Does Salicylic Acid Work? / What Is It? | Dr Sam Bunting

[@Jasmine215100]

I use 2% Salicylic acid about 2 to 3 times a week for Seborrheic dermatitis and Rosacea. It really seems to work for me, even with sensitive skin!

[@HK-gm8pe]

I have seborrheic dermatitis and acne prone skin and I can say that salicylic acid and mandelic acid are the 2 products that have totally changed my life, I was amazed how quickly it helps aswell , I very rarely get pimples now and skin feels soo much better

[@IMResident_IMG_Indian]

I’m a med student from India & I guess I’m learning more from your videos than all my Dermatology rotations & lectures combined. Very useful for me & my to be patients. Thank you & keep up the great work mam.

[@sajedulhaquesadman7827]

In my case, Salicylic acid causes breakout in my oily skin. I tried to regularly use salicylic acid serum, my skin just got worse over time. However, I have found out a clever way to use this ingredient; I use salicylic acid 2% peeling solution, once or twice a week, only on active bumps. It causes to melt away the papule fast, without leaving any dark spot. From my experience, Niacinamide, Retinol, Azelaic acid works fine. I use these ingredients regularly.

[@Suha_Chakravorty]

Thank you Dr. Sam, I have an oily combination skin and I have recently incorporated Paula's choice BHA into my routine! Let's see 😊❤

[@amyk6028]

Paula's Choice never worked for me. Way too mild. I have been using Ninja Skincare's salicylic acid for years. It's awesome! They have a 1, 2 & 3 leave on SA so you can step up slowly as tolerated. Works wonders on my congested, oily prone skin

[@AliceWonders22]

@@amyk6028 I agree as a master Aesthetician with a derm background. Over 31 years in the industry but it may be good for very mild acne and blackheads. 🙂

[@randomlykaren6291]

Great content as always!!! I love that you present everything from a scientific perspective that is also easy to understand. There are so many trendy active ingredients filling the skincare market right now thats it is really difficult to know what products are good to use for which issues. I do have a question: you said to look for a Salicylic Acid formula with a more hydrating base rather than a formula using denatured alcohol. What ingredients would be good base ingredients to look for? I look forward to your suggestions, and thank you for creating such useful content.

[@정세훈-k6k]

There are more affordable products you can also try.

[@cherrypie002]

Can salicylic acid be used while steaming? How does it react with heat/steam? I can't find this answer anywhere online 😭

[@rachelwhite1702]

Is salicylic acid safe to use during pregnancy? I’ve read conflicting information - there seems to be a difference in opinion between UK and US derms

[@MsKenzo7]

Paula’s choice one has break me out like crazy. They say it may be purging but I have never had painful spots like the ones using Paula’s choice Salicylic solution. The discontinued ordinary one with B5 vitamin was my life saved. I can’t find anything similar.

[@blueblackyellow]

that {pc bha is the devils spit

[@novelellete1726]

Dr. Sam is it okay to use BHA together with Azelaic acid in the morning and tretinoin at night?

[@DrSamBunting]

Yes you can. Neutralising Gel formulated with Azelaic acid and Salicylic acid and it should be used AM and tretinoin PM. But be respectful of combining acids + retinoid at once as there is always the potential for irritation. ❤️

[@mandyfernandez]

Yes this ingridient has definetly been very helpful for my acne I love it 👌

[@Soothinglemonburn]

I just started using a Salicylic acid serum and moisturiser, is it expected that it brings all my white heads and acne out in the first week of using it? My acne seems to be ripening faster if that makes sense

[@mumijevi]

It did absolutely nothing for my skin, used it for five weeks with no change in closed comedones. Adapalene is the only thing that seems to be helping. I ordered an azelaic acid product because you mention it a lot, so I'm hopeful that it'll be the change I need.

[@rmartini1050]

I bought 20% strength on Amazon and it was an absolute game changer. I love it. 2% did absolutely nothing.

