Using Stridex with Salicylic Acid in your facial care routine is a great way to help keep your skin healthy and clear. Every person’s skin is different, so it is recommended to take time, experiment and learn what works best for you.
How to Use Stridex
First Time Users
For normal skin, start with Stridex Sensitive pads, which has a lower percentage of salicylic acid of 0.5%. For oily or acne prone skin, start with Stridex Maximum pads, which has the maximum allowable percentage of salicylic acid of 2.0%.
Use Stridex pads only twice per week and gradually work up the frequency. If at some point you feel irritation or discomfort, reduce the frequency to find the right equilibrium for your skin type and Stridex pad product.
The Stridex Facial Care Routine
Stridex pads can be used at any time of day, but we recommend using pads in the evening as part of your facial care routine. The following steps are general guidelines and can be modified according to each users’ preferences and skin type.
Remove Makeup (optional/if necessary)
Mascara and eyeliner can be difficult to remove, and it is important to use products that are gentle. Stridex pads have Salicylic Acid and are not recommended for use on the eyes. A cleansing oil with cotton pads is effective for heavy mascara, eyeliner and lipstick removal.
Cleanse
Once any make-up is removed, you can wash the face with soap, or other cleanser such as a cleansing oil, cleansing water or cleansing foam – to make sure the skin is clean. Also, this can be incorporated with a shower, depending on your schedule.
Exfoliate with Stridex Pads
After cleansing and before skin has dried, pass your Stridex pad on the face. One pad is sufficient to apply enough of the product to treat the face. Also, if you have acne problem areas on other parts of the body such as the back or arms, you can pass a pad of Stridex on these areas as well. The ingredients can be left on the skin or rinsed off after application, according to your skin type and preference.
Problem area spot treatment (optional/if necessary)
If you have problem areas on the skin such as hyperpigmentation or severe acne, you can apply a specialized treatment product such as a spot remover or acne cream on these areas. However, exfoliation with Stridex pads over time will help to address these spot issues and it is up to you to determine how aggressively you would like to treat these problem areas.
Moisturize
Stridex pads are alcohol free and should not dry out the skin. However, moisturizing is fundamental to any skin care routine. After cleansing and/or exfoliating the skin has lost some the natural moisture that your body produces to maintain overall skin health so it is important to apply a skin moisturizer. If you have oily skin, you can try a lighter gel moisturizer that will reduce the chances of the skin appearing shiny or oily.
Sunscreen
Before heading outdoors, the same day you use Stridex pads or the next day, it is recommended to use sunscreen to protect your newly exfoliated skin. Even if you are not using exfoliating products, it is a good idea to use sunscreens. Exposure to the sun is a leading cause of aging the skin and can increase the risk of skin cancer. Over the long term, using sunscreen is one of the best ways to prevent aging and wrinkles of your skin.