Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid. It is known to reduce acne by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores.
You can find salicylic acid in an assortment of over-the-counter products. It is also available in prescription formulas.
Salicylic acid works best on mild acne (blackheads and whiteheads). It can also help avoid future breakouts.
Keep reading to cram how salicylic acid helps clear up acne, what type and dosage to use, and what side effects to watch out for.
How Does Salicylic Acid Work On Acne?
When hair follicles (pores) become bunged with dead skin cells and oil, blackheads (open pores), whiteheads (clogged pores), or pimples (pus) often appear.
Salicylic acid breaches the skin and dissolves the dead skin cells that clog the pores. It may take several weeks of use to see the full effects. Consult your dermatologist if you do not see results after 6 weeks.
What measure of salicylic acid is recommended for acne?
Your doctor or dermatologist will recommend a specific form and dosage for your skin type and current skin condition. They may also recommend that you apply a limited amount to a small area of skin for 2 or 3 days to trial your reaction before applying it to the entire area.
It is also used in high doses as a peeling mediator in the treatment of:
- acne
- acne scars
- age spots
- melasma
Does salicylic acid have any side effects?
Although salicylic acid is commonly considered safe, it can cause skin irritation when first applied. It can also remove too much oil, causing dryness and possible irritation.
Other potential side effects include:
- itching or itchy skin
- itching
- flaking skin
- itching
Precautions to Know Before Using
Although salicylic acid is available in over-the-counter products that you can buying at your local grocery store, you should consult with your doctor before using it. Topics covered include:
- Allergy: Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic response to salicylic acid or other topical medications.
- Use in children: Children are at increased risk for skin irritation. Talk to your doctor before your child starts using products with salicylic acid.
- Drug interactions: Some medications interact poorly with salicylic acid. Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking.
You should also tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions, as they may affect their decision to prescribe salicylic acid:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- vascular disease
- diabetes
- chickenpox (varicella)
- flu (influenza)
Salicylic acid toxicity
Salicylic acid poisoning is rare but can result from overuse of it. To reduce your risk, follow these tips:
- Do not apply products containing salicylic acid to large areas of the body.
- Please do not use it for long periods
- Do not use under airtight dressings such as plastic.
Stop using salicylic acid immediately and call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- laziness
- headache
- embarrassed
- ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- not hearing
- nauseating
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- increased depth of breathing (hyperpnea)
Using While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
The ACOG notes that contemporary salicylic acid is generally safe to use during pregnancy.
However, you should talk to your doctor if you are thinking about using salicylic acid while pregnant or breastfeeding to get specific advice about your situation, especially other medications you are taking or any medical conditions you may have.
A 2018 report on salicylic acid use during breastfeeding notes that it is unlikely to be absorbed into breast milk, and you should not apply it to areas of your body that may come into contact with your baby’s skin or mouth.
Takeaway
While there is no perfect acne treatment, salicylic acid has been shown to help clear acne in many people.
Talk to your doctor or skin doctor to see if it is suitable for your skin and your current health condition.