Salicylic Acid Toner And How To Use It

Hydroxy acids are a common ingredient in many skin care products. If you’re new to the skincare game or interested in switching up your routine to make room for more efficient products, an excellent place to start is with salicylic acid toner.

In the right circumstances, salicylic acid toners can be a game-changer. But what, and who, exactly is it suitable for? The skin care professionals at Miami MD have all your answers. 

The Basics of Salicylic Acid

Before getting into salicylic acid toners, let’s discuss the basics of salicylic acid as a whole.

Salicylic acid is a member of the beta hydroxy acid, or BHA, group. It is one of three different types of hydroxy acids, alongside alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and polyhydroxy acid (PHA), chiefly used for exfoliation.

While all three are similar in their chemical composition and nature, slight differences make each unique.

What sets beta hydroxy acids apart is that they are oil-soluble, which means they can be dissolved in oil (as opposed to AHA, which is water-soluble). 

That oil solubility makes it combine with the natural oils in the skin, allowing it to penetrate more deeply and be more effective. That’s what makes them so popular with those that have more naturally oily skin.

Salicylic acid (found naturally in willow bark) is the most popular of the entire BHA group. 

In general, people use salicylic acid for a few different reasons:

-To help get rid of stubborn blackheads

-To brighten up a dull complexion

-To exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells

-To dissolve excessive dirt and bacteria

Salicylic acid is also an excellent product for sensitive skin, especially those looking for exfoliation without the redness and irritation that can often result.

Chemical exfoliation is a much better option than mechanical exfoliation for people who are prone to sensitivity. Salicylic acid helps soften the dead skin cells’ bonds without physically scrubbing them away with a mechanical method.

That process helps speed up the natural skin cell turnover, guaranteeing that the skin’s top layer is covered by the youngest, most radiant cells possible.

Salicylic Acid And Acne

While salicylic acid is excellent for many concerns, its most extraordinary claim to fame is how beneficial it is for acne.

Even those not dealing with debilitating acne can benefit — it is just as effective at managing “regular” breakouts (like blackheads and whiteheads). If you know all about acne, you know that it is usually triggered by a few specific factors, including:

-Excess sebum production

-Changes in hormones

-Clogged pores

-Bacteria — specifically the P. acnes bacteria

The beauty of salicylic acid products is that they dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells and the actual skin cells themselves. This helps to slough them off, allowing you to wipe them away far more quickly. With fewer dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, fewer clogged pores, and a reduced risk of blemishes. 

Remember that salicylic acid is not very effective at treating cystic acne unless prescribed by a dermatologist (in a much higher percentage than is available over the counter).

Salicylic Acid Products

Because of the popularity of salicylic acid, it is found in nearly every skincare product category on the market. If you go into your bathroom and look at the ingredient list on any of your current skincare products, you’ll likely find that at least one or two of them have a salicylic acid-based formula.

That includes cleansers, moisturizers, face masks, spot treatments, shampoos, and salicylic acid toners.

Most over-the-counter products with salicylic acid, like toners, generally contain between 1% and 5% of the ingredient. Anything more than that will need to be prescribed (or administered) by a licensed professional who has access to 30% salicylic acid products.

How To Use Salicylic Acid Toners

It seems like toner has gotten a bad reputation as being “old school” or too harsh for regular use. While that used to be partly true, especially with the alcohol-based toners, they continue to grow scientifically in leaps and bounds. 

Long gone are the days of stinging and burning, at least when you use it appropriately. 

Instead of just being an astringent, stripping away oils and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, today’s toners also include added ingredients that are meant to soothe and nurture the skin (like aloe vera).

Start With Cleanser

Cleansing the skin is a must, no matter what your skin type is. No matter what product you use, you’ll always want to start with clean, dry skin. If you wear makeup during the day, you may want to use makeup remover or micellar water before your cleansing routine to make it easier for the cleanser to get into your pores.

When cleansing the skin, choose a product that was designed for your skin type as well. For instance, people with oilier skin may do better with a gel cleanser, and those with sensitive skin may benefit from a gentle, foaming cleanser.

Apply Your Toner

After your skin is thoroughly cleansed, it’s time to apply your salicylic acid toner. Instead of spreading it with your fingers, it is best to apply your toner with a cotton pad. Doing that helps prevent the spread of bacteria from your hands to your face, especially with clean, wide-open pores.

You don’t need to soak the entire cotton ball; just make sure that you have enough to cover your full face without soaking it.

Don’t Skimp on Serum

After your toner, it’s time for any serums that you may be using. First, you’ll want to make sure that you give your toner enough time to dry so that it doesn’t dilute the effect.

Start with thinner serums and move up to thicker ones if you’re using more than one at a time.

Miami MD’s Dark Spot Corrector is an excellent addition to any skincare routine, especially for those who have discovered more visible signs of aging on their face. However, it’s never too soon to start.

Make sure that you always follow up using your salicylic acid toner with a moisturizer, even if you have acne.

Arguably, moisturizer may be the most crucial step in any skincare routine (tied with cleansing the skin) because healthy, hydrated skin is radiant, youthful-looking skin. It also helps to seal in the rest of your skincare products, as it prevents moisture from evaporating through the skin. You may even want to consider using a moisturizer with sun protection in it, especially as part of your morning routine.

UV radiation is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging and also contributes to conditions like hyperpigmentation, such as dark, aging spots, and melanoma.

How Often Can I Use Salicylic Acid Toner?

You mustn’t use salicylic acid toner every day, especially if you’re new to the ingredient.

While most of the toners on the market are far less harsh, they can still be a shock to your skin and lead to redness and irritation. If you use salicylic acid too much, it may even destroy your skin’s moisture barrier leading to increased issues with dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and sensitivity.

Start with using it just once or twice a week, preferably at night. If your skin seems to be adjusting well, you can bump it up as needed to achieve your desired results.

Once the skin has adjusted, some people prefer to use it twice a day — especially with oily skin. If you notice any excess peeling, discomfort, or dryness, stop using your toner for a week or so and increase your moisturizer use.

Let your skin be your guide.

Is Salicylic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, yes!

Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you have to deal with dry, dull, acne-prone skin. If you have concerns, check with your doctor before use, and discontinue if your skin becomes irritated.

Unfortunately, skin can become far more sensitive during pregnancy due to increased hormones, so use sparingly.

In Conclusion

Miami MD knows how confusing it can be to sort through all the skincare products on the market, especially if you’re newer to the skincare game.

Salicylic acid toner is a great product to add to almost any skincare routine, and pregnant women can safely use it! When used correctly, it can help reduce blackheads and keep the skin as bright and youthful as possible for as long as possible. Just sweeping the toner onto your face a few times a week can result in your best skin yet.

Sources:

Beta Hydroxy Acids | FDA 

Moisturizer: Why you may need it if you have acne | American Academy of Dermatology Association

Skin Conditions During Pregnancy | ACOG