Take Down Blackheads, Whiteheads & Pimples With This $12 Serum

If you’ve ever read one of our posts about calming and soothing acne-prone skin, you’ll know that there’s one ingredient that always gets a mention; salicylic acid. This hero ingredient, a type of beta hydroxy acid, is ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin or those prone to blackheads and whiteheads, as it controls excess sebum production and helps ‘un-gunk’ clogged pores.

Thankfully, we came across a powerful formula that does the job of taking down blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples without a hefty price tag: The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid, $12. Combining 2% salicylic acid and 1% zinc salt compound, which helps to reduce excess sebum production, while the addition of 1% hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate the skin deep down, so it won’t get dry.

Dr. Jen Haley, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, explains how the Beta Hydroxy Acid works, and why it’s so effective: “Salicylic acid is a gentle, yet effective, exfoliating agent. It helps to break apart dead, sticky skin cells and remove them from the skin to reveal healthy, smoother skin. It is also anti-inflammatory, which is why I like salicylic acid for acne, rosacea, and anyone with sensitive skin, and it has mild anti-bacterial properties making it helpful for fighting the bacteria that cause acne.”

We’ve been using The Inkey List’s Beta Hydroxy Acid for months, and have seen a vast improvement in our blackheads and a reduction in non-hormonal pimples.

How to use the Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid: If this blackhead-blasting, pore-cleaning formula sounds like it’s the one for you, then use it as part of your daily skincare routine. Use it after cleansing and toning (if your toner contains AHAs, you may want to consider using this just once a day to avoid drying your skin) and apply one or two drops to the skin. You can apply it all over or simply focus on problem areas, like your nose, cheeks, or chin. Then apply any other serums or moisturizers that you use as part of your daily routine.

We recommend using this once a day in the evening to start with, then once your skin gets used to it, you can increase it to twice a day if you feel you need to. As always, don’t forget SPF for the daytime!!

If you get pimples on your chest or back, you can also apply this directly to those areas to help reduce breakouts.

Have you guys tried using salicylic acid before? Let us know if it works for you in the comments below.