Believe me when I say that I know what it’s like to be wading through breakout city on the regular—it’s not exactly a fun time. I’m sure my acne-prone folks can relate, especially if your skin tends to get even more sensitive and dry with the changing of the seasons. That’s when you know it’s time to stock up on your skin-saving allies—especially a good serum or acne-banishing cleanser. According to derms, there’s one particular skincare ingredient that will really keep the blemishes at bay. Yep, surprise, it’s salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is a powerful BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that’s by no means a new acne-fighting ingredient, but it does tend to get overlooked when choosing a facial serum. Some may argue that it’s too drying, but I’m here to tell you it can be incorporated in a way that will really enhance your overall glow.