[@manahilkhan2555]

What percentage azelaic did you buy? I have been using The ordinary's azelaic and can't seem to figure whether it's breaking me out or purging

[@mumijevi]

@@manahilkhan2555 That's the exact one I ordered. I'm waiting for it to arrive... If your breakouts are in the area where you usually get blemishes, then it's most likely a purge. If you're breaking out in new areas, then it's the product not being good for you. How long have you been using it? It takes at least a month to see purges subsiding.

[@rmartini1050]

Perfect image 20% salicylic acid. Love this stuff on my 3rd bottle.

[@missk8522]

Hey, it’s been a month how’s you’re skin doing using the azelaic acid?

[@thinkforyourself828]

Paula's Choice is a game changer.

[@princesstravelog]

Good info and well presented 🥰 love your explanation

[@josefinadouglas4391]

It's safe for sensitive skin ? Thanks

[@VladFredK]

hello Dr Sam you left out important info. How long do you leave 2% and 10% Salicylic acid on the skin before you wash it off? Thank you. V K

[@lindseyswalley5370]

What us the percentage used on the cervix for a colposcopy and is that painful?

[@Yumg]

Does salicylic acid makes the pimples(reduces into dark red )mark… like it is normal having marks of pimples using it or this is the sign to not use it ..??

[@jazzyqn2655]

Is it okay to use a SA cleanser and a SA treatment gel at the same time

[@rosej9686]

Hi Dr Sam, I have dry skin but I like using a 2% bha leave-on toner because I find it gentler than aha's. My question is, if I use a retinoid in the evening and a Vitamin C serum in the morning, where should I be fitting in my bha? Thanks for all your great information!

[@thinkforyourself828]

I use my vitamin c after my bha. It lowers the skin's ph, and allows deeper penetration of the vitamin c.

[@rosej9686]

@@thinkforyourself828 thanks!

[@darksky2283]

Do you believe that a SA face wash is effective or do you think it’s a gimmick?

[@Bavubuka]

If you're not acne prone and more towards dry skin is this still recomended for improving skin?

[@AmazingWords786]

Yes u can use once or twice a week , with moisturizer (Sunscreen in morning is a must )

[@queenbees1832]

Hello doctor , my skin was damaged by Salicylic acid , what will be helpful to heal it ?

[@DrSamBunting]

Please check out the blog post on how to rebuild your skin barrier for more tips: drsambunting.com/blogs/sam-bunting/how-to-rebuild-your-skin-barrier-the-products-i-recommend ❤

[@smiah7898]

is it possible to use alongside Azelaic Acid? currently use Differin at night and finacea 15% Azelaic Acid in the morning. but would like to introduce Paula's choice liquid bha in the morning before the finacea if possible without causing sensitivity? x

[@嘉-m1c]

Same question here! I am using Adapalene too. And morning for Azelaic Acid. Wondering how to add BHA in the routine it’s not irritated. Like at night when I am not using Adapalene or in the morning ？

[@melonie_peppers]

She answered someone above and said yes

[@CalieNina]

@@thomasmeier0815 please share your detailed routine for rosacea

[@jimgarra7024]

I buy salicylic acid in pure form and mix it into any choice of bodywash at 2% and works amazing.

[@lifestylebylorilynn8279]

Hi Dr. Sam. I am using a gel glycolic acid in the AM after my Vit C and wanted to know where my coenzyme q10 and niacinamide serum fit in in my routine. After or before the gel texture of the glycolic acid. Thank you!

[@agiles6483]

Does salicylic acid help the non-pimple bumps that can occur with rosacea? I am beyond acne, but struggle with rosacea. I have some tiny closed comedones that come and go, but seem to respond to niacinamide. When I have a rosacea flare, I can have reddened areas which azelaic acid helps and raised red bumps that can take weeks to disappear.

[@notgettingleftbehind]

Try using azelaic acid several times a week to hopefully prevent the redness.

