OxeDerm Body Care 2% Salicylic Acid Spray 150ml/ 5fl.oz

Product Information

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. It’s quite concentrated at 2% salicylic acid, which may not sound like much, but it’s the maximum amount allowed in over-the-counter (OTC) products. At this concentration, this serum is best suited for those who are familiar with salicylic acid and pair it with products that will soothe and hydrate since the active ingredient can be drying or irritating, Dr. Negbenebor says. Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.

That's also why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a higher maximum percent for over-the-counter (OTC) products for alpha hydroxy acids — 10% for leave-on products and 30% for rinse-off treatments — but, more on that in the next section.

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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. Salicylic acid isn’t listed as an active ingredient, so it may be used in a very low concentration. It doesn’t contain any hydrating or soothing ingredients to balance out the acid, so it can be harsh if not used properly.

Wearing sweaty synthetic gym gear is probably the worst habit for exacerbating the skin, so use fresh cotton clothes and always have a post-gym shower,” she says, adding, “If the problem persists see a skin specialist who can prescribe topical treatment that will reduce infection and reduce folliculitis and inflammation.” 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. Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which is a fancy way of saying it’s a mild exfoliant that removes the buildup of dead skin cells. There are many topical exfoliants to choose from, but what makes salicylic acid so effective is that it’s oil-soluble, so it can penetrate deep into the pores where it binds to oil and clears congestion. Essentially, it unclogs pores, but it also reduces inflammation and even sebum production during the process. Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, notes that salycilic acid can also help manage skin conditions like keratosis pilaris, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.First, the concentration matters. In OTC products, you can expect to find salicylic acid at concentrations between 0.5% and 2%. It can be even higher in prescription-strength products and professional treatments like chemical peels. Dr. Negbenebor recommends a 2% concentration for most people but notes that irritation is more likely to occur at higher strengths, so it may be too potent for those with sensitive skin. 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. There are some ingredients that salicylic acid pairs well with and others that should be used separately. Like we already touched upon, Dr. Chang confirms that potential side effects include skin tingling, stinging, itching, redness, peeling, and irritation. Salicylic acid is a definite no-no for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well. When it comes to combining salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids, just be cautious of excess dryness or irritation that may occur. As with any skin-care product, dermatologists like Dr. Chang recommend performing a spot test before going all-in. Better safe than sorry (and red all over), as they say.

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. It’s targeted to normal skin types, so though it’s an exfoliating cleanser, it’s gentle enough for daily use. Ceramides, CeraVe’s hero ingredients, help moisturize and support skin barrier function while hyaluronic acid draws in water. It also contains niacinamide, a B vitamin that soothes inflammation. Finally, it’s fragrance-free, which Dr. Jeffy loves for those with sensitive skin. Tight clothing anywhere on your body is a no-go for ingrown hair, so avoid any tight materials such as lycra or latex,' cautions Terling. 'The material-to-skin friction causes a sweaty environment which the hair hates.' Time to bring out the airy cottons and linen sets. 4. Heal The Skin Allow Yunyoung Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, to break it down for you. " Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that goes deep into the pores to clear out dirt, oil, and other impurities," she explains. "It exfoliates and reduces clogged pores, leading to clearer and brighter skin." Salicylic acid also plays an important role in the acne-healing process (both in the short and long term), acting as "an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps red, inflamed pimples and pustules go away faster," Naissan O. Wesley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, previously said.Getting your skincare routine down pat is a science. Here’s a little chemistry reminder for you: When skin’s pH is too acidic, it increases the chances of dealing with conditions like acne. What can you do? Start your routine off with a toner. The main purpose of a toner is to balance the skin’s pH level. Toning also helps get rid of excess dirt and refreshes skin before applying the rest of your skin care products.