SUNSCREENS

How Often to Use Salicylic Acid: Finding the Right Frequency for Your Skin

Salicylic acid is a popular ingredient in many skin care products, such as cleansers, toners, and exfoliants. It is known for penetrating clogged pores, dissolving dead skin cells and oil, and treating several skin concerns, such as acne, blackheads, dullness, etc. However, using salicylic acid too frequently can cause redness, dryness, irritation and damage to the skin barrier. So, how often to use salicylic acid serum? Let's find out.

How often should I use salicylic acid serum?

If you're new to salicylic acid, start using a salicylic acid serum 2 to 3 times a week. This frequency lets your skin get used to salicylic acid without risking irritation and inflammation.

When starting out with salicylic acid, remember to:

• Patch test: Apply a small amount on your arm for a few days to check for allergic reactions before using it on your face.

• Use only at night: Salicylic acid can increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays, so use it as part of your evening routine.

• Follow up with moisturiser: Salicylic acid can dry, so moisturise it afterwards. An oil-free, gentle moisturiser works best.

Once your skin builds tolerance, you can gradually increase the frequency to 3 to 4 times a week, depending on your skin's needs. However, don't use salicylic acid every day when starting out. Monitor your skin for any signs of redness, peeling or dryness and cut back frequency if needed. You can also understand is salicylic acid good for acne or not.

Shop Acne & Oil Control Salicylic Acid Serum

How often to use salicylic acid for specific skin types

1. Oily and acne-prone skin

If you have highly oily or acne-prone skin, you can use Acne & Oil Control Intense Serum up to four times a week. Its oil-clearing and pore-unclogging benefits make it ideal for controlling excess oil, breakouts, and blackheads. Make sure to moisturise well.

2. Dry/sensitive skin

For those with dry or sensitive skin, limit salicylic acid use to 2 or 3 times per week. Too much exfoliation can cause irritation and redness and disrupt your skin barrier. Always mix salicylic acid with a hydrating serum or apply moisturiser afterwards to prevent dryness.

3. Combination skin

If you have combination skin with an oily T-zone and dry cheeks, customise your routine. Use salicylic acid 3 to 4 times a week only on your greasy areas like nose, chin and forehead. For the drier parts, substitute a gentler exfoliant like lactic acid or glycolic acid 2 times per week.

How often should I use salicylic acid serum for acne treatment?

If you're using salicylic acid serum to treat acne or occasional breakouts, applying it 2 to 3 times a week is sufficient to reap its pore-cleansing benefits. Pair it with a gentle Acne Face Wash to enhance its effectiveness and maintain a clear complexion. While you may be tempted to use salicylic acid daily to combat acne, resist the urge, as overuse can worsen breakouts.

Shop Clearing & Calming Acne Face Wash

Start slowly 2 times a week and monitor how your skin responds. If you aren't experiencing dryness, irritation, or peeling, increase to 3 times weekly. The key is to keep your skin happy while addressing acne concerns.

For more stubborn acne, you can build up a tolerance to using salicylic acid up to four or five times a week. However, if your acne persists, visit a dermatologist.

Salicylic acid: how many times a week for maintenance?

After the initial phase, when your acne or blackheads have cleared up, reduce usage to 2 or 3 times weekly for maintenance. You want to keep your pores clear without aggravating your skin. Consider combining it with an Acne Spot Corrector to target occasional breakouts more effectively. Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels and adjust accordingly.

Shop Overnight Acne Spot Corrector

Tips for using salicylic acid serum safely

Mentioned below are the tips for using Salicylic acid serum:

1. Start with a lower concentration, like 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid
2. Follow up with non-comedogenic moisturiser
3. Use SPF 30 sunscreen in the morning
4. Know how much your skin can tolerate
5. Ramp up usage slowly
6. Look out for signs of irritation
7. Avoid excessive exfoliation

The key is customising your routine and not going overboard with too much exfoliation from salicylic acid. Listen to your unique skin needs.

Conclusion

Finding the right frequency of salicylic acid use boils down to closely observing your skin's response. There is no universally applicable frequency that works for all skin types. Start slow, patch test carefully, moisturise diligently and adjust according to your tolerance if you want to harness the power of salicylic acid without damaging your skin barrier.

FAQs

How often can I use salicylic acid without irritating my skin?

Start using salicylic acid two times a week and slowly increase the frequency to three to four times weekly based on your skin's feedback. Do not use salicylic acid daily, as it can be irritating.

Is it ok to use salicylic acid serum every day?

No, you should not use salicylic serum daily, especially if you're new to it. Start slow and monitor tolerance.

How many times a week should I use salicylic acid for acne?

Use salicylic acid serum 2 to 3 times a week for acne treatment. If needed, you can gradually increase to 4 or 5 times weekly, depending on the severity of the acne.

What's the ideal % of salicylic acid for daily use?

0.5% to 2% salicylic acid is enough for daily use. Higher concentrations of salicylic acid should not be used daily for most skin types.

