How to Use Salicylic Acid in a Maintenance Routine

Check your product's label to see whether it's a wash-off type (cleanser, mask) that you rinse away after a set contact time, or a leave-on type (toner, serum, spot treatment) that stays on your skin.

For a leave-on product, apply it after cleansing and let it absorb before moisturizing; for a wash-off product, follow the contact time stated on the label before rinsing.

Use sun protection during the day, as FDA guidance recommends for BHA products.

Follow the specific instructions on your finished product label regarding how often you should use it.

Begin with a conservative schedule if your skin is prone to irritation and increase usage only within label directions.

Introduce one exfoliating product at a time and reduce frequency or stop immediately if irritation develops.

Do not exceed the recommended applications stated on your specific finished product label.

Pair this ingredient with a simple cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen rather than several exfoliants.

Use sun protection while using a BHA product, per FDA guidance for these ingredients.

Keep your routine calm by avoiding multiple active ingredients that could overwhelm your skin barrier.

Avoid stacking another acid, scrub, retinoid, or benzoyl peroxide at first so irritation can be traced to one change.

Do not apply this product to raw, broken, sunburned, or actively irritated skin regardless of your routine goals.

People with known salicylate sensitivity should seek professional guidance before self-starting any salicylic acid product.