Only Using Salicylic Acid To Treat Your Acne? Here’s Why That Might Not Be Enough

Salicylic acid alone isn’t enough for a complete acne care routine

Anyone who has experienced acne knows how frustrating and painful it can be. Beyond the visible breakouts, there’s often stress, shame, and an exhausting journey of trying countless skincare products in search of a miracle solution.

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In the past decade, chemical exfoliants, also known as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, or AHAs and BHAs, have emerged as one of the leading skincare ingredients to treat acne effectively. Salicylic acid, in particular, leads the charge.

How salicylic acid became the go-to for acne

As a BHA, salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum and dead skin cells—the gunky stuff that causes pimples. It’s a scientifically backed remedy for managing current breakouts, especially for oily or combination skin. However, effective acne treatment shouldn’t stop at whiteheads and pimples—it should also account for all the other pains that come before and after a breakout.

Salicylic acid is well known as an acne-fighter, but acne sufferers are usually also plagued with its after effects: dark spots from post-acne, dryness, and a damaged skin barrier. These post-acne woes require more than just salicylic acid to address. 

The case for a more holistic acne skincare routine

This is where a more holistic skincare approach comes in. A comprehensive acne-care routine demands ingredients that go beyond just “drying up” pimples. 

Tranexamic acid, for instance, is a gentle brightening agent that helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—the dark marks that linger after pimples heal. Studies show that it inhibits melanin overproduction, resulting in a brighter, more even complexion.

Anti-inflammatory ingredients also help soothe acne-stressed skin and support barrier repair. Cica, derived from the centella asiatica plant, is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse that calms the skin and stimulates collagen production to accelerate healing.

 

Hydration, too, is often overlooked. Acne-prone skin is wrongly assumed to be too oily for moisturisers, but dehydrated skin can lead to even more oil production and breakouts. Excessive use of exfoliants like salicylic acid can leave skin dry, tight, and flaky, sometimes compromising the skin barrier entirely.

This is where hyaluronic acid plays an essential role. Acting like a moisture magnet, it draws water into the skin and locks it in, plumping the complexion. Proper hydration supports the skin barrier, speeds up healing, and helps balance oil levels, overall reducing the chances of recurring breakouts.

Senka’s 3-step acne care solution

There are plenty of products featuring these ingredients separately, but Senka makes it easier with their new Acne Care 3X Repair line. The three-step routine—comprising a cleanser, serum, and gel cream—combines the all-star ingredients we’ve lauded.

If there’s one product to try, it’s the Acne Care 3X Repair Serum ($26.90). Powered by salicylic acid, tranexamic acid, cica, and ultra-hydrating double hyaluronic acid, this 3-in-1 solution helps manage both acne flares and their aftermath. The serum is also fortified with Senka’s Aqua-MoistEX Technology, which boosts skin moisture by 84%.

In consumer and clinical studies on acne-prone skin, Senka’s serum delivered impressive results. An overwhelming 99.9% of users reported that their skin felt instantly soothed, with noticeable improvement in their skin barrier.¹ 85% saw a visible reduction in dark spots.² Clinical trials also confirmed reduced acne in just one week³, reinforcing Senka’s claims that the serum is an effective yet gentle solution for stressed-out skin.

The serum’s lightweight, watery texture is ideal for layering with other skincare products, with no sticky residue that causes pilling. Also, its non-comedogenic formula is free from alcohol, fragrance, and colourants—all potential acne triggers. 

To get the most out of the routine, pair the serum with Senka’s Perfect Whip Acne Care Cleansing Foam ($9.90) and Acne Care 3X Repair Gel Cream ($22.90). The cleanser is foamy without being overly stripping, while the gel cream’s lightweight consistency makes it ideal for Singapore’s humid weather, especially for oily skin.

Naturally, skincare is just one piece of the acne-care puzzle. Lifestyle and health factors—like hygiene, diet, exercise, and hormonal balance—also play important roles in managing and preventing breakouts.

Where to buy the new Senka Acne Care 3X Repair skincare range

If you’re thinking about giving Senka’s Acne Care 3X Repair line a try, check out its official retailers, Watsons and Welcia, who are currently running promotions on the product. Spend at least $25 on the Acne Care range and receive a 24-piece pack of Acne Shield Patches and a free Perfect Whip Acne Care Cleanser (50g) worth $11 in total, at any Watsons or Welcia outlet, while stocks last.

Shop the Senka Acne Care 3X Repair range here!

Photos taken by Jaslyn Tan.
This post is brought to you by Senka.

¹Number of acne lesions. Clinical test (Senka Acne Care 3X Repair Serum), 28 Asian female subjects with acne-prone skin, aged 21 to 45, Thailand, Feb-Apr’24.
²Consumer test on 43 Asian female subjects (having visible hyper-pigmented acne scar/acne-prone skin), aged 18 to 45, Thailand, Feb-Apr’24.
³Clinical test (Senka Acne Care 3X Repair Serum, after 8 weeks), 27 Asian female subjects, aged 20-45, Thailand, Feb-Apr’24