Benefits of Salicylic Acid For Acne
Salicylic acid is a crucial component in many nonprescription acne therapies. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads along with decreasing excess oil. It can also assist fading acne scars, although it may take a while.


Like benzoyl peroxide, it works by unplugging skin pores. But it does so differently.

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

The trouble with clogged up pores is that germs, dirt and dead skin cells are trapped, creating the excellent setting for acne to prosper in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which just scrub the skin's surface, salicylic acid penetrates much deeper right into the pores to eliminate the build-up, developing an oxygen-rich setting that's aggressive to bacteria.

Look for a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or greater, especially for oily skin types. If you have delicate or dry skin, start with a lower dosage and utilize it less often. Constantly check out the label meticulously to adhere to application directions.

2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid helps scrub the skin by liquifying the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This permits the dead skin cells to lose more easily, which subsequently can assist unclog pores. This is what makes it such an effective component for treating blackheads and whiteheads, especially when made use of together with other therapies that work to reduce sebum manufacturing.

In addition to being an exfoliant, salicylic acid also has comedolytic properties that aid break down sebum. This is what makes it so efficient at dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, along with other non-inflammatory acne.

Similar to any type of treatment, it is necessary to always follow the instructions on your product's product packaging. Begin with a small amount and slowly increase your use as your skin accustoms to the ingredient. This will certainly help stay clear of any type of dryness or level of sensitivity that may take place. Keep in mind, it can occupy to 6-8 weeks to discover a distinction in your acne.

3. Clears Pores
When you make use of an acne product with salicylic acid, it passes through deep into your pores and loosens up the "glue" that creates dead skin cells to integrate ultherapy together. This makes it much easier for them to fall away and decreases pore clogs that result in surface acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and little red acnes (pimples).

As a result of its ability to pass through the pores, Dr. Negbenebor recommends utilizing it in a serum, as opposed to a cleanser or body wash, to optimize its effectiveness. Make sure to read the component label very carefully and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription medications you take or natural items you're utilizing, as some can connect with salicylic acid.

To discover an excellent product, try to find one that contains salicylic acid in a greater focus-- 2 percent or higher-- or that incorporates it with another anti-inflammatory and exfoliating active ingredient, such as sodium PCA and salt hyaluronate, which helps avoid the drying out effects of the salicylic acid. A fave of many reviewers with delicate skin, this Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid lotion has maltobionic acid to exfoliate without aggravating the skin.

4. Reduces Inflammation
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps in reducing redness & inflammation related to acne blemishes. It likewise softens & loosens up dry, flaky skin, which can aid remove dead skin cells, flakes & debris that obstruct pores.

While over-the-counter concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will certainly be left on your face), it's available in higher focus via a prescription. A dermatologist can suggest the proper concentration to treat your acne, based on your skin kind and your experience with therapies such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.

If you're new to skincare items with this ingredient or have oily skin, try utilizing a reduced focus first. You can slowly develop to a more powerful concentration, however it is very important to utilize your item as directed, i.e., once daily. Or else, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & aggravated. It's additionally recommended to use your items just at night, since salicylic acid can transfer onto materials & tarnish them.