Salicylic acid: how many times a week?

Salicylic acid is one of the most popular and versatile ingredients when it comes to skincare. With its exfoliating, anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties, it has become a precious ally in many people's skin care routine. However, one of the most common questions that arise is how many times per week can salicylic acid be used?

Before answering this question, let's go into more detail and find out what salicylic acid is, how it works and how to best use it based on your skin type.

What is salicylic acid and how does it work?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that acts as a chemical exfoliant. Its molecular structure allows it to penetrate the upper layers of the skin, gently loosening the bond between dead cells and the skin surface. This exfoliation process gently removes the layer of dead cells, revealing brighter, more even and youthful skin.

Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent option for people suffering from acne and blackheads. This acid penetrates clogged pores, helping to dissolve excess sebum and prevent new blemishes from forming.

Salicylic acid: how many times a week? All factors to consider

Skin type

To answer the question: salicylic acid, how many times a week? it should be considered that the frequency of application of this ingredient depends first of all on the skin type:

• Sensitive or dry skin should use it once or at most twice a week . The advice is to use it once a week and carefully monitor your skin's response. If no irritation occurs, you may consider increasing use to twice weekly, but do not exceed this frequency.
• Oily skin may tolerate more frequent use. You can start with twice a week use and see how your skin reacts. If tolerance is good, you can increase use up to three times a week .
• Combination skin could use it when needed and preventively for two or three days a week. You can start with twice a week and see how your skin reacts. If tolerance is good, you can increase use up to three times a week .

Salicylic acid concentration

Products containing salicylic acid are available in various concentrations. Stronger formulations require less frequent use. Since each skin reacts differently to the ingredients, it is recommended to always start from a lower concentration and gradually increase to give your skin the time necessary to adapt to the newness.

Products in your routine

Despite all the advantages and positive results that the use of salicylic acid allows you to achieve, combining it with other skincare products that are not too aggressive is essential to avoid excessively sensitizing the skin or irritating it. Therefore, make sure you protect it from this risk by opting for balanced skincare , in which the products chosen for cleansing are delicate and not too aggressive and whose exfoliating action is well balanced by the protective and hydrating action of other skincare products.

Choose Dream mousse for your daily cleansing. It contains salicylic acid, which is essential for exfoliation, combined with the hydrating and soothing action of Aloe Vera.

Always listen to your skin

Every person has different skin, for this reason we can say that there are no excellent ingredients regardless. What is essential therefore is to listen carefully to the signals that the skin sends back to us every time we use a product. If you notice redness, burning, excessive dryness or irritation, you should reduce the frequency of use or stop using it temporarily until your skin calms down.

Always remember that using products suitable for your skin is essential to keep it healthy and young for a long time, therefore the most important advice of all is not to follow trends but simply choose products with the ingredients that best meet your needs. 

In conclusion, salicylic acid is a powerful ally in the fight against acne, blackheads and dull skin. However, excessive use can have negative effects on the skin. It is important to adapt the frequency of use to the specific needs of your skin and carefully observe how it reacts. Always consult a dermatologist if you have questions or concerns about your skincare routine, and remember that moderation and consistency is the key.