Salicylic acid is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, dandruff, corns and warts. According to MedlinePlus, it reduces swelling, redness and unclogs pores to help acne, and exfoliates and loosens dead skins to help other conditions. Several companies combine salicylic acid in their moisturizers, but you might prefer adding it in with your favorite moisturizer to get the benefits of both.
Step 1
Make sure that the salicylic acid cream or lotion you have is 2 percent strength or less. According to MayoClinic.com, higher dosages have to be used less often and can harm skin.
Step 2
Squeeze an equal amount of salicylic acid and moisturizer into your hand. Mix the salicylic acid and moisturizer in your hand and put them on the skin. You can pre-mix them. To do so, however, you must calculate the percentage strength and dilute the acid accordingly. It is much easier to make sure you have a 2 percent strength salicylic acid or less, and mix it just as you put it on your skin.
Step 3
Repeat up to three times per day. It is not advised to use salicylic acid more often, due to the risks of over-drying the skin. The moisturizing effects of the lotion will help the acid be absorbed and help offset the drying effects.
Things You'll Need
- Salicylic acid cream, 2 percent strength or less
- Moisturizing lotion
