Benefits of Salicylic Acid For Acne
Salicylic acid is a crucial active ingredient in many nonprescription acne treatments. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads in addition to lowering excess oil. It can also help fading acne scars, although it may take a while.


Like benzoyl peroxide, it functions by unplugging skin pores. However it does so in different ways.

1. Breaks Down Dead Skin Cells
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble and therefore able to sink deep into the skin, liquifying excess oil along with dead skin cells. This is what makes it such an effective anti-acne treatment. It softens keratin, the healthy protein that creates part of our skin structure, to ensure that completely dry, flaky skin easily sheds, and it loosens blackheads and whiteheads so they can be gotten rid of.

The trouble with clogged pores is that germs, dust and dead skin cells are entraped, developing the perfect atmosphere for acne to prosper in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which just scrub the skin's surface area, salicylic acid penetrates deeper into the pores to do away with the accumulation, developing an oxygen-rich setting that's hostile to bacteria.

Search for a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or greater, specifically for oily skin kinds. If you have delicate or completely dry skin, start with a lower dose and use it less typically. Constantly review the tag meticulously to follow application instructions.

2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This enables the dead skin cells to drop more quickly, which consequently can assist unblock pores. This is what makes it such an effective component for dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, particularly when utilized combined with various other therapies that function to minimize sebum manufacturing.

Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid additionally has comedolytic buildings that aid break down sebum. This is what makes it so reliable at dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, along with various other non-inflammatory acne.

Similar to any kind of therapy, it is very important to constantly follow the instructions on your item's packaging. Begin with a small amount and gradually increase your medspa usage as your skin acclimates to the active ingredient. This will certainly aid prevent any type of dryness or sensitivity that may take place. Bear in mind, it can occupy to 6-8 weeks to observe a difference in your acne.

3. Clears Pores
When you use an acne item with salicylic acid, it passes through deep right into your pores and loosens the "glue" that causes dead skin cells to integrate with each other. This makes it simpler for them to fall away and decreases pore blockages that lead to surface acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and little red pimples (pimples).

As a result of its capacity to permeate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor recommends utilizing it in a product, instead of a cleanser or body wash, to maximize its performance. Make sure to read the ingredient tag very carefully and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription medications you take or organic items you're utilizing, as some can interact with salicylic acid.

To locate an excellent product, look for one which contains salicylic acid in a higher concentration-- 2 percent or greater-- or that integrates it with another anti-inflammatory and exfoliating active ingredient, such as salt PCA and sodium hyaluronate, which aids avoid the drying results of the salicylic acid. A favorite of many customers with sensitive skin, this Paula's Selection 2% salicylic acid lotion contains maltobionic acid to scrub without irritating the skin.

4. Reduces Inflammation
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce soreness & inflammation associated with acne imperfections. It also softens & loosens up dry, flaky skin, which can assist get rid of dead skin cells, flakes & particles that clog pores.

While non-prescription concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will be left on your face), it's readily available in higher focus with a prescription. A skin doctor can suggest the correct focus to treat your acne, based on your skin kind and your experience with treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.

If you're new to skin care products with this active ingredient or have oily skin, try making use of a lower focus first. You can progressively work up to a stronger focus, however it's important to utilize your item as guided, i.e., daily. Otherwise, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & aggravated. It's also suggested to utilize your products just in the evening, considering that salicylic acid can transfer onto materials & tarnish them.