Can salicylic acid lotion used under eyes everyday over a long period of time cause fine lines and wrinkles?

Question

I had been using Clean and Clear dual action moisturizer on my face for a long while. When I would moisturize my face, it was applied everywhere, including under my eyes. I have noticed that my under eye area has more fine lines than ever before. I’m in my 20’s. Could the salicylic acid have anything to do with causing fine lines and wrinkles?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hi Easygoing8367,

I am Sarah, a medical assistant at Aesthetic Skin MD with Dr. Anil Shah in Chicago. I am sorry to hear that you are noticing more fine lines around your eyes, but this is most likely due to aging and smiling more than anything else. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, which tends to dry out the skin and can even dehydrate it with long-term use. The way salicylic acid works it that it is an oil soluble acid which helps to break down sebaceous plugs and helps to prevent them from reforming. While this may get rid of pimples and redness it could also cause dull and dry skin.

Deborah M. Longwill, DO · Answer

Hello Easygoing8367Thank you for your question. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble exfoliator that can penetrate the skin at a deeper level acting as a magnet to oil, potentially leaving your skin red, dry or peeling. Skin that surrounds eye area is thinner, more delicate and particularly sensitive to irritation than that on the rest of the face. Therefore, products that are meant to treat the skin around the eyes are specially formulated to be extra mild and delicate leaving your skin smooth and hydrated. Dry skin effects elasticity of the skin which can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles. Hope this was helpful. Best of luck

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For facial rejuvenation I would suggest a combination approach of :1) You need a Customized Skin care confirmed in person by an expert2) PDT light therapy few times a month with growth factors3) Laser treatments like clear and brilliant regularly and a few times a year Fraxel, Viva, Co2/Erbium4) Sculptra injections a few times a year for collagen production with fillers like juvederm/restylane/belotero/radiesse/bellafill5) Thermage/ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone based instalift threads for lifting6) Botox every 2-3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest
See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I would venture to say that the salicylic acid might not have caused the fine wrinkles in the eye area, but may make the area more dry and sensitive, thus causing a surface wrinkling effect.  We generally recommend a gentle eye cream in the 20s and 30s, and as time goes on, adding a retinoid in some form can help strengthen the skin and keep it healthy.  Ask your dermatologist which eye cream they like best - they tend to be up to date on current products and have the training to make recommendations that will truly help you in the long run.  As always, sun protection and not squinting in the sun can help the delicate eye area stay as young looking as possible, so wear a quality sunscreen and sunglasses whenever you are outside.  Best of luck!

Can salicylic acid lotion used under eyes everyday over a long period of time cause fine lines and wrinkles?

Answers (5)

More Salicylic Peel Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Salicylic Peel Questions

Did salicylic acid pad damage my skin?

When can I apply moisturizer after a salicylic chemical peel done professionally? (photo)

What is the difference between a salicylic peel and wart remover?

How do I get the inflammation and redness to go down after salicylic acid? (Photos)

Is this reaction from my 20% salicylic acid peel normal? I feel intense burning and redness. (photo)

I got burned by Salicylic Acid on my face. How long does it take before it will be gone? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS