Everyone knows that salicylic acid is one of the most potent ingredients in skincare, and some may be surprised to learn that it has different benefits. It may seem a little overwhelming, but I assure you it is easy. Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at what this clever BHA does for your skin. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin care? Salicylic acid works on the outer surface, breaking down the bonds of dead skin cells that tend to stay on the skin, causing spots, pimples, blackheads, and other breakouts. The smaller molecular size of salicylic acid means it can penetrate into the lower layers of the skin and open up the pores. It removes excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, germs, and other pollutants. Salicylic acid can help regulate sebum production, making it a very effective ingredient for those with oily skin and those who often break out. Salicylic acid is most effective for active breakouts like blackheads and whiteheads, and can prevent further blemishes from forming. If you want to learn more about salicylic acid and its benefits for your skin, read our dedicated blog post on salicylic acid here at The Beauty Insiders. What percentage of salicylic acid is effective? As I mentioned earlier, different formulas contain different percentages of salicylic acid. Effective daily percentages can be found in over-the-counter products like face washes, toners, and cleansers. Although these are considered the easiest to introduce into your daily routine, experts still recommend starting slowly and only using the product two to three times a week at first. This will not only help improve skin tolerance, but also help you determine if the formula is best for your skin. The percentages found in medical and professional products or treatments are higher and more effective. These higher concentrates act more like exfoliants and many people prefer them for specific issues like acne, acne scars, melasma, age spots, and dark spots. Below is an overview of different formulas that contain salicylic acid, their percentages, and how often to use them. Gels and Face Washes – 0.5-5% These can be used once a day since it is a formula that can be rinsed off the skin. Toners – 0.5-2% They have similar effects to gels and cleansers in that they do not leave residue on the skin but instead provide effective exfoliation. Serums – 3-6% The combination with other moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid ensures that the skin stays hydrated while avoiding any adverse reactions or irritation. How often should 10% salicylic acid be used? Products containing 10% or more salicylic acid exfoliate the skin and should be used as directed to avoid serious side effects. Depending on your skin concerns, using an exfoliating product enriched with 10% salicylic acid every 2-4 weeks can address your concerns, regenerating and rejuvenating your complexion while providing deep cleansing. As mentioned above, the product should only be used as directed on the packaging or on the advice of your family doctor. If you notice redness, itching, flaking of the skin, or irritation, you must stop using the product. Alternatively, you can avoid this altogether by patch testing your entire skin 24 hours before use. Can I use 2% salicylic acid every day? Yes, you can, but only if your skin has developed a tolerance to BHA. If you are adding it to your daily routine, a face wash or cleanser is the best product to get the best results. This is because these formulas will rinse off the skin and will not stay on the face long enough to cause irritation or breakouts. Once the skin has adjusted to its strength, you can move on to a serum with 2% salicylic acid. I recommend using it in your evening routine because exfoliation can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. For full protection, always use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in your morning routine, even on cloudy and drizzly days because UVA is always present and can penetrate glass, clouds, and water. Is 2% salicylic acid enough? Anyway. In over-the-counter formulas, you will find that 2% is the average amount in various skin care products. By adding 2% salicylic acid to a product, the product is effective enough for the skin to remove dead skin cells, excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria. 2% is also considered the best amount for daily use as it does not cause irritation or unwanted side effects. A word of caution: Avoid salicylic acid if you are sensitive, dry, or prone to certain skin conditions such as eczema. Instead, you can use lactic acid or PHA as they gently exfoliate and are better for your skin. What is the highest level of salicylic acid? The highest and most effective level of salicylic acid for over-the-counter product formulations is 2%. If you want a higher percentage, closer to 10% or more, you will need to discuss this with a trained professional as this would be required for a peel or facial. It is important not to use products with very high levels of salicylic acid as this can cause severe irritation and side effects to the skin. If you have concerns, consult a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you are using the best product for you and your skin.