Salicylic Acid
An oil-soluble exfoliant that gets inside the pore and clears out the plug.
Because salicylic acid dissolves in oil rather than water, it can travel down into a pore lining and loosen the mix of dead cells and sebum that forms a blackhead. That is what separates it from the AHAs, which work mainly on the surface. It is also mildly anti-inflammatory, so it tends to take some heat out of an angry spot. Results on blackheads and clogged pores usually show up within four to six weeks of consistent use.
Start twice a week. Leave-on 2% is far more effective than a cleanser, which rinses off before it can work.
Two exfoliating acids at once is the fastest way to over-exfoliate.
Pick one as your main exfoliant. If you want both, use them on different nights.
Stacking a retinoid with a BHA is a common route to a stripped, stinging barrier.
Use the BHA in the morning and the retinoid at night, or alternate nights.
Same reason as with AHAs — tretinoin does not need help exfoliating.
Leave the BHA out while you are on tretinoin.
skinfrndly is educational and is not medical advice. Recommendations are generated from the answers you gave and general dermatological guidance — they cannot account for your full history. For persistent or severe skin conditions, or before starting anything new during pregnancy, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.