Why Salicylic Acid Is Recommended For Clear Skin Also
- What
- Benefits
- Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide
- Side effects
- How to use
- Best Products
Unlike other questionable acne remedies available online, a whole number of studies are available to support salicylic acid as an effective treatment for acne, which is why this is not your first time to experience the ingredient. If you have ever had acne, we would be willing to bet you have tried a product based on salicylic acid before. But because acne is a very complex subject, there is no cure-all when it comes to treatment.
So to find out if salicylic acid will work for you, your skin type, or your acne type, you must first understand how it works. We took all our questions about salicylic acid and went straight to the experts to find out what makes the ingredient so appealing and how it contributes to cleansing the skin.
What is salicylic acid?
In the world of exfoliants, you have more than a few options to choose from based on what your skin needs. Salicylic acid, an ingredient extracted from willow bark, is a type of chemical exfoliant called beta-hydroxy acid (aka BHA). Before I fully explain how salicylic works, here's a quick overview of how breakouts form: when germs, dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells come together, a clog forms inside your pores. Unlike chemical exfoliants called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which dissolve in water and are ready for peeling, salicylic oil-soluble, which enables it to cut down oil and drain your pores to remove clogs.
Marmur further explains: "It works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dispersing the substance that causes the skin cells to come together. This makes it easier to dispose of the skin cells." Now it makes sense why the ingredient is an old favorite for those with oily skin, with acne, right?
You may be more familiar with salicylic acid as a treatment for acne, but the ingredient is found in many other types, such as cleansers, tones, serums, and peels, which can be beneficial for the skin itself. “Each vehicle uses salicylic acid in its own unique way and is targeted at specific people, depending on their skin problems,” explains Marmur. The caveat is that some detergents, peels, and toners can be very harsh, according to Marmur, and should be avoided.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid
Due to its unique properties, salicylic acid is used to treat many skin ailments besides acne, from warts to acne. Here is a breakdown of how salicylic acid works to benefit the skin:
Removes dead skin: Marmur shows that salicylic acid is a keratolytic, and as a result, promotes cell turnover and helps to prevent dead skin cells, which in turn can improve the dullness and texture of the skin.
It softens the contents of the closed pores: The oil-soluble substance penetrates the pores, releases the "glue" that binds the skin cells, and removes the contents of the pores that lead to more pores, such as white, black heads. , with small red pimples.
Removes excess oil: Marmur says that as salicylic acid dissolves in oil, it can penetrate deep into the skin to clear excess sebum from the pores and reduce oil. This can also lead to improved appearance of pores.
Prevents whiteheads and blackheads: Salicylic acid not only treats existing rashes, but Marmur also says that because salicylic acid directly affects white heads and blackheads, it prevents them from returning to the surface of your skin.
Anti-acne: Because it is lipophilic, salicylic acid can penetrate deep into the pores to prevent the formation of acne in the future.
It reduces pores: As an astringent product, salicylic acid can strengthen the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of pores.
Available off the counter: Unlike other super skincare ingredients, salicylic acid products are available at most beauty stores and drug stores.
Reduce inflammation: As Marmur points out, salicylic acid belongs to the same class of drugs as aspirin (salicylates). Thanks to the salicylic acid-reducing properties of the acid, it helps to deal with the irritation and redness associated with the rash.1
Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide
One ingredient that counteracts the popularity of salicylic acid in the OTC acne treatment unit is benzoyl peroxide. But this ingredient takes a different approach when directing breakouts. Although salicylic acid removes pores, benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent that kills pores.2 Famous for filtering pillows and towels, benzoyl peroxide is also less suitable for sensitive skin than salicylic acid, as its drying properties can. it leads to wisdom and resentment.
Side Effects of Salicylic Acid
According to Mudgil, salicylic acid is best for those with oily skin and acne on the outside. For those with dry, eczema, or sensitive skin, the drying agent can be very irritating and can lead to irritation.
Marmur states that some of the most common side effects of salicylic acid include dry, flaky, and generalized skin in the application areas but added that these side effects are very common at the beginning of treatment and should not continue. "If they persist or get worse, you should definitely consult your board-licensed dermatologist to let them know how your skin is doing," Marmur said.
Additionally, Marmur says that salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and can cause sunburn more easily. Although you should always protect your skin from the sun, it is very important when using salicylic acid to reduce your exposure to the sun as much as possible and to reuse and reuse sunscreen.