Is salicylic acid a toner?
There are many ingredients that are used in skin care products that can confuse beginners.
Even I’m guilty of it as I tend to get a little lost when switching between skin care and hair care product names.
I did an internet search for if salicylic acid is a toner and here are my findings.
Is Salicylic Acid a Toner?
Salicylic acid is an exfoliant, and it’s commonly used in toners. It can also be found in cleansers, moisturizers, and masks.
In fact, salicylic acid is one of the most common ingredients in acne products.
Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells that clog pores.
It also helps reduce inflammation and redness caused by acne breakouts.
How to Use Salicylic Acid as a Toner
Here are 7 ways on how to use salicylic acid as a toner:
1. Combine it with other exfoliating ingredients
Salicylic acid works well with other exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, and kojic acid.
Mix these ingredients together and apply them to your face every day for the best results.
2. Use it after physical exfoliation treatments
If you’ve just used an abrasive physical exfoliator such as a scrub or loofah sponge on your face, use salicylic acid afterward to remove any dead skin cells that were left behind by the physical exfoliator treatment.
This will help prevent blocked pores from forming on your face.
3. Use a gentle facial wash with salicylic acid
This can be done once or twice a day depending on your skin’s condition and needs.
4. Apply it directly
Apply it directly onto the affected area using cotton swabs or pads soaked in salicylic acid solution (2% concentration).
Let it dry for about 60 seconds before rinsing off with warm water.
This can be done once or twice daily depending on your condition and needs.
5. Apply an over-the-counter medication
Apply an over-the-counter medication containing salicylic acid like Clearasil Daily Clear Spot Treatment Cream which contains 2% salicylic acid or Proactiv Solution 3-Step Skin Care System with 2% salicylic acid.
6. Use it after shaving
Use it after shaving to prevent ingrown hairs or razor bumps by removing dead dry skin cells trapped under hair follicles.
This prevents them from becoming ingrown hairs which causes bumps.
7. Use it as an exfoliant
Salicylic acid is great at breaking down tough layers of dead skin cells on your face.
Exfoliating helps improve the look of your complexion while removing excess oil that can cause breakouts.
The best way to use salicylic acid as an exfoliant is by applying it directly onto dry skin before washing it off with water or a cleanser.
This allows salicylic acid to penetrate deeper into the pores where there are more oil glands than anywhere else on your face.
Benefits of Using Salicylic Acid as a Toner
Here are the top 9 benefits of using salicylic acid as a toner:
1.​ ​Removes excess oil and dirt.
2.​ ​Reduces blackheads and whiteheads.
3.​ ​Helps prevent breakouts.
4.​ ​Softens rough, dry patches on the skin.
5.​ ​Improves skin texture & tone.
6.​ ​Exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of the face & body.
7.​ ​Keeps pores clear & unclogged to prevent future breakouts.
8.​ ​Rejuvenates signs of aging such as fine lines & wrinkles over time by increasing collagen production in the dermis layer of your skin (the middle layer of your skin where wrinkles form).
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- This process makes your face appear plumper & firmer, helping to smooth out fine lines & wrinkles!
9.​ ​Can be used on all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone ones!
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to use a salicylic acid toner or an exfoliating toner for your skin type, it’s important that you choose and use your product correctly.
