Archives June 2025

Salicylic acid is one of the most buzzed-about skincare ingredients. No matter whether you are battling stubborn breakouts, congested pores, or blackheads, there is a good chance you have heard of this powerhouse ingredient. Because it can exfoliate the skin, calm inflammation, and promote clearer and more even-toned skin, it is also used to help with acne scar removal. However, with such a popular skincare choice, there is likely to be surrounding confusion. In this article, we will break down the three most common questions asked about salicylic acid.

3 Most Common Questions About Salicylic Acid

1. What Does Salicylic Acid Actually Do for Your Skin?

As a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid works to chemically exfoliate your skin. Physical exfoliants can irritate the skin and cause microtears, but salicylic acid penetrates deep into your pores to dissolve dead skin cells that are held together. By this mechanism of action, pores become unclogged, which helps to prevent and treat acne.

One of the most significant advantages is that it is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deeply into oily skin. This quality makes it highly useful for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin types.

Here is a list of things salicylic acid can positively affect:

• Clearing acne, blackheads, and whiteheads
• Minimizing the appearance of pores
• Smoothing rough or bumpy skin
• Reducing redness and inflammation
• Preventing future breakouts

Just from the list above, it’s clear that salicylic acid is a powerful multitasker. That being said, be cautious not to overuse salicylic acid, as excessive use can cause dryness and irritation.

2. How Often Should You Use Salicylic Acid?

The frequency of use can depend on your skin type and the specific product you’re using. For most people, once a day or even every other day is more than enough. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may be able to tolerate it more often on your skin, while those with drier or sensitive skin types may need it only 2-3 times a week.

There are different kinds of salicylic acid you can choose from:

• Cleansers: If paired with a mild moisturizer, these are great for daily use. Cleansers are more gentle because they are rinsed off quickly.
• Toners and serums: When left on the skin, these products can penetrate the skin barrier more deeply. To start, it is best to use them only a few times a week.
• Spot treatments: These contain higher concentrations and are directly applied to acne spots and blemishes; use them carefully.
• Peels or masks: Containing even higher doses, these are better suited for a deep clean, applied about once a week.

When experimenting with different kinds of products, pay attention to your skin’s reaction. If your skin appears too dry, red, or flaky, it may need a break from harsh products. 

Do not forget to apply sunscreen during the day! Exposing your skin to more potent chemicals increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, which makes it increasingly important to protect yourself from the sun.

3. Can Anyone Use Salicylic Acid, or Are There Exceptions?

While salicylic acid is generally safe and effective, it may not be for everyone.

Here are some reasons to either avoid or use salicylic acid with caution:

• You have very dry or sensitive skin: Salicylic acid can irritate, especially if used at a higher strength or with more penetrative products.
• You are allergic to aspirin: Believe it or not, salicylic acid is chemically similar to aspirin and can trigger a reaction.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding: Always consult your doctor to determine whether it is suitable for you to use, even though low concentrations are generally considered safe for topical use.
• You are already using other strong actives: Layering too many strong products or exfoliants, like AHAs or retinoids, can overwhelm your skin.

If you’re unsure how your skin might react, start with a patch test. Even if that goes well, ease into using the product gradually to ensure your skin can tolerate it.

When in Doubt, Talk to a Professional

Salicylic acid has earned its reputation for good reason. However, like all skincare ingredients, it will yield the best results when used in conjunction with your specific skin type and needs. If you are nervous about how to incorporate salicylic acid into your routine because of stubborn breakouts and acne scars, it can help you to consult a professional. Visit our clinic today for a consultation with our cosmetic dermatologist and start a routine that helps you feel your best!

If your doctor has recommended you get a pelvic ultrasound, it’s natural to feel confused or nervous about what to expect. Regardless of whether it’s your first pelvic ultrasound or you’ve had many before, it’s helpful to know how to prepare for the procedure. Today, let’s walk through what a pelvic ultrasound is, how to prepare for it, and why taking a few simple steps can help your appointment go more smoothly.

What Is a Pelvic Ultrasound?

With high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound creates real-time images of the organs in your pelvis. This can be done via one of two methods:

• Transabdominal ultrasound: A small handheld device (transducer) will be guided over the lower part of your abdomen.
• Transvaginal ultrasound: The transducer is inserted a few inches into the vaginal canal to get a closer and more detailed look.

Your doctor will choose the best method, sometimes both, depending on your symptoms and the reason behind the exam.

Here are some common reasons why you may need a pelvic ultrasound:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pelvic pain or cramping 
• Unexplained bleeding
• Monitoring fibroids or ovarian cysts
• Early pregnancy evaluation
• Checking for fertility concerns

How to Prepare for a Pelvic Ultrasound

First, it is a good idea to understand the type of ultrasound you will be receiving. 

1. For a transabdominal ultrasound, you are usually asked to arrive with a full bladder. This is because a full bladder can give a clearer view of the pelvic organs as it pushes the intestines out of the way. Specifically, you may be instructed to drink approximately 1 liter of water one hour before the appointment and to refrain from urinating until after the ultrasound.
2. For a transvaginal ultrasound, you may not need a full bladder. Instead, you might be asked to empty your bladder to make the exam more comfortable and accurate. 

If you are unsure which type was ordered, please do not hesitate to clarify by calling your provider’s office. This can help avoid any surprises.

What to Wear and Bring 

It’s a good idea to wear breathable, two-piece clothing that allows for easy removal from the waist down. 

Also, be sure to bring: 

• Your photo ID and insurance card
• Referral forms or medical records, if instructed
• A list of medications you are taking
• Your questions and concerns

You can also still have a pelvic ultrasound even when menstruating. It does not usually interfere with the imaging, but please be sure to inform the technician. 

Tips for a Smoother Experience

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Hydrate ahead of time, but avoid overhydration. If asked to arrive with a full bladder, you still do not want it to be bursting for your own comfort.
• Arrive early in case there is any paperwork to complete.
• Ask questions. Your provider and technician are there to help you.
• Stay calm. A pelvic ultrasound is a routine examination that provides your care team with information about your health.

If you follow the above guidelines, as well as your physician’s recommendations, this will streamline your experience.

After the Ultrasound

Once the technician captures the images, they will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will provide their impressions in a report. In some cases, the doctor may contact you to discuss the results right away, but in other cases, it can take a few days before you receive a formal communication. 

Luckily, there is no downtime or recovery needed after a pelvic ultrasound. You are free to get back to your day as usual – grab a snack, head back to work, or run some errands as though nothing happened. Of course, if you’ve drunk a lot of water, using the restroom afterward will be your first priority. 

When to Call Your Doctor 

If you experience:

• Persistent or unusual pelvic pain 
• Irregular bleeding that does not resolve 
• Unusual discharge 
• Difficulty urinating 
• Frequent urinary urgency 

Do not wait, as these symptoms may warrant a follow-up or a pelvic ultrasound. Even if your results come back as usual, trust your instincts and discuss the next steps with your provider.

Although a pelvic ultrasound may sound intimidating at first, a little preparation and knowledge of what to expect can ease any pre-exam anxiety. As a diagnostic tool that plays a key role in diagnosing a range of conditions, a pelvic ultrasound can provide your healthcare provider with valuable insights. When in doubt, always ask questions and visit your provider’s healthcare clinic today!