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

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If you're on team shaving, a sharp razor will go a long way in preventing ingrown hairs. 'Your razor should glide like butter over your skin, and if it doesn’t, it’s a sign that it’s time to switch blades,' says Terling. 'Try not to add too much pressure when shaving. Leaving a little bit of stubble can actually help prevent ingrown hairs growing in the wrong direction.'

That said, it's important to not over-exfoliate as this can impair the skin barrier and lead to other problems. 'If you expose your skin to aggressive exfoliation, it can cause micro-tears in the skin, leaving you at risk of bacteria seeping in these open parts of the skin,' says Kaplan. Start once weekly to see how your skin reacts and look for formulas that are padded with caring ingredients such as ceramides. 2. Try Body Brushing As a keratolytic agent, salicylic acid can bust the buildup of excess keratin, which leads to the formation of bumps on the skin’s surface. Dr. Farnsworth recommends salicylic acid creams for managing keratosis pilaris symptoms. When we asked dermatologists for their preferred salicylic acid products, this CeraVe cleanser was the clear winner. Dermatologists raved about it for its mild yet effective formulation. “This is my favorite end-of-day face wash for acne-prone skin,” says Neil Farnsworth, MD, a Houston-based board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. He adds that, even if you don’t have breakouts, it’s a good way to remove the day’s grime before bedtime. If you’re new to salicylic acid, this cleanser may be a good place to start because it’s likely a low concentration. Salicylic acid isn’t listed as an active ingredient, which could signal it makes up less than 0.5% of the product.

The OG Body Acne & Clarifying Treatment Spray

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. Ahead, read about 15 of the best salicylic acid products on the market, as recommended by dermatologists and Allure editors. Contrary to popular belief, you can use salicylic acid if you have sensitive skin—with a few caveats. Before using a new active ingredient, remember to perform a patch test. In all skin types, salicylic acid has been known to cause dryness, irritation, and sensitivity to sunlight. To reduce these side effects, start slow and stay on top of using your moisturizer and SPF. 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. Both AHAs and BHAs gently exfoliate the skin through a chemical process, but they work a little differently. AHAs are water soluble and work on the surface to remove dead skin cells, thereby improving the signs of aging. BHAs are oil-soluble, so they’re able to travel deeper to unclog pores, which is why they make for better acne treatments, notes Dr. Jeffy.

This Paula’s Choice cleanser contains just 0.5% salicylic acid, so it’s a great choice for beginners or those worried about irritation. The formula is enhanced with arginine, an amino acid that soothes sensitive and irritated skin. It also contains a vitamin to soften and hydrate the skin. While it’s not the most potent product, the low concentration is ideal for those prone to irritation.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.” 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. Hextall says spots tend to flare up when sitting around in wet swimming gear or sweaty gym kit and persistent friction from running, as common skin bugs such as yeasts and bacteria, thrive in warm, damp environments. Additionally, you have to consider the products you're pairing with salicylic acid. While you should be using moisturizer and especially sunscreen on a daily basis anyway, both products are vital in combating potential irritation associated with the acid. "I recommend using [salicylic acid] alongside skin-repairing and soothing moisturizers," Dr. Chang says, highlighting those formulated with barrier-repairing ceramides and calming ingredients like niacinamide, allantoin, Centella asiatica (also know as cica), and aloe. Tracy Evans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco, California, agrees and calls out fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizers like EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer. Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology.

Choosing the right type of salicylic acid product is also important. There are plenty to choose from, such as cleansers, serums, creams, scrubs, and more. Dr. Negbenebor says a simple face wash or serum is a good way to incorporate salicylic acid because it leaves room in your skin care routine to moisturize afterwards. Following up with a moisturizer is also a great way to get ahead of dryness or irritation caused by salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is safe to use every day. To prevent irritation and over-exfoliation, gradually increase the frequency. Dermatologists recommend using salicylic acid 2-3 times a week at first and slowly working your way up to daily use. There are some ingredients that salicylic acid pairs well with and others that should be used separately. Aside from skin, salicylic acid is beneficial in hair products. Many of the exfoliating and purifying benefits of salicylic acid that make it so popular in skin care products also apply to the scalp and hair follicles, says Dr. Green. It’s particularly effective for controlling scalp oiliness, reducing flaking and inflammation, and improving conditions like dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. In addition to treating acne, salicylic acid can help control the flaking, scaling, and itching associated with dandruff, Dr. Green explains. It can also be beneficial for those with an oily scalp, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis. Salicylic acid clears the buildup of dead skin cells that clog hair follicles, and it can also replace your clarifying shampoo since it helps remove product buildup.

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Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.