How a Facial Wash With Salicylic Acid Fights Acne

When it comes to fighting pesky acne, some ingredients are top-of-mind – salicylic acid being one of them. A lot of people use it as a spot treatment, applying it directly on fresh pimples to dry them out. However, did you know that salicylic can be more effective when it is properly integrated into your skincare regimen and applied to the entire face? A facial wash with salicylic acid can be your acne-prone skin’s best friend.

Derived from willow bark, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid or BHA. Unlike alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which are water-soluble, BHAs are oil-soluble, enabling them to get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells and sebum. Salicylic acid, therefore, is popularly used to fight acne since it exfoliates the skin and keeps gunk from building up in your pores – two major causes of breakouts.

Acne occurs when dead skin, oil, dirt, and bacteria are stuck in your pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Salicylic acid penetrates your pores and dissolves the debris lodged inside. It may take several weeks to see the full effects, but you should also check with your dermatologist if you don’t see any improvement after six weeks.

Salicylic acid is available in both over-the-counter and prescription-strength formulas. It works best for mild acne such as blackheads and whiteheads and can work to prevent any breakouts in the future.

A facial wash with salicylic acid can effectively support your acne spot treatments. They are also gentle enough to use daily and together with other products. However, it’s best to consult your dermatologist before mixing active ingredients in your skincare regimen. It all depends on your skin’s tolerance to irritation.

For example, some people advise against using salicylic acid with retinol since both are exfoliants. Using them together can over-dry and irritate the skin. There are, however, others who are perfectly okay using both.

Want to get the full benefits of your facial wash with salicylic acid? Then follow these tips below.

How do you wash your face? Do you massage the cleanser and work up a lather on your face before rinsing off quickly? Because facial cleansers are usually on your skin for a short time, active ingredients such as salicylic acid may not have enough time to work their magic on your skin.

Avoid washing your face in a hurry and apply the rules of handwashing instead. That is, massage your cleanser for at least 20 seconds before rinsing – longer if you have oily skin or are wearing layers of product. Doing this will help soften the top layer of your skin and allow the ingredient to go deeper just a little further. Avoid leaving it on like a mask, though, since this can cause dryness.

As a BHA, salicylic acid also works as an exfoliant. It sloughs off the top layer of skin cells, breaking them apart and unclogging those pores. While it is fantastic at breaking down blemishes, such as blackheads, it can also dry your skin. When you use it via a concentrated serum, you may experience side effects such as peeling, inflammation, and stinging. However, if you’re just using a facial wash with salicylic acid, it shouldn’t be as harsh.

Nevertheless, it’s always prudent to moisturize after washing your face to restore moisture to your skin. Doing so can protect it from irritation and help your skin be more resilient against stressors. For oily skin, try POND'S Aloe Vera Jelly Moisturizer, a water-based moisturizer that won’t feel greasy or heavy. It's also 100% alcohol-free, which makes it perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Moreover, the aloe vera in this unique formula can be soothing on breakouts.

If you are ready to try a facial wash with salicylic acid, try POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Acne Control Facial Foam, which also has vitamin B3+ and Active Thymo-BHA. These ingredients eliminate acne at the root, making your skin clearer with continued use.

Another facial wash with salicylic acid is Eskinol Pimple Relief Facial Wash, which has the Korean skincare ingredient cica and green tea extracts. These soothe and cleanse your face at the same time.

Prone to regular pimple sightings? A facial wash with salicylic acid may just be the product you need in your skincare regimen.