Salicylic Acid for Pimples:
How It Works & Skincare Benefits

Incorporating skincare exfoliants in your skincare routine helps play a pivotal role when you are managing and preventing the development of pimples. Salicylic acid is a trusted skincare ingredient widely used as an exfoliant in blemish-prone skincare routines.

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a type of Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) used widely in skincare products. The ingredient is an organic acid; it is a naturally occurring compound mainly found in plants. Salicylic acid for skin is very common due to its key properties:

Exfoliation
Pore cleansing
Anti-inflammatory
Oil control

What Does Salicylic Acid Do for the Skin?

Salicylic acid benefits the skin by penetrating pores, dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells and clearing excess oil and debris. As a BHA, it exfoliates the pore lining, making it effective for managing blackheads, whiteheads or pimples which often appear. Salicylic acid has become an active choice due to its gentle yet effective ingredients, especially for blemish-prone skin.

Salicylic Acid Skincare Benefits

Incorporating salicylic acid in your skincare routine offers a range of benefits:

Unclogs pores: By dissolving oil and dead skin cells
Exfoliates the skin: Providing a smoother texture and clearer complexion
Reduces inflammation and redness: Especially in active breakouts
Controls excess oil production: Helps manage oily skin and sebum overproduction

Is Salicylic Acid Good for Acne and Pimples?

Does salicylic acid help acne? Well as a gentle exfoliant, it’s best suited for acne prone skin. It is a non-comedogenic ingredient, known for clearing dead skin cells without stripping any moisture. Salicylic acid can work for all blemishes, including closed plugged pores (whiteheads), open plugged pores (blackheads) and pustules (pimples). Due to its antibacterial properties, salicylic acid aims to keep the bacteria from becoming trapped under the skin's surface, ultimately preventing new breakouts. Although when using this active, it’s important to be mindful of consistency and sun exposure. Talk to a medical professional or a dermatologist to see if salicylic acid is appropriate for your skin.

How to Use Salicylic Acid for Pimples

Although salicylic acid is considered a gentle ingredient, it is an active, therefore you may experience some skin irritation when you first start using it. Start by patch testing and pairing with a non-comedogenic moisturiser. Begin with a small percentage of the ingredient and slowly incorporate it in your skincare routine. You may not see results until 6 weeks, although if you still experience any irritation, please seek advice from a medical professional.

Building a skincare routine with products that are formulated to treat and support acne prone skin may help you see the results you are after. NIVEA's new Derma Clear Skin range offers a gentle skincare routine designed to support blemish-prone skin. The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel is enriched with Salicylic Acid, Sea Salt and Niacinamide. It deeply cleanses, removing excess oil, blackheads and whiteheads without drying out the skin. Incorporating a scrub 2-3 times a week, like the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Scrub, further helps to unclog and refine pores, for visibly clearer skin in 7 days.

Is Salicylic Acid Right for Your Skin Type?

Due to its gentle properties, salicylic acid can be used on all skin types. Although to capture the full benefit, it may be more suitable for blemish prone, or combination to oily skin. As it is a BHA, those with dry or sensitive skin may want to take extra caution when choosing the percentage of salicylic acid to incorporate. Start with low concentration products and only use in moderation, introduce the product gradually in your skin care routine. You may want to start by incorporating the ingredient in a face wash, like using our Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel.

Salicylic Acid FAQs

What does salicylic acid do?

Salicylic acid benefits the skin by penetrating pores, dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells and clearing excess oil and debris.

How to use salicylic acid on face?

Start by patch testing and pairing with a non-comedogenic moisturiser. Begin with a small percentage of the ingredient and slowly incorporate it in your skincare routine.

Can I use salicylic acid with retinol?

Yes, you can although it's important to proceed with caution to avoid any irritation. It’s advised to speak to a dermatologist to see if this combination is right for you.

Can you use salicylic acid every day?

Yes, although it is highly advised to slowly build this in your routine. Begin with once a week and gradually build too every day.

If you experience any irritation, seek advice from a medical professional. Talk to a medical professional or dermatologist to see if salicylic acid is appropriate for your skin.