[@anitahadley2871]

Does salicylic acid have a shelf life and if so how long? Does the efficacy go down after awhile? I’m wondering if I should chuck my PC lotion.

[@he_knows4962]

Hey Doc! What would you suggest for someone with sensitive skin who suffers from large pores and comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), a Salicylic acid solution or perhaps a vitamin A ester, like the granactive retinoid from the ordinary?:)

[@smiah7898]

I have very sensitive oily skin and using the granactive retinoid didn't help much with my congested skin unfortunately. the Paula's choice BHA is amazing though. but I dont think all salicylic acids are made equal as the ordinary one left me very sensitive, as did the origins one, and the nip and fab one was a total nightmare. the Paula's choice worked best for me I just wish the price tag was a little lower lol

[@thomasmeier0815]

@@smiah7898 100%

[@sookibeulah9331]

@@smiah7898 yes, Paula’s Choice 2% BHA salicylic acid has been the best product I’ve ever bought or been prescribed for acne. It ended my 20 year battle with acne on my chin.

[@Classicbeauty857]

I love this ingredient but I wouldn’t use it everyday due to the exfoliant properties. We need a product that kills the bacteria that lives on the skin and controls oil.

[@kaihandley4277]

Hi Sam (love you and your videos). Just wanted to confirm my current routine with you. I am a long time user of prescription retinoid (Stievia a 0.05%) and I use it every night except on Monday nights and Thursday nights where I use a salicylic acid toner instead. I was always curious about Azelaic Acid because I am quite redness prone. A video of yours made me want to try it and now I use it every morning (we can get it over the counter here in Australia at 20%). I LOOOVEEEE this - it has made my skin so clear and redness reduced significantly. Long story short is this routine ok? It seems to be working fine but I'm weary I don't want to over do it. I always thought I didn't need to use salicylic acid because it does the same as a retinoid but I realised I needed SA to help keep my pore clear and it's working great

[@DrSamBunting]

Hi! Azelaic Acid can be used AM and retinoid PM ❤️

[@TheUpdharmagirl]

May I know the brand of Azelaic Acid you're using? Thank you!

[@kaihandley4277]

@@TheUpdharmagirl Azclear

[@ritasharqawi7367]

Is it safe for melasma please

[@tasneemamin7420]

I personally didn’t see any improvements using salicylic acid (used paulas choice) but then again I have adult hormonal acne. Only thing that has somewhat helped is Tretinoin with Clindamycin. Hasn’t cleared my skin though and it’s been a year of Tret (Clindamycin on and off because my acne has been awful lately so started using Clindamycin again)

[@user-gc3rv6jw3n]

Hi, i have that one too. I did not have used it yet.. I wanted to only try tretinoin.. but you say it has helped you? Did you noticed side effects from using it? I have 0,25 mg/g + 10 mg/g gel tretinoine and clindamycine.. Did you use it all over your face?

[@tasneemamin7420]

@@user-gc3rv6jw3n are you from the uk? I’m currently using skin and me and my prescription right now is 0.021 % Tret with 1% Clindamycin. When I first started using retinoids I started with Differin and I purged horribly for 3 and a half months and that reduced my acne by 90% I’d say. Then started Skin and Me and started with Tret, Clindamycin and 4% azelaic acid for 3 months and my skin was so good and then they put me on only Tretinoin, niacinamide and azelaic acid and my skin got horrible again with breakouts. I think my hormonal acne must be really bad if 0.04% Tret couldn’t even get rid of it and I was on that prescription for 4 months. So now I’m back on Tret and Clindamycin and my skin has cleared again but thinking what to do when they take it away. Thinking of switching to Dermatica because they use adapelene and have so many more ingredients that may be tailored better for my skin. Also have a call with my GP in early October and might ask for roaccutane or a referral to a dermatologist because my acne has truly ruined my confidence as an adult… I would say it’s ruined my relationships with people too

[@user-gc3rv6jw3n]

