Benefits Of Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is an FDA approved skin care ingredient used for the topical treatment of acne and it's the only Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) used in skin care products.
Since it is oil-soluble, salicylic acid is perfect for oily skin. It is best known for its ability to deep clean excess oil out of pores and reduce oil production moving forward.
Salicylic acid also exfoliates dead skin, and its anti-inflammatory properties make it a prime ingredient for those with psoriasis.
Salicylic acid naturally occurs in willow bark, and wintergreen leaves, but synthetic versions are also used in skin care products. Its medicinal uses include treating calluses, acne, and dandruff.
Read on further to discuss the uses and benefits of salicylic acid.
Common Uses Of Salicylic Acid
- Skin Care: One of salicylic acid’s most common applications is its use in skin care products for treating acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, warts and other conditions. It is also used in anti-dandruff shampoos. Salicylic acid is typically found at concentrations of 2-3 percent in household products.
- Medicine: As a component of aspirin, salicylic acid is a known fever and pain reliever and is used in anti-inflammatory medicines. It is also used in liniments to sooth joint pain and in topical treatments for mouth ulcers.
- Other: Salicylic acid is also a component of food preservatives and antiseptics.
Benefits Of Salicylic Acid:
1. Cleanses Excess Oil from Pores
If you're struggling with oily skin, salicylic acid is a key ingredient to clean up excess oil today and reduce oil levels moving forward. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble.
It can actually get underneath excess oil and dead skin deep inside your pores compared to other ingredients that only skim what they can off the top of your pores.
2. Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells
Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that exfoliates dead skin cells and accelerates skin cell renewal.
3. Prevents Future Acne
Salicylic acid is a comedolytic meaning it prevents future whiteheads and blackheads from forming. By keeping pores clean, whiteheads and blackheads won't develop from excess oil or dead skin cells nesting in your skin.
4. Weakens Acne Bacteria
Acne bacteria do not like oxygen (the reason why it thrives under clogged pores where no fresh air blows).
Because salicylic acid unclogs and exfoliates pores, fresh air gets into the skin and creates a more oxygen-rich environment that's less friendly to acne bacteria.
It's important to note, however, that even though salicylic acid can weaken acne bacteria, it will not completely kill it.
5. Soothes Inflammation
Salicylic acid is naturally found in willow bark and contains a chemical called salicin. Related to aspirin, salicin has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated, inflamed skin.
Regarding acne, this means reduces redness, soreness, and puffiness. Additionally, salicylic acid is a widely used topical therapy for psoriasis inflammation.
Its anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe sunburns. It helps reduce the swelling, redness, and prevent peeling and blistering associated with sunburn by keeping the skin hydrated.
Takeaway
Salicylic acid is one of the most potent ingredients for targeting acne especially for blackheads and whiteheads. This powerful chemical exfoliator sinks deep into your skin to tackle these issues at their source while keeping redness at bay.
If you’re not already using a product that contains salicylic acid, now is the time to consider adding one to your skincare routine. Consult with one of our estheticians for more information at Dermava.com.
