Advantages of Salicylic Acid For Acne
Salicylic acid is an essential component in several nonprescription acne treatments. It runs out blackheads and whiteheads along with decreasing excess oil. It can also aid fading acne scars, although it might take a while.


Like benzoyl peroxide, it functions 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 consequently able to sink deep right into the skin, liquifying excess oil as well as dead skin cells. This is what makes it such a reliable anti-acne treatment. It softens keratin, the healthy protein that develops part of our skin structure, to ensure that completely dry, flaky skin conveniently loses, and it loosens blackheads and whiteheads so they can be gotten rid of.

The problem with clogged pores is that microorganisms, dust and dead skin cells are caught, producing the excellent environment for acne to flourish in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which only scrub the skin's surface, salicylic acid penetrates much deeper right into the pores to get rid of the build-up, developing an oxygen-rich atmosphere that's hostile to microorganisms.

Seek a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% concentration or greater, specifically for oily skin types. If you have delicate or completely dry skin, begin with a lower dosage and use it less frequently. Constantly read the tag thoroughly to adhere to application guidelines.

2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid aids scrub the skin by liquifying the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This allows the dead skin cells to lose even more easily, which consequently can aid unblock pores. This is what makes it such a powerful active ingredient for dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, especially when used in conjunction with various other treatments that function to decrease sebum manufacturing.

Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid likewise has comedolytic homes that assist break down sebum. This is what makes it so reliable at treating blackheads and whiteheads, in addition to various other non-inflammatory acne.

Similar to any type of treatment, it's important to