@@tasneemamin7420 Hi, I am from Netherland. :) Oh bad that your acne ruined a lot for you. I can relate to you, not with acne so much but other issues.. I think it would be good to try to get a little social life (also when you have acne.) and put your mind on other things as well.. But good that you try things out. I am not so familiar with all the acne treatments bút I have noticed when I do nothing to my skin I almost have no acne. And when I start skincare it comes. For me especially with more heavy sunscreens/ creams!! So maybe it is good to also look at your skincare. I do now only water in the morning. And when I use the shaka fluid from larosh posay my acne was almost gone in a couple of days! ( also eucerin oil control). In the evening I only used a hyaluronic serum and a niacinamide 'serum'. You can try and experiement with your skincare too.. Did you do that?

[@tasneemamin7420]

@@user-gc3rv6jw3n yes this used to be my routine before I got acne when I turned 21! I’m not joking that is my all time fave suncream! And I have dry skin type, I never had acne as a teenager and no one in my family has it except for my dad when he was in his 20s and 30s. So this hit me hard, no one could relate to it except my dad. If I don’t use any skincare my hormonal acne is very bad, I definitely had worse skin when I didn’t use any skincare when my hormonal acne started. I left it for a year thinking ‘leaving it alone’ is the best thing to do, but it definitely wasn’t the right thing for me. My acne is hormonal and I’m trying to figure out what to do, maybe this will be the rest of my adulthood or how things will be in my 20s? But I thought it’s probs best to see a doctor and see if they are willing to refer me to a Derm, if not then I think I’ll end up paying for one out of desperation x

[@user-gc3rv6jw3n]

@@tasneemamin7420 Hi, oh okay. Then your acne is indeed diffrent then mine maybe. Mine seems more skincare related. But you know best what works for you I guess. And yes I would also visit a derm. Maybe they will have a solution that works! Also accutane can work for some people. But has also some side effects. Well good luck with your yourney to get rid of acne! But also when nothing seems to work, be happy as well. :-)

[@abdulmanan9943]

Doctor ur videos r really educational.

[@Banana11128]

Lrp efficacy sa micro peeling 2 times a week is a grateful facewash and ive sensitive rosacea prone!

[@babbarali2467]

hi banana i use it 2x daily. I'm using it to get rid of acne scars. I had a mini purge for a week which have cleared up. 2weeks now using this and I've already noticed a difference 😳

[@shubhcheema6519]

Why do acids and retinols make the texture of my skin worse? Like makes the fine lines deeper?

[@annamilla1065]

You are probably drying out your skin. Tretinoin makes my skin super dehydrated if I'm not careful. As well as acids, try incorporating a good moisturizer and a hydrating essence/serum

[@shubhcheema6519]

@@annamilla1065 I have incorporated murads recovery cream, laneiges moisturing toner n essence but my skin would still get dehydrated when I start using acids or retinol. And now my skin texture isn’t smooth anymore coz of previously using these ingredients.

[@annamilla1065]

@@shubhcheema6519 I understand, you just need to give your skin time to recover. You can also try incorporate a simpler moisturizer, if you live in the US I recommend vanicream or the la roche posay lipikar balm

[@user-gc3rv6jw3n]

@@shubhcheema6519 I noticed this too, after using a foaming cleaser with soms acids and a toner with some. But already after just only the cleanser.. It was just not the right cleanser. Now I use a non faming gel cleanser with some glycolic acids and lactic acids in it and I feel my skin doesnt gets irritated with this. I feel it right after the cleansing part immediatly if it feels too harsh or not. The first 2 days a little warm feeling and tingling after but it feels pretty good. So my point is also is your cleanser gentle? Maybe non foaming... you could try the diffence. And I dont use the toner anymore but a very nice cream with a little lactic acids in it. Those two works for me. For now I only use them in the evening.

[@shubhcheema6519]

@@user-gc3rv6jw3n yes I use a non-foaming cleanser by kiehl's but even then my skin feels tight until i put my toner and a moisturizer. Which cleanser do you use?

