How to Fix Dry Skin From Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a well-known acne scar treatment. Acne is a very common problem for teenagers and adults. We often use cleansers, exfoliators, face washes, skin toners, or moisturizers that contain salicylic Acid to help remove scars. However, those with dry, eczema-prone or sensitive skin may find that the drying ingredient is too harsh and leads to irritation.

Salicylic acid is excellent for acne-prone skin, but too much of it can actually dry out your skin and cause redness, shininess, and dryness. As your skin becomes drier, it produces more oil to balance things out, which leads to more acne.

To fix dry skin from salicylic acid, we need to be more concerned about using products that contain salicylic acid.

What is Salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a key ingredient that you’ve seen in many cleansers and blemish treatments. Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA). In terms of chemistry, it’s 2-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is a natural compound found in plants. Salicylic acid is an odorless white to light tan solid. It sinks and mixes slowly with water. It has direct activity as an anti-inflammatory agent and acts as a topical antibacterial agent due to its ability to promote exfoliation.

Some people find that salicylic acid can be harsh on the skin. If you’re using it for acne treatment, be sure to use a lower concentration of the acid and wait until the pimples have healed before using any other topical treatments. We should always consult with our doctor beforehand to be on the safe side.

Why Does Salicylic Acid Make My Skin Dry?

Salicylic acid is not as strong as Hydrochloric or Nitric acid. It won’t burn our skin. Even though it’s considered safe, it may still cause some skin irritation when we first start using it.

Salicylic acid is an oil-removing ingredient. A certain amount of Salicylic Acid is normal for our skin. It helps to unclog pores by penetrating and dissolving the dead skin cells that have accumulated there. However, it can take a few weeks to see its full effects. Some users have noted that their skin becomes thinner over time – making existing wrinkles and fine lines more pronounced.

Salicylic acid breaks down the skin’s natural barrier; it can pave the way for more inflammation and acne. If you’ve decided to include a product with salicylic acid in your beauty routine, it might result in dryness and potential irritation. Be sure to use sunscreen and take other precautions when outdoors, like wearing a hat or sunglasses to avoid sun exposure.

How to Fix Dry Skin from Salicylic Acid?

If your skin is already dry from using Salicylic Acid, stop using any kind of product with BHAs. Before using any skin product or cream, you should consult with a dermatologist. They can help you determine the best course of action for your individual skin type and symptom. In addition to that, there are a few common steps you can take at home to help alleviate dryness.

Steps to Follow:

• To keep your skin clean during a purge, make sure to cleanse it daily with a gentle cleanser.
• Avoid over-exfoliating the area, as this irritates your skin and worsens the purge.
• Focus on keeping your skin hydrated and well-moisturized. This will help with flaking and peeling and speed up the healing process.
• Always use sunscreen when going outside, even if it’s just for a short time.
• Rinse off with warm water, and pat dry with a clean towel.
• For extra relief, look for skincare products that are infused with ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and ceramides.
• Glycolic acid can be used as an alternative to salicylic acid. Glycolic acid affects the outer skin barrier, which helps keep the skin moisturized.

Must Avoid:

• Applying salicylic acid products: Don’t apply a product that contains salicylic acid to large areas of your body. Using it on large areas of your body could increase your risk for side effects. If you have sensitive skin, you may be more likely to experience these side effects. It’s important to talk to your doctor before using any products that contain salicylic acid, so that you can be sure they’re right for you.
• Using salicylic acid products for long periods: Don’t Use salicylic acid products for long periods. Salicylic acid can cause side effects when used for long periods, such as skin irritation, redness, and drying. In some cases, it can also cause acne to worsen. Therefore, it is essential to use salicylic acid products as directed by a healthcare professional and not use them for long periods.
• Using salicylic acid products under air-tight dressings: Don’t Use salicylic acid products under air-tight dressings. It is essential to avoid using products containing salicylic acid under air-tight dressings, as this can lead to increased irritation and redness. If you must use a product containing salicylic acid, be sure to apply a thin layer and allow it to dry completely before covering the area with an air-tight dressing.

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How to Use Salicylic Acid? – If you have to

Though you have dry skin, a dermatologist may prescribe a topical compound with salicylic acid to help improve your skin. If you must need to use this kind of product, make sure to moisturize after using salicylic acid!

This is super important because salicylic acid can dry out your skin and make it feel even worse than before. Some people skip moisturizing after using salicylic acid because it stings, but your skin needs that extra moisture. Moisturizing will help keep your skin supple and help prevent flaky skin. Wait at least thirty minutes before applying moisturizer. This is because salicylic acid penetrates deeper into the skin when it has time to do so. The best moisturizer to use after salicylic acid is one with SPF. This is important because you’ll expose your skin to more harmful UV rays after using salicylic acid. It’s important to note that salicylic acid does not have moisturizing properties and should not be used in place of moisturizers for dry skin.

Dermatologists’ top tips to Fix Dry Skin from Salicylic Acid

You should consult a dermatologist if your face is dry due to Salicylic Acid. Dermatologists know best how to fix your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has researched how to relieve dry skin, and here are a few tips from that. You can also read the article here – Dermatologists’ Top Tips For Relieving Dry Skin!

• Stop baths and showers from worsening dry skin.
• Apply moisturizer immediately after washing.
• Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion.
• Wear lip balm.
• Use only gentle, fragrance-free skin care products.
• Wear gloves.
• Choose non-irritating clothes and laundry detergent.
• Stay warm without cozying up to a fireplace or other heat source.
• Add moisture to the air.

Other Ingredients That Can Make Skin Dry

Salicylic acid isn’t the only ingredient that can make our skin dry. There are a few more that are commonly used in skincare products. We should be concerned about using these ingredients, as they can have a negative effect on our skin’s health.

• Retinoids: Though the FDA approves retinol, it has some side effects like redness, peeling skin, and dryness. If you find that you are struggling with dry skin after using retinol, it is best to discontinue use.
• Fragrance & Alcohol: Many skin care products contain alcoholic fragrances, which can actually dry out your skin by taking away natural moisture. So if you have dry skin, avoiding any product with isopropyl or solvent-type alcohols is best. Go for something with cetyl or stearyl alcohol instead.
• Sulfate and Sodium-Based Product: A few ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium chloride, can make your skin dry. Soaps made with these ingredients, like sodium tallowate, should be avoided.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient that helps to peel away the top layer of skin cells, unclog pores, and get rid of bacteria that may be trapped underneath. However, such effects may also lead to temporary dryness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

We should be more aware of the potential reactions that can come from using skin care products with Salicylic Acid. Though it helps remove acne scars, it can sometimes cause dry skin to react badly. If you’re considering using any kind of product with Salicylic Acid, make sure you speak to your doctor first.To combat these effects, use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil Moisturizing Cleansing Wipes to cleanse your face without irritating it. Then follow up with a moisturizer that includes ingredients like Glycerin (which keeps water content high), aloe vera (for soothing soreness), and vitamin E (to keep moisture locked inside). For extra protection against windburn, apply sunscreen after cleansing to avoid drying out your skin.

Key Points

• Salicylic acid breaks down the skin’s natural barrier, and it might result in dryness.
• Stop doing a few things that make skin dry and follow a few steps to solve dryness.
• Using Salicylic Acid on dry skin.
• Dermatologist tips to fix dry skin.
• Few more ingredients that can cause dry skin.

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