Can You Use Salicylic Acid Under the Eyes

The skin of your under-eye area is much thinner and more sensitive than anywhere else on your face. It is also very close to your eyeballs, which are very sensitive to even the littlest things (fumes, dust, makeup, soap, etc).

This is why it is important that you don’t use very harsh and strong chemicals under your eyes. And only use products that are specifically made for that area.

In this article, we will discuss whether you can safely use Salicylic acid-based products under your eyes.

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You should not use salicylic acid (wash, lotion, cream, gel, or any other formulation) under the eyes.

Salicylic acid can be a great ingredient for the face, especially for those that are acne-prone. However, if it is applied under the eyes, it can cause contact dermatitis, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Since your under-eye area is already thin and generally sensitive, imagine adding extra sensitivity to that mix and then irritating it by using acne-strength salicylic acid. Ouch!

Alternatives you can use are:

Azelaic Acid click here to read how to use it for Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Niacinamide for Dark Spots & Wrinkles Under the Eyes

Tretinoin For Under Eye Circles & Wrinkles: What to Know

How to Use Turmeric for Under Eye Dark Circles & Wrinkles

How to use Honey for Under Eye Wrinkles & Dark Circles

How to Use Vitamin C for Under Eye Circles & Wrinkles

Can Salicylic Acid Remove Dark Circles Or Wrinkles From Under The Eyes?

Salicylic acid cannot be used to remove dark circles from under the eyes.

While it can help to lessen pigmentation on other areas of the skin, it is much too aggressive for the under-eye area.

The resulting irritation from using this ingredient under the eyes will make the area darker if anything.

Even in low concentrations, dermatologists do not recommend that you try to use this ingredient for dark undereye circles, wrinkles, or other issues.

For a very natural alternative to lighten dark under eyes, you can use Chamomile Tea Bags On them click here to learn the Benefits & How To Use

Also, you can consider: Witch Hazel for Under Eyes- Dark Circles, Bags & Puffiness

What Can You Use To Treat Under Eye Dark Circles Instead Of Salicylic Acid

Instead of trying to use salicylic acid to treat your dark under-eye circles, dermatologists recommend various other home remedies, topical treatments, and medical procedures that you can try.

Home Remedies For Dark Circles

Home remedies that you can use include:

1- Cold Compress

People most commonly used a cold spoon under their eyes to help shrink dilated blood vessels. This reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

2- Cucumbers

Cucumbers are full of water and vitamin C which hydrate and treat the skin. Applying slices of cucumber over closed eyes for a few minutes every day helps with puffiness and dark circles.

3- Tea Bags

Most black tea bags contain caffeine and antioxidants which help to reduce under eye dark circles and puffiness. Apply them soaked and cold over closed eyes.

To explore your options to lighten dark circles check out my article on The 10 Best Medical & Home Remedies For Under Eye Dark Circles

4- Gentle Massage

Gentle facial massages under the eyes can help to boost blood flow to the under eye area and reduce dark circles and puffiness

5- Get More Sleep

Dark circles or “shadows” are also caused by lack of sleep. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

6- Elevate Your Head

Use more pillows and raise your head a little more during the night when you sleep. This helps to prevent fluid accumulation under the eyes that can cause darkness over time and puffiness.

7- Makeup

If your dark circles are not going away, you can use concealers and foundations that match your skin tone to hide your undereye circles when you need to.

8- Stay Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated has benefits for all the areas of your skin, including the small and sensitive undereye area.

Other great methods to lighten under eyes are:

Toothpaste For Dark Under-Eye Circles & Wrinkles

How to use Vaseline for Wrinkles & Circles Under the Eyes

Milk to Treat Dark Circles: Will it Work & How to Use

Topical Treatments For Dark Circles

1- Under Eye Moisturizers

Experts recommend using moisturizers that have specially designed for the under eye area when treating dark circles. They usually contain antioxidant and hydrating ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, aloe, vitamin C, niacinamide and small concentrations of retinol.

2- Almond Oil + Vitamin E Oil

Natural remedies experts recommend applying equal parts of almond oil and vitamin E oil to the under eye area just before bedtime and leaving it overnight. Be careful to apply a small amount and avoid getting it into your eye. Wash off the following morning with cold water. This can be done every night until your dark circles are gone.

3- Bleaching Eye Creams

Dermatologists have access to and can prescribe various eye creams specially formulated with suitable concentrations of bleaching ingredients that can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles. The most common ingredients in these creams are hydroquinone, kojic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid.

However, even though many of these bleaching eye creams can be purchased OTC, you should not use them without first consulting a professional.

Medical Treatments For Dark Circles

1- Chemical Peels

Recently, skincare professionals have developed specialized chemical peels that can be used to treat the under eye area without causing irritation.

These peels are done with mild AHAs like glycolic acid (never salicylic acid). However, they should only be done in a clinical setting by a trained and experienced skincare professional.

2- Laser Treatment

Laser treatment can be used to resurface and tighten the skin under the eyes. However, this procedure can only be done in a clinic by a trained and experienced dermatologist or dermatological surgeon.

3- Fillers

Fillers can be a possibility if the cause of your dark circles is skin thinning or a lack of fatty tissue. Protein-rich plasma (PRP) or hyaluronic acid gel injections can be given for the region beneath the eye.

However, this should also only be done by a trained and experienced dermatologist or skincare professional.

4- Surgery

Dark circles caused by fat deposits or excess skin around the eye region can be removed by a procedure known as blepharoplasty.

However, this is delicate surgery (given how close it is to the eyes) and needs to be done in a hospital or clinic, by a trained dermatological or plastic surgeon.

Best Under Eye Creams For Dark Circles

1 – Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream

In addition to licorice extract and a mix of vitamins E and B3 to brighten and smooth the face, this product also contains hyaluronic acid, a potent moisturizer and an important component of skin that draws water to the skin.

Click here to see the Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream on Amazon.

2- CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

The dermatologist-created CeraVe Eye Repair Cream significantly lessens the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.

To fix and rebuild the barrier that protects the skin, this cream includes three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It also contains niacinamide to brighten.

Click here to check out the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream on Amazon.