[@vampyregamer9776]

Dr Sam i have combination skin and severe acne on my jawline. Can u recommend something?

[@allnighterist]

SA works what i want to know is, are SA facial wash worth it?

[@r.nawelle2619]

Hello Dr , IS it possible to use a salicylic acid toner with thé nightly sérum?

[@zinajo9615]

What was the body spray name

[@KingPhoey]

Yay! Cow’s hoof approved.

[@megaliberty]

Being a peroxide, doesn't benzoyl peroxide encourage oxidation and free radicals on the skin? I would sooner salicylic acid for that reason. I was using a strong product by Organys- 20% glycolic scid/0.5% salicylic acid exfoliating pads (Amazon) and had more luck with my acne than any other product, including Differin. Both adapalene and strong acid products need time for the skin to adapt, but I actually prefer the acids. I find that I have to fry my skin just a tiny bit to get the best results. The acids work faster, although I know I will be my usual impatient self, and start on my beloved skin acids too soon after ending the adapalene. I see a compromised skin barrier in my future, because I never learn.

[@2711marcus]

Also when you have an overgrown of bacteria your skin produces extra sebum as a way of preventing the bacteria causing harm, and this leads to clogged pores. Kill off the bacteria and your sebum will return to normal levels.

[@meenurajendran8996]

Hi @drsam ; hope you are doing great. Does ISDIN nutratopic pro amp works for extreme atopic dermatitis(eczema or KP). Could you please do review on this product. Hope you see this; Thankyou;

[@aliyakassam9296]

Could you please make a video on alpha arbutin and also benzoyl peroxide and purging.

[@gillyswitalski6420]

A really great video thank you

[@DrSamBunting]

Thanks for watching! ❤

[@afifaakhtarch6441]

Keep up the good work

[@DrSamBunting]

Thank-you!

[@shadiaalharbi2966]

Funny how you & Dr. Emma used to be sooo against salicylic acid but as soon as you decided to include it in your product it became a great ingredient in your book. I remember you and Emma saying that it takes away a lot from your skin’s tolerance capacity

[@cat_pb]

They meant it if you use it too much …

[@shadiaalharbi2966]

@@cat_pb not really, they meant if you use it regularly, not overuse. This spot treatment is designed to be used regularly, I guess their salicylic acid is less irritating because it isn’t low pH like the Paula’s Choice for example

[@anaalfaro8054]

I am not able to tolerate salicylic acid until I started using Dr. Sams spot treatment I am actually using it all over my face every other day for now and I had no problems so far because it is moisturizing. I think they were probably against it because most formulations are very drying and irritating.

[@shadiaalharbi2966]

@@anaalfaro8054 Probably because it is at a pH of 4.3 rather than the usual 3.4

[@shadiaalharbi2966]

@@anaalfaro8054 sometimes it’s even less than 3.4, sometimes 2.5

[@Cheryblosmp7]

Thank You 🥀

[@Orhneeyou]

Hi Dr Sam, I am wondering if you can do another video on demodex mites. Is it possible to that a mild demodex influx may cause itchy bumps/papules/pustules without the wide range flushing to the extent of rosacea? I swear I keep feeling that itchy, stinging, crawling, feeling on my face, and the next moment I see a few red papules that later evolve into tiny pustules. And they usually come in 2 to 4 bumps in a line/ cluster 😢😭 these are definitely not acne. I can't seem to find much info online.

[@tarabumface]

Could be perioral dermatitis depending on location

[@sara_387]

Yes, a video on the nitty gritty of rosacea, why does our skin react the way it does? I get similar, and have been diagnosed with rosacea, but I don’t get any significant flushing either. I find for me it’s triggered by products and a sensitivity to them, and then I get a few papules that pop up around my face. I’ve tried to exclude alcohol, fragrance and essential oils for my skincare because these were huge triggers for me. I get the crawling feeling also and have had more persistent symptoms on my forehead. This is where the doctor noticed the bumps and said it was rosacea. I have had an improvement in symptoms with Azelaic acid 15%. Everyone has mites from what I understand, but with rosacea there can be an excess of them. I’ve been trying to address the underlying issues, barrier repair, probiotics to try to prevent bacterial overgrowth and AzA for sensitivity. But the underlying mechanism still doesn’t really make sense to me.

[@dinacrooks9646]

Salicylic acid ruined my skin. I had perfect skin. Now 6 months later I’m still recovering with redness and marks on my cheeks HELP

[@kathysharp7551]

here are some tips that may be helpful (use only the tips that you think might fit your particular skin). Look for info about rebuilding a healthy moisturizer barrier. Dr. Dray has some videos about this; I don't know if you need to search rebuilding moisture barrier or sensitive skin or dry skin or maybe all of the above. Below are some things that help with this. Easing up on actives. Eg maybe use less often or a gentler form. Use a moisturizer with ceramides. (Remember, adding a new products can be irritating and/or cause breakouts. Consider patch testing. And if adding multiple new products only add one at a time so you know the culprit if something bad happens.) Also, If you wash or wet your face, apply your moisturizer before your face is completely dry. If you let it dry all the way, that water coming off the skin actually pulls a little bit more water out of the skin as well. Yes, if your face is already dry, you can still apply more moisturizer (don't put water on your face just to apply moisturizer because water is actually drying in the way stated above). You may also be able to skip washing your face in the morning. You want to cleanse it at night to get the dirt and pollution from the day off, and then sleep on a fairly clean pillow case. If you do that, you may not need to wash it or wet it in the morning. (Remember, water is actually drying). If you have a thicker moisturizer you like, use that one you can. The more occlusive the moisturizer, the more water will stay in the skin. In particular, this can be helpful at night. We have a lot of water loss from the skin (called trans epidermal water loss) while we're sleeping. Like I said, there may be more helpful tips out there out there, and some of the above may not cooperate with your particular skin. But, hopefully this gives you enough information to help facilitate your search. Remember, the skin barrier takes time to repair. So be smart, and be patient. Hugs :)

[@user-gc3rv6jw3n]

Yes, dont use then anymore for a while. And also it can helpt to use a non faming (gel) cleanser. I got so irritated after a faoming cleanser with soms acids. Now I have a non faoming gel cleanser with a little glycolic acid and lactic acids and this feels good.

[@anaalfaro8054]

Cerave moisturizer for babies has done wonders for my face. I would highly recommend it for red irritated skin and I have not broken out from it and my skin is extremely acne prone. Make sure it is the moisturizer and not the lotion.

[@blackimangel]

Very informative, thanks. However I find it bit lack of some major informations, like possible interactions with diabetes medical treatments and the interaction with those molecules even in small part of it. Plus is important to mention that our system absorbs salicylic acid therefore if it is used in large quantities and in the same parts for a long times of period it might cause systemic intoxication. Lack of infos about interactions with some herbs, and vaccine......pity. I know it's focused on skin this channel, but skin is part of our precious body and preserving our health is crucial in this process even if we're taking care of the most visible part of our body. More dept details overall and in general must be a must. Thanks again

[@Maria-ur98]

Thank you for this video!! 👏🏼😊💗🇺🇾

[@anjahilkeschulz309]

Thank you so mutch ✌️🥰

[@DrSamBunting]

Thanks for watching ❤️

[@charlenetpx]

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

[@2711marcus]

Have you ever wondered what is the root cause of acne, eczema and psoriasis? Yes topical treatments can help but if we get to the root cause, skin conditions will go away. The root cause is an overgrown of pathogens in the body which produce derma toxins. If we ignore this it will lead to more serious health issues down the line. So see skin issues as your body trying to tell you all is not well!

[@hawraahawraa5243]

Thank you!

[@DrSamBunting]

Thanks for watching! ❤