What Is Salicylic Acid? 

A sister to the well-known AHAs, salicylic acid is a BHA, or “beta hydroxy acid”. The two are closely related, but with a slight structural difference. Whereas AHAs – such as glycolic or lactic acids – are water-soluble and effectively exfoliate the surface of the skin, BHAs are oil-soluble. They can penetrate oil-clogged pores, and are effective exfoliators both on and within the skin. 

What Does Salicylic Acid Do? 

Salicylic acid has a wealth of benefits for your skin. A powerful exfoliator, it‘s both anti-ageing and acne-fighting and can combat a range of skin concerns, with impressive results. 

• It increases cell turnover, reducing the likelihood of congestion and breakouts 
• It controls sebum production, reducing shine 
• It reduces pore size and tightens the skin 
• It exfoliates and dissolves dead skin cells to reveal more radiant skin 
• It helps to fade scars caused by blemishes or acne 
• It reduces skin inflammation and redness 

Is Salicylic Acid Good For All Skin Types? 

While this BHA can be used by all skin types, the benefits of salicylic acid work best on combination, oily and blemish-prone skin. Ideally, you want to apply it to specific oily or acne-prone areas, rather than all over. 

Is Salicylic Acid Bad For Your Skin? 

Salicylic acid is most suited to oily and blemish-prone skin. If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, always use acids with caution as they can increase the skin’s sensitivity and potentially cause irritation. 

How Often Should I Use Salicylic Acid? 

How frequently you apply salicylic acid will vary from product to product. To see how your skin reacts to the BHA, we recommend initially using it once every two days. You can then increase it to a daily use as your skin grows accustomed to it – though be sure to read the product label and use it as instructed. 

Expert Tip: Salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Use it in the evening to minimise the risk of irritation, or apply plenty of sunscreen if used as part of a morning routine.