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How Do I Choose the Best Salicylic Acid Face Wash?

A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman

When looking for the best salicylic acid face wash, you need to consider your skin type and what you need the face wash for. People who have pimples and acne may use salicylic acid to clear up blemishes. As you age, you may use it to reduce the signs of wrinkles and fine lines. The acid helps exfoliate your skin and kills bacteria. Choose a face wash that contains the right amount of medication and that does not irritate or overly dry your skin. You may need to try several brands before finding the best cleanser for you.

Look at the concentration of salicylic acid in the cleanser. You may wish to start with a face wash that has a low concentration and then work your way up to reduce the risk of irritation to your skin. Most products contain between 0.5 and 2% salicylic acid.

The type of skin that an individual has is an important consideration when choosing the best salicylic acid face wash.
The type of skin that an individual has is an important consideration when choosing the best salicylic acid face wash.

If acne is a big problem for you, you may need to use a combination benzyol peroxide and salicylic acid face wash. Scan the active ingredients listed on the back of the cleanser's bottle or tube to see how much of each medication it contains. When using a combination cleanser, you should also start with a low concentration and switch to a higher concentration only if you need to.

Facewash should not irritate or dry out the skin.
Facewash should not irritate or dry out the skin.

Adolescents who are dealing with hormonal acne should avoid cleansers with harsh or irritating ingredients. The best facial cleansers for teenage acne should have a relatively high concentration of salicylic acid. Teenagers should avoid facial cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils, as well as any perfumes or exfoliating beads. Some young people may find scented cleansers or features like exfoliating beads appealing, but these extra ingredients rarely help the skin and usually cause more harm than good.

Salicylic acid can be derived from willow bark.
Salicylic acid can be derived from willow bark.

Consider your skin type before choosing a face wash. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid using a cleanser with salicylic acid, as it can irritate your skin. If your skin is overly dry, look for a moisturizing cleanser. Cream face washes are usually more moisturizing and better suited for dry skin than gel cleansers.

Always check to make sure the face wash is oil-free and will not clog your pores. Usually, a salicylic acid facial cleanser will state that it is non-comedogenic on its package. A cleanser that clogs pores will not help improve your acne and won't improve the appearance of your skin.

Specially formulated facial wash containing salicylic acid is used to reduce acne breakouts.
Specially formulated facial wash containing salicylic acid is used to reduce acne breakouts.

Be gentle on your skin when washing your face. Even if you have the best salicylic acid face wash available, it will not do you any good if you scrub your face raw when washing or if you wash so often that your skin becomes overly irritated. The acid itself will work to kill bacteria and gently slough off excess dead skin cells. Use the cleanser once or twice a day for the best results.

Discussion Comments

burcidi

@MikeMason-- You can use stuff with salicylic acid even if you have dry skin as long as you don't use it too often. Also, don't forget to apply some moisturizer afterward.

Salicylic acid doesn't necessarily dry out skin. It's a chemical exfoliator which gets rid of dead skin. And everyone, no matter what their skin type is, requires some exfoliation. But you might choose to use a face wash like that every other day or two-three times a week instead of everyday.

Oh and check to see what the percentage of salicylic acid is. If it's 2%, you will need to use it less often, if it's 0.5, you can probably use it more often without problems.

stoneMason

My sister gave me some foaming face wash and I saw today that it contains salicylic acid. I have dry skin for the most part, but my nose, chin and forehead can get a little oily if it's hot outside.

Is it a bad idea for me to use this face wash?

ysmina

@anon282091-- I personally don't think that the brand matters. Any face wash with salicylic acid in the ingredients list will help with acne breakouts. The only thing is that some of these face cleansers also contain ingredients like alcohol and or glycerin which will affect how much it will dry out your skin.

I recommend getting an oil-free and alcohol-free face wash with salicylic acid. Not only will this keep oil production and your acne in check, but it won't dry out your skin and make things worse.

anon282091

Which salicylic acid facewash is best? Should I use neutrogena face wash? Because I always have breakouts of pimples and I have many dark spots. Please advise.

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    • The type of skin that an individual has is an important consideration when choosing the best salicylic acid face wash.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      The type of skin that an individual has is an important consideration when choosing the best salicylic acid face wash.
    • Facewash should not irritate or dry out the skin.
      By: Alliance
      Facewash should not irritate or dry out the skin.
    • Salicylic acid can be derived from willow bark.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Salicylic acid can be derived from willow bark.
    • Specially formulated facial wash containing salicylic acid is used to reduce acne breakouts.
      By: ipag
      Specially formulated facial wash containing salicylic acid is used to reduce acne breakouts.
    • Salicylic acid face wash may be used to reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles on an older individual.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Salicylic acid face wash may be used to reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles on an older individual.
    • When selecting any skin care product, consider whether your skin is oily, dry, or a combination.
      By: gosphotodesign
      When selecting any skin care product, consider whether your skin is oily, dry, or a combination.
    • Teenagers going through puberty may benefit from using salicylic acid to control acne.
      By: Luis Louro
      Teenagers going through puberty may benefit from using salicylic acid to control acne.