and sunscreen, if day), apply a petrolatum jelly over the treatment area.

Same rules for applying it on different parts of your body.

Where it goes in routine

1. Cleanser
2. Salicylic acid
3. Hydrating serum, optional
4. Moisturizer
5. Sunscreen, if morning
6. Petrolatum, optional

What to avoid

Don't over-do it, and definitely patch test. It can cause irritation and it will absolutely dry your shit out.

As the name implies, it is an acid. Don't combine it with other acids. Don't use it with retinoids, Vitamin C, antioxidants, or with physical scrubs.

Be cautious if combining with benzoyl peroxide, it can cause dryness and irritation.

How to shop for it

Beginners, sensitive skin, daily use: Salicylic acid cleanser with 0.5-1% concentration.

Oil management & pores: Salicylic acid toner, pads, or wipes (0.5 - 1% concentration)

Acne & Texture Repair: Salicylic acid serum (up to 2% concentration)

Fixing a zit: Salicylic acid spot treatment (2% concentration)

Warts & Corns: High concentration (15-27%), you'll probably need it prescribed.

Scumbag verdict

Highly effective but easily overdone. Tread lightly.