February 21, 2025

To Wash or Not to Wash: When to Wash Your Face After a Sheet Mask

Sheet masks have become a popular pampering and skin treatment in recent years. The sheet holds the essence against your skin, allowing maximum absorption of the concentrated serums. After removing the sheet, your skin glows with hydration. But then the question arises - should you wash off the leftover essence or leave it on? Read on to understand what can be done.

Should you wash your face after a sheet mask?

In most cases, you can leave the serum or essence from a sheet mask on your skin. Washing immediately after applying the sheet mask removes the nourishing ingredients before they fully absorb. This is why you must allow the formula to sit for about 20 minutes to work its magic after removing the sheet mask. Let your skin bask in the hydrating and treating goodness!

However, some types of face masks may feel heavy or sticky on the skin. Excess residue can clog pores or cause breakouts, making washing necessary. If you're asking should we wash face after sheet mask, the answer depends on your skin type, the mask's formula, and how your skin feels afterwards.

Pros of leaving the essence on your skin

Leaving the serum or essence to absorb provides skin-nourishing benefits:

• Allows active ingredients to penetrate deeper: Leaving the essence on allows the active ingredients to be better absorbed into your skin rather than washing them away.

• Enhances hydration and skin barrier repair: Many sheet masks aim to hydrate and strengthen the moisture barrier, leaving your skin feeling well-nourished.

• Skin better retains nutrients: Nutrients penetrate open, damp skin best. The essence provides this ideal state for your skin to absorb all the good-for-you ingredients readily.

Incorporating a proper skincare routine order can further boost the effectiveness of these nourishing benefits.

Cons of leaving residue on skin

However, some mask formulas may warrant face washing afterwards:

• Heavy, greasy residue: Thick creams or oils leave a heavy coat that feels unpleasant on the skin. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

• Fragrance sensitivity: Heavily fragranced essence can cause irritation or allergic reactions for sensitive skin. Itching and redness signal it's time to wash it off.

• Acne-causing ingredients: While rare, some products contain pore-clogging ingredients like mineral oil. As always, check the formula if you're acne-prone. When in doubt, wash it off.

As you can see, most sheet masks benefit from leaving the essence to absorb completely into your skin. However, residue-related issues for some sensitive skin types may require face washing afterwards.

When to wash your face after using a sheet mask

Here's a helpful breakdown of when to wash face after using sheet mask:

Wash Your Face When the Mask Leaves:

• An oily, greasy coat over the skin
• Thick creamy residue that feels heavy
• Sticky layer that attracts dirt and grime
• Shiny skin even after 15 minutes
• Redness, bumps or itching → allergic reaction

Adding a gentle cleanser such as the Brightening & Exfoliating Vitamin C Daily Face Wash can also help prep your skin for better serum absorption in your routine.

Brightening & Exfoliating Vitamin C Daily Face Wash

When to avoid washing your face after using a sheet mask

There is no need to wash your face when It leaves:

• A light, fast-absorbing essence
• Serum-soaked skin that feels smooth
• Hydrated, softer and glowing skin
• No adverse reactions after 10-15 minutes
• Residue fully absorbs within 20 minutes

As a rule of thumb, serums from gel, water, or thinner sheet masks need not be washed off. However, creamy masks may warrant splashing your face with water afterwards.

Steps to follow after using a sheet mask

To gain the most from your masking session, follow these simple steps:

1. Pat Dry: After removing the mask, gently dab your face with a soft towel. Don't go for harsh rubbing! Lightly pat to absorb excess essence.

2. Massage: Gently massage the remaining product into your skin using your fingertips. This helps boost absorption. Apply gentle outward strokes.

3. Apply Moisturiser: Use a hydrating moisturiser like the Waterlight Gel Moisturiser 72 Hour Hydration to lock in all the nourishing benefits of the mask.

4. Skip Washing: Avoid washing your face unless it's a thick, heavy cream mask. Give the serum ample time to penetrate for maximised results fully.

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Conclusion

While sheet masks impart skin-nourishing ingredients, how long you leave the serum on afterwards matters greatly. Once you remove the sheet, resist the urge to wash immediately! Allow approximately 15-20 minutes for full absorption. However, if breakouts or irritation occur, it's time to rinse. Otherwise, simply let your glowing, hydrated skin enjoy the plumping effects!

FAQs

Should we wash our face after applying a sheet mask?

In most cases, no! Allow the serum to absorb fully for 15-20 minutes before applying the next skincare steps. However, washing gently with water may be wise if you experience irritation, breakouts or very heavy residue.

Can we wash our face after using a sheet mask?

Yes, you can wash after a sheet mask if it leaves a thick, greasy or clogged film over the skin. Alternatively, an allergic reaction with redness or itching warrants splashing your face with lukewarm water and patting it dry.

How long should I leave the essence on my face?

Ideally, after removing the sheet mask, leave the serum or essence on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the nutrients time to penetrate deeper layers fully, maximising your skin's benefits.

What to apply after a sheet mask?

Apply your regular moisturiser or night cream after patting dry and massaging in excess product. This seals hydration into the skin for a lasting effect. Hydrating mists also prolong the plumping effects.

Can I use a sheet mask every day?

