Salicylic acid is an organic compound that is commonly used to exfoliate your skin and give anti-aging benefits. Salicylic acid has multiple components that make it a powerful skincare tool to fight against acne, blemishes and oily skin in your daily skincare routine. Salicylic acid is considered a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) that can also help fight against inflammation and redness. Opt for facial cleansers with salicylic acid, salicylic acid serums, or salicylic acid toners for an overall clearer complexion and even skin tone.

When you apply Salicylic Acid to your skin, you begin the process of skin exfoliation. A process where your old skin cells are removed from the skin's surface and gives place to younger and stronger skin cells. In other words, you help your skin fight against acneic pimples, blemishes, oily skin, or even redness and inflammation by shedding dead skin cells from the top layer of you skin.

In regards to powerful ingredients such as Retinol and Salicylic acid, figuring out when, if, and how to use both together is crucial to building the best skin care routine that works for your distinctive skin needs. These two ingredients with anti-acne properties can be used together, only when applied correctly. While on one side it may increase how effective your skincare routine is, if it isn't applied correctly or used too frequently, it may cause irritations and dry skin. The easiest way to incorporate these ingredients in your routine is to use Salicylic acid in the morning and Retinol at night. Applying the Salicylic acid first will begin the exfoliation effect that will help Retinol penetrate further into the skin, exploiting the ingredients to maximize its benefits.

Salicylic acid works against acne by breaking the bonds and shedding the dead skin cells that eventually help unclog blocked pores. Salicylic acid also decreases the skin's sebum production, which further decreases the probability of a breakout.

It is important to know how to use a Salicylic acid cleanser when applying it for the first time. Because Salicylic acid can cause some side effects such as dryness, redness and irritation. Although Salicylic acid can do wonders to your skin, it is recommended to start with one daily dose with a lower concentration (0.5% to 2%) at first and increase to two doses a day if you see that your skin tolerates it.

How to use Salicylic acid in your skincare routine:

Step 1: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and carefully pat down your face with a towel until it is completely dry.
Step 2: Apply a pea-size amount of Salicylic acid, dap it onto your face and gently rub the lotion or serum onto your skin.
Step 3: Wait minimum 30 minutes before applying any other skincare ingredients such as Retinol.
Step 4: Apply once to twice a day (morning & night) unless you'll be getting direct sun exposure, then it should be applied at night only.
Step 5: Apply a hydrating moisturizer, followed by a sunscreen.

If you are sensitive to Salicylic acid and using it leaves your skin feeling dry and red, consider using the following procedure:

Step 1: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and carefully pat down your face with a towel until it is completely dry.
Step 2: Apply Salicylic acid on the face by gently rubbing.
Step 3: Leave fo up to 30 seconds maximum and rinse off before gently drying off with a soft towel.
Step 4: Apply a hydrating moisturizer

If Salicylic acid is used in a cleanser then it is fine to use every day, but if you are using it as an exfoliant, it is not recommended to use it more than 3 times per week to avoid over-exfoliating your skin and cause dryness, redness, or even irritation.