Salicylic acid: benefits, uses and side effects for skin

Salicylic acid is often in the spotlight as an aid for clearer skin. It can help manage acne, psoriasis, warts and other skin conditions.

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What is salicylic acid and what does it do?

Salicylic acid is an ingredient found in many over-the-counter skin products. It helps speed up the skin's natural exfoliation process. Used topically for more than 2,000 years, salicylic acid works by penetrating the outermost layers of the skin and breaking the attachments between skin cells. That action can help remove blockages such as blackheads and whiteheads. Because dead cells are removed, skin feels smoother.

Thanks to all these properties, salicylic acid is used to manage conditions like acne, psoriasis, corns, calluses and warts. It can help stop new acne from forming and is sometimes used to reduce the size of calluses and warts by sloughing off the skin around them.

Salicylic acid is found in a wide variety of over-the-counter products and medications, including acne medications, facial cleansers, skin peels, and topical wart and psoriasis treatments.

How to use salicylic acid

Given that salicylic acid comes in a wide variety of concentrations, it’s important to discuss with a health care provider before choosing and using — and to follow the instructions on the label of the product first and foremost.

There are multiple ways people can use salicylic acid products. They can use a face cleanser or a face peel in order to exfoliate, or they can use salicylic acid cream or lotion when they have small pimples.

Always use products as directed on the package or label, and if someone has any adverse reaction, immediately stop use and contact a health care provider. 

Using salicylic acid with a retinoid

The combination of salicylic acid and a retinoid should never be used unless instructed by a health care provider, as there is an increased risk of irritation, dryness and peeling.

Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, are a group of products that help keep pores from clogging, spurs faster turnover of surface skin cells and stimulates collagen production. Retinol can help reduce inflammatory lesions caused by acne.

Both retinol and salicylic acid can cause dryness and irritation to the skin. Consider using a moisturizer after using exfoliants to help combat dry skin. Always consult product labels and use as directed. Talk to a health care provider before using retinol or salicylic acid and contact them immediately if there are side effects.

Salicylic acid side effects

Salicylic acid is generally safe when applied topically to the skin. Los efectos secundarios comunes incluyen:

• Sequedad
• Irritation
• Stinging

It is recommended that anyone experiencing itching or hives while using salicylic acid should stop using the product.

Salicylic acid can be toxic if ingested in large amounts or cause irritation if it gets in someone's eyes. Topical salicylic acid has been associated with rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions. These can occur from minutes to a day after use.

If someone experiences any difficulty breathing, facial swelling or throat tightness, they should stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention.

Is salicylic acid good for acne?

Salicylic acid is used to help manage acne because it helps unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, as well as decreases the production of oil in skin that can cause acne.

Can salicylic acid cause acne?

Salicylic acid may cause a temporary increase of acne as it begins to stimulate cell turnover. In the long term, however, it has been proven to reduce acne.

Can salicylic acid be used with vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a popular ingredient that can help reduce the appearance of dark spots. Dark spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, is a common problem that can occur after acne heals. Ask a health care professional before using vitamin C with salicylic acid, as both can cause irritation.

Is salicylic acid safe during pregnancy?

Nonprescription topical salicylic acid acne treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used for a limited time. Remember to read the product label for use and safety information. If someone is pregnant or planning to become pregnant or is breastfeeding, they should always speak to a health care provider before starting salicylic acid or adding anything new to a skin care routine.

Is salicylic acid an exfoliant?

Yes, it breaks apart the barriers that hold skin cells together, helping the epidermis to slough off dead skin cells.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consulte con su proveedor de servicios de salud antes de tomar alguna vitamina o suplemento y antes de comenzar o cambiar alguna práctica relacionada con el cuidado de su salud.