Tag skincare faqs

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!

Age spots, also referred to as liver spots, spots are patches on the skin that typically can appear as people get older. They are usually in areas of the body that are exposed to sunlight often, like the face or hands. Age spots are not dangerous, but some folks look for age spot removal to improve their appearance. One popular approach is using hydrogen peroxide, but that leads to the question, “Is it safe to remove age spots with hydrogen peroxide?” We discuss the answer to this question and delve into the dangers and benefits of this therapy option below.

What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless, liquid, and strong chemical often employed as a disinfectant and cleaner. It possesses potent bleaching abilities that have made it popular for addressing skin issues, like reducing dark spot appearance. It is typically found in different strengths, with the 3% solution being widely used at home. Nevertheless, its efficacy and safety in treating age spots lack documentation.

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Effective at Eliminating Age Spots?

Hypothetically, hydrogen peroxide may be able to lessen the visibility of age spots by disintegrating melanin. However, the available scientific data supporting hydrogen peroxide as a remedy for addressing age spots is scarce. Although it might offer lightening of the skin layer, it fails to tackle the underlying pigmentation concerns. For this reason, the spots might come back after the skin heals, and the results may not be permanent.

The use of hydrogen peroxide also has the potential to create an uneven skin tone. It may not lighten age spots, but it also may affect the surrounding skin area and result in a patchier or inconsistent look. Additionally, the use of hydrogen peroxide on the skin is generally not recommended for any purpose.

The Dangers of Applying Hydrogen Peroxide to Skin

Hydrogen peroxide may have gained traction due to its affordability and accessibility. However, it is very likely to irritate the skin. In higher concentrations, it can not only irritate the skin but also cause burns, scarring, and damage to the skin barrier. If you have sensitive skin, your skin can have an even more severe reaction to using hydrogen peroxide.

Using hydrogen peroxide for age spots may also cause lightening to occur around the age spot instead of on the spot itself and lead to an uneven skin tone. As a result, the dark spots may become even more noticeable.

Following application of hydrogen peroxide, exposure to sunlight may lead to increased skin sensitivity. This enhanced sensitivity could potentially exacerbate existing age spots or lead to the formation of new ones over time.

Better Treatments for Age Spots

If you are looking for hydrogen peroxide for age spot treatment, there are better, more secure methods available. Instead of opting for hydrogen peroxide, consider these alternative treatments for age spots:

• Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone works by inhibiting an enzyme that is involved in the production of melanin and, as a result, can fade dark spots. A concentration above 2% is not available over-the-counter and must be prescribed by a dermatologist.
• Retinoids: There are various options of topical retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) available over the counter, such as retinol or retinal. Prescription options include concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% of tretinoin.
• Laser therapy: This procedure uses a concentrated beam of light to destroy cells that produce melanin and cause age spots. There are a few different kinds of lasers, and multiple treatments may be needed.
• Cryotherapy: Also known as freezing with liquid nitrogen, this treatment can get rid of excess pigmentation while facilitating your skin to regenerate its cells. Usually, only one or two treatments are necessary for this procedure. You can expect the treated area to be swollen, blistered, and even scabbed; however, that scab should fall off within a month.

Regardless of what treatment you choose, be sure to always protect your skin from the sun! Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can prevent more age spots from appearing on your skin.

See A Dermatologist

For fading your age spots, using hydrogen peroxide comes with various risks. It is better to start with over-the-counter topical treatments that are formulated for evening-out skin tones. If you are unsure where to begin with the slew of products available, consider visiting a cosmetic dermatologist for an expert opinion. A dermatologist will be able to advise on appropriate topical treatments or even procedures for your more stubborn age spots, depending on your skin type. Visit our clinic for a consultation today!