Salicylic acid is one of the most popular retinoids in today’s market of skin care products.
It usually comes diluted in form of lotion, cream, or gel.
Some people think that salicylic acid is a good cure for dry skin, while others strongly disagree with this stance.
So I’ve decided to answer the question “is salicylic acid good for dry skin?”“.
Is Salicylic Acid Good for Dry Skin?
Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that can help with dry skin. Salicylic acid works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells and making them easier to shed.
It’s important to note that salicylic acid does not have moisturizing properties and should not be used in place of moisturizers for dry skin.
Salicylic acid is an ingredient in many over-the-counter acne products, such as cleansers or toners, but it may be irritating for someone with dry skin.
The best way to decide whether salicylic acid is right for you is to determine if it will be effective in treating your skin conditions, while being safe and gentle enough not to cause irritation or side effects like redness, burning, or stinging.
Tips on How to Use Salicylic Acid Good for Dry Skin
Here are 8 tips on how to use salicylic acid for dry skin.
1. Always moisturize after using salicylic acid.
2. Use a low concentration of salicylic acid.
3. Start with once-a-week treatment.
4. Apply only at night.
5. Wait for at least 30 minutes before applying moisturizer.
6. Use a moisturizer with SPF during the day.
7. Use a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide every day or every other day (or both!)
8. Be patient – it can take up to two months before you see results.
How to Get Rid of Dry Patches With Salicylic Acid
Here are the steps to follow for how to get rid of dry patches with salicylic acid:
Step 1
Apply a generous amount of salicylic acid to the dry patch, and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Step 2
Rinse off with warm water, then pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 3
Repeat this process three times per day until the dry patches are gone.
Step 4
If you’re using a topical retinoid, stop using it until your skin has cleared up completely (usually about three months).
Step 5
Once your skin is clear, you can resume use of the topical retinoid and continue to use a salicylic acid-based treatment on your face once or twice per week to prevent future breakouts (and keep your pores clear).
Benefits of Using Salicylic Acid for Dry Skin
Here are the benefits of using salicylic acid for dry skin:
1. It’s a gentle exfoliator
Salicylic acid is a type of BHA (beta hydroxy acid), which means it’s oil-soluble and can penetrate into the surface of the skin.
This makes it great for treating acne, but also for gently exfoliating dry, flaky skin.
When you apply salicylic acid to your face, it will help slough off dead skin cells so that new ones can grow in their place.
This process helps reduce redness and breakouts by unclogging pores.
2. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Salicylic acid has been shown to have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that fight acne at its source.
It also helps reduce redness and swelling associated with blemishes or breakouts by decreasing the amount of sebum produced by your sebaceous glands.
3. It treats hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin.
The pigment responsible for tanning — builds up in one area of skin over time due to trauma or inflammation from acne lesions, which can lead to dark spots on your face or body (AKA sun spots).
Final Thoughts
As you can see, salicylic acid is not just good for oily skin and acne—it has proven benefits to the skin that all types of people can take advantage of.
After all, who doesn’t want healthy, glowing skin?
