There’s just one thing to be mindful of—you can combine AHAs and BHAs like in this product, but the combo can cause irritation in some. There are some ingredients that salicylic acid pairs well with and others that should be used separately. Salicylic acid is most well-known for its acne-related benefits. “It’s a gold standard ingredient for fighting acne,” Dr. Green says. It’s extra effective for treating acne because it’s oil-soluble, so it can penetrate deeper into the pores to remove bacteria and debris as a way to deeply cleanse acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it can soothe the inflammation and redness that tend to accompany acne. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA, for short), which is often confused with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid.

Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. Dr. Chang strongly advocates for sun protection after using any exfoliant, not just salicylic acid. "While salicylic acid may not directly increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, it's always important to protect your freshly exfoliated skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation," she tells us.Other ingredients that play nice with salicylic acid include hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, Dr. Green explains. One of the downsides of salicylic acid is that it can contribute to dryness, and humectants help counteract that effect. Both AHAs and BHAs gently exfoliate the skin through a chemical process, but they work a little differently. AHAs are water soluble and work on the surface to remove dead skin cells, thereby improving the signs of aging. BHAs are oil-soluble, so they’re able to travel deeper to unclog pores, which is why they make for better acne treatments, notes Dr. Jeffy. Avalon is one of my favorite brands because of the clean ingredients,” says Dr. Negbenebor, who recommends this 2% salicylic acid shampoo for dandruff. She points out that the first ingredient is aloe vera, so it’s less likely to dry out your scalp and hair, which salicylic acid can sometimes do. Many shampoos contain harsh sulfates or strong scents, so this one is a nice alternative free of those potential irritants.

In darker skin types, ingrown hairs can leave behind pigmentation marks, but weekly use of topical glycolic acid (or lactic acid to those who are prone to sensitivity) will help soften the marks over time. Salicylic acids are useful too, as it helps to clarify the pores and minimise inflammation. There’s a learning curve to using salicylic acid, but it’s simple once you learn a few ground rules. Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology. When we asked dermatologists what ingredients to look for in a salicylic acid product, niacinamide was the overwhelming recommendation. It’s a B vitamin that promotes collagen production, evens out skin tone, and reduces inflammation, Dr. Farnsworth says. Niacinamide is also known for reducing the appearance of pores.

Products that can help

When we asked dermatologists for their preferred salicylic acid products, this CeraVe cleanser was the clear winner. Dermatologists raved about it for its mild yet effective formulation. “This is my favorite end-of-day face wash for acne-prone skin,” says Neil Farnsworth, MD, a Houston-based board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. He adds that, even if you don’t have breakouts, it’s a good way to remove the day’s grime before bedtime.

Just dab some on with a cotton swab and let the mixture of salicylic acid and sulfur do their thing. Salicylic acid unclogs while sulfur purifies. Together, the duo zaps zits while you sleep. It smells a little funky at first thanks to the sulfur, but the scent fades and it’s a small price to pay for clear skin.

Still not sure what's best for you?

What’s more, it also contains retinol, a powerful ingredient known for its anti-aging benefits that also reduces breakouts. Retinol helps get rid of congestion in the skin, so it can be used to treat acne while also targeting the signs of aging. Just be sure to introduce this product into your routine slowly since retinol can increase irritation or cause skin purging. You’ll also want to be extra diligent about wearing sunscreen daily when using retinol, AHAs, or BHAs because they can increase photosensitivity. The maximum concentration of salicylic acid in OTC products is 2%, and that’s the strength recommended by dermatologists. Those with particularly sensitive skin may opt for lower concentrations. While clay does its thing, other acne-fighting ingredients go to bat for your skin. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates away the grime while niacinamide reduces inflammation and shrinks your pores. This face mask also contains triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient that has been shown to be more effective at killing acne-causing bacteria than benzoyl peroxide. Since triclosan was recently banned in the use of toothpaste products, some consumers are still hesitant to knowingly use it. If you're on team shaving, a sharp razor will go a long way in preventing ingrown hairs. 'Your razor should glide like butter over your skin, and if it doesn’t, it’s a sign that it’s time to switch blades,' says Terling. 'Try not to add too much pressure when shaving. Leaving a little bit of stubble can actually help prevent ingrown hairs growing in the wrong direction.'

Diminishing cellulite, increasing energy and boosting your immune system aren't the only amazing results of dry body brushing. Additionally, you have to consider the products you're pairing with salicylic acid. While you should be using moisturizer and especially sunscreen on a daily basis anyway, both products are vital in combating potential irritation associated with the acid. "I recommend using [salicylic acid] alongside skin-repairing and soothing moisturizers," Dr. Chang says, highlighting those formulated with barrier-repairing ceramides and calming ingredients like niacinamide, allantoin, Centella asiatica (also know as cica), and aloe. Tracy Evans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco, California, agrees and calls out fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizers like EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer. There is a safe way to tweeze out ingrown hairs,' say the experts at Tweezerman, but only when you can actually see the hair. When the ingrown hair is fresh and near the surface of your skin, you can use a specifically designed ingrown hair tweezer to gently pull it out.' In other words, don't go digging around for the hair as this can cause further redness, infection and scarring. Salicylic acid falls in the latter camp, and it’s derived from the bark of willow trees, explains Dr. Negbenebor. For those with more severe acne, Dr. Graf recommends this all-over acne treatment. It’s lightweight but contains a strong 2% concentration of salicylic acid to unclog pores and slough off dead skin cells. It also contains ingredients that support the skin microbiome and reduce the dryness that can sometimes occur when you use exfoliants.Second, salicylic acid is safe to use daily, but dermatologists suggest gradually increasing the frequency. Dr. Green recommends starting out slow by using salicylic acid 2-3 times per week and slowly increasing the frequency until your skin can tolerate it daily. If you dive right in and overuse it, you run the risk of over-exfoliation, she says, which could contribute to dryness and irritation. As a keratolytic agent, salicylic acid can bust the buildup of excess keratin, which leads to the formation of bumps on the skin’s surface. Dr. Farnsworth recommends salicylic acid creams for managing keratosis pilaris symptoms.