Use the acid as a spot treatment, applying it to the areas of your face that are breaking out and avoiding the areas that are already clear. Only applying salicylic acid to breakout areas will also make the product last longer.

Avoid overusing salicylic acid on your face to keep your skin from drying out. If your skin becomes irritated after using salicylic acid, consider trying a different product or not using it at all. After a week or two, start using the acid twice a week for a week, then three times a week for a week, cutting back on it if your skin starts to dry out or show irritation.

Avoid leaving the acid on your face for longer than instructed. Some products that often require rinsing off are cleansers or exfoliants.

It’s important to use moisturizers on your face regularly when using salicylic acid because it’s known for drying out your skin. Avoid starting other new facial products when you start using salicylic acid to make sure your skin isn’t overwhelmed. Don’t use salicylic acid with other topical acne medications or medicated cosmetics.

While it’s okay to put salicylic acid on parts of your face that are red due to acne bumps, if your skin is red and inflamed due to other issues, it’s best not to use the acid on it.

A product that contains less than 0. 5% salicylic acid likely won’t have as big of an effect on your skin as you’d like. While there are products that contain more than 2% salicylic acid, these are usually prescribed by a dermatologist or doctor because of their strength.

Some of the gels are also exfoliators, ridding your skin of dead skin cells while they treat your breakouts.

Choose a salicylic acid option that only contains this ingredient, or opt for a serum that contains other acne-fighting ingredients as well like tea tree oil. A drop or two of serums are all you need for the salicylic acid to work properly.

Let the cleanser sit on your skin for 30-60 seconds before rinsing it off.

If you’re picking out a lotion with salicylic acid in it, read the bottle to make sure it’s safe to use on your face.

Use the oil as a spot treatment, spreading a thin layer over acne.

These pads also often contain ingredients that act as a toner to help even out your skin.