Salicylic acid has been a mainstay in skincare for decades, but it’s only recently that we’ve seen it added to toners.
Salicylic acid is used to treat pimples, blackheads, and other skin problems, but if you’re using a topical acne treatment with salicylic acid in it, then why would you need an extra dose of this anti-acne ingredient in your toner?
Here’s everything you need to know about how often you should use a salicylic acid toner:
How Often Should You Use a Salicylic Acid Toner?
The best time to use a salicylic acid toner is right after you wash your face.
This is because it will help unclog pores and remove any remaining dirt or oil.
You can also use salicylic acid toners before your moisturizing routine, especially if you have oily skin.
To prevent acne breakouts
If you want to prevent acne breakouts, then you can use a salicylic acid toner twice daily (morning and evening).
To treat existing acne
If you want to treat existing acne, then you can use a salicylic acid toner once daily (night).
How to Use a Salicylic Acid Toner
Here are the steps on how to use a salicylic acid toner:
1. Wash your face
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and rinse well.
2. Pat dry
Pat dry with a clean towel and wait 30 seconds to 1 minute before applying the toner.
3. Apply to your entire face
Using a cotton ball, soak it in the salicylic acid toner and apply to your entire face, avoiding the eye area.
4. Allow to dry
Allow the toner to dry completely before applying any other products (moisturizer, eye cream, etc.).
5. Wait before applying makeup
Wait at least 10 minutes before applying makeup on top of your salicylic acid toner if you’re wearing it during the day. If you’re wearing it at night, go ahead and put on your makeup after 10 minutes have passed since when you applied it.
6. Use as directed
Do not use this product more than twice per day, or even once if your skin is sensitive or prone to breakouts due to hormonal changes.
Is Salicylic Acid Good in a Toner?
Salicylic acid toner is a natural exfoliant and helps to unclog pores, dry out blemishes and reduce oil production.
It can be used in many ways depending on your skin type and the severity of your acne:
- If you have oily skin or mild acne, salicylic acid toner can be used in conjunction with other treatments like benzoyl peroxide or sulfur as an exfoliator. This will help to keep your pores clean while also drying up pimples.
- If you are prone to blackheads or whiteheads, particularly around the nose area, try applying salicylic acid toner twice daily for one to two weeks (depending on the severity). This will help clear up these types of blemishes faster than other forms of treatment alone!
Which Toner is Best With Salicylic Acid?
Since salicylic acid can be used on its own, it is a good idea to use it in combination with other products.
There are many different toners on the market that contain salicylic acid.
The best toner for salicylic acid is one that has been formulated specifically for that purpose.
It should have a pH level of 3 or lower, which is the ideal level for salicylic acid.
If your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, you should look for a toner that contains no alcohol or fragrance.
These ingredients may irritate your skin and make your acne worse instead of better.
Salicylic Acid Toner Options
There are several different types of toners with salicylic acid available today. These include:
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- Cleansing toners
Cleansing toners are usually alcohol-free and contain botanical extracts to cleanse the skin and remove makeup before applying the salicylic acid toner.
They can also be used as an alternative to soap when washing your face in the morning or evening if you want something gentler than soap but more effective than just water alone.
This type of product is typically used once per day after cleansing with a cleanser but before applying any other products.
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- Salicylic acid pads
These are made with a pad that you can apply directly to your skin. They work by loosening dirt and oil from the pores.
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- Salicylic acid gels
These are used in conjunction with facial washes, but they can also be used alone as a toner if you don’t want to use other products on your face.
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- Salicylic acid creams
These are similar to gels in that they’re applied after washing your face, but they’re thicker and provide more coverage than gels do.
Bottom Line
While toners with salicylic acid are effective in reducing acne and blackheads, they’re not for everyone.
If you have sensitive skin or concerns about irritation, it might be better to look into something else.
In addition, if your goal is more anti-aging than acne control then there are other ways of getting those results without using this ingredient directly on your face.
