Can Salicylic Acid Help Treat Acne?

How does salicylic acid work on acne?

When your hair follicles (pores) get plugged with dead skin cells and oil, blackheads (open plugged pores), whiteheads (closed plugged pores), or pimples (pustules) often appear.

Salicylic acid penetrates into your skin and works to dissolve the dead skin cells clogging your pores. It can take several weeks of use for you to see its full effect. Check with your dermatologist if you aren't seeing results after 6 weeks.

What form and dosage of salicylic acid is recommended for acne?

Your doctor or dermatologist will recommend a form and dosage specifically for your skin type and your skin's current condition. They might also recommend that for 2 or 3 days, you only apply a limited amount to a small area of affected skin to test your reaction before applying to the entire area. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults should use a topical product to clear their acne, such as:

Products with higher concentrations of salicylic acid may be used as exfoliants

Salicylic acid is also used in higher concentrations as a peeling agent for the treatment of:

acne scars
age spots
melasma

Does salicylic acid have any side effects?

Although salicylic acid is considered safe overall, it may cause skin irritation when first starting. It may also remove too much oil, resulting in dryness and potential irritation. Other potential side effects include:

skin tingling or stinging
itching
peeling skin
hives

Precautions to be aware of before using salicylic acid

Even though salicylic acid is available in OTC preparations you can pick up at your local grocery store, you should talk with your doctor before using it. Considerations to discuss include:

Allergies. Let your doctor know if you've experienced allergic reactions to salicylic acid or other topical medications before.
Use in children. Children may be at more risk of skin irritation because their skin absorbs salicylic acid at a higher rate than adults. Salicylic acid should not be used for children under the age of 2.
Drug interactions. Certain medications do not interact well with salicylic acid. Let your doctor know what medications you're currently taking.

You should also tell a doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions, as these may affect their decision to prescribe salicylic acid:

liver disease
kidney disease
blood vessel disease
diabetes
chickenpox (varicella)
flu (influenza)

Salicylic acid toxicity

Salicylic acid toxicity is rare but, it can occur from topical application of salicylic acid. To reduce your risk, follow these recommendations:

do not apply salicylic acid products to large areas of your body
do not use for long periods of time
do not use use under air-tight dressings, such as plastic wrap

Immediately stop using salicylic acid and see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or signs:

lethargy
headache
confusion
ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
hearing loss
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
increase in breathing depth (hyperpnea)

Using salicylic acid while pregnant or breastfeeding

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that topical salicylic acid is safe to use while pregnant. However, you should talk to your doctor if you're considering using salicylic acid and are pregnant or breastfeeding so you can get advice specific to your situation, especially in regard to other medications you're taking or medical conditions you may have. A 2018 report on the use of salicylic acid during breastfeeding noted that while salicylic acid is unlikely to be absorbed into breast milk, you should not apply it to any areas of your body that might come into contact with an infant's skin or mouth.

Takeaway

Although there's no complete cure for acne, salicylic acid has been shown to help clear up breakouts for many people. Talk with a doctor or dermatologist to see if salicylic acid is appropriate for your skin and your current health condition.