Using sheet masks too often risks over-exfoliating or drying your skin. Limit to 2-3 sheet masks per week max. Too many serums may irritate, especially for sensitive skin types prone to rashes and breakouts.

February 21, 2025

Why You Should Avoid Touching Your Face and How to Stop

Most people are unconscious about touching their faces. We do it without realising it throughout the day, often transferring germs and bacteria from our hands onto sensitive facial areas. Breaking this habit can improve skin health, reduce acne breakouts, and minimise the spread of illnesses—and now, it's more important than ever for infection control.

This article covers why you should not touch your face and provide practical tips to stop.

Why you should not touch your face

There are various reasons why you should avoid touching your face, such as:

1. Transference of bacteria and oils

Our hands come into contact with many surfaces, collecting germs and oils. When you touch your face, you spread these directly into pores and mucous membranes. Repeated contact can lead to blocked pores, inflammation, irritation and infections. Touching with unwashed hands is particularly problematic.

2. Risk of acne, irritation and infections

Face-touching spreads acne-causing bacteria, leading to breakouts. It also irritates sensitive facial skin, increasing redness and inflammation. Touching mucous membranes risks transmitting infections like pink eye, cold viruses, and flu. Avoiding hand-to-face contact helps prevent these issues.

3. Increased exposure to illness-causing germs

Relatively harmless germs on your hands can lead to miserable illnesses when spread to your nose, eyes or mouth. Rhinovirus, which causes the common cold, often enters the body this way. Influenza and coronavirus also transmit via mucous membranes, so avoiding facial touching minimises infection risk.

How to avoid touching your face

Mentioned below are some helpful ways to avoid touching your face:

1. Be aware of the habit

The first step is tuning into your unconscious face-touching. Set phone reminders, have friends point it out, and pay attention to when it happens most. This awareness is key to change. You can also check out a guide on double cleansing for oily skin.

2. Keep your hands occupied

Idle hands tend to wander to the face, so keep them occupied. Doodle during meetings or conversations, fidget with a stress ball or destroy paper instead.

3. Wear gloves or barriers

Creating a physical barrier makes it harder to touch your bare skin. Wear gloves for part of the day or bandages over problem areas. Face masks also discourage skin picking.

4. Improve hand hygiene

Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Sanitise after touching shared surfaces. This won't end the habit but will minimise germ transfer when slips occur. Consider carrying sanitiser.

How to stop touching your face

To stop touching your face, you must follow these rules:

1. Keep skin clean

To stop touching your face, it is essential to prevent oily buildup, irritation, and dandruff that make you feel compelled to scratch or pick at your skin. Follow good hygiene habits like washing your face twice a day with a good cleanser like Vitamin C Facewash and sticking to a consistent skincare routine suited to your skin type, whether it is dry, oily, or combination. Finding the right products that cleanse your skin without overdrying will help minimise the need to touch your face.

Brightening & Exfoliating Vitamin C Daily Face Wash

2. Keep skin moisturised

Dry, tight skin almost inevitably gets scratched or picked at. An intense Waterlight Gel Moisturiser provides a protective barrier and seals in hydration, curbing the impulse to touch your face. Avoid skin care products that contain irritants like fragrances, dyes, and alcohol, which can provoke face-touching.

3. Maintain short nails

Long nails intensify the damage from compulsive skin picking and make it harder to resist touching your face. To discourage issues, it is best to keep natural nails trimmed short. Also, limit long fake nails, which harbor more germs under the nail tips.

4. Address the root cause

In some cases, emotional stress, anxiety, boredom or distraction triggers face-touching. Other times, pre-existing skin conditions are the underlying cause. Understanding your personal triggers can help you manage the root causes effectively. Using relaxation techniques, keeping your hands occupied, or finding therapeutic solutions for skin disorders may also curb this habitual behaviour.

Relaxation strategies, fidget toys, and coping methods for skin conditions may also help curb deeply ingrained habits. Remain patient with yourself and keep trying new tactics. Click here to read about how to get rid of bumps on face.

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Conclusion

Avoiding hand-to-face contact minimises oil, germs, and bacteria transfer to sensitive facial skin. Though difficult to control at first, the habit can be managed with lifestyle strategies, barriers, and awareness. Sticking to a thorough skincare routine also prevents problems associated with frequent contact. Pay attention next time your hands drift toward your face!

FAQs

1. Why should I avoid touching my face?

Touching spreads dirt, germs and oils into facial pores, leading to acne, skin irritation and illnesses.

2. How can I stop touching my face without realising it?

Use phone reminders, have friends point it out, wear gloves or bandages as barriers, and keep hands occupied with objects.

3. What happens if I frequently touch my face?

Risks include increased acne, skin irritation and infections like pink eye or cold viruses. It also spreads germs that cause illness.

4. Are there tools to help avoid face-touching habits?

Yes, items like fidget toys and stress balls can keep hands occupied. Face masks and gloves act as physical barriers.

5. Does touching your face cause acne?

Yes, transferring dirt, oils and bacteria from hands introduces pore-clogging agents directly into facial skin, leading to acne breakouts.

February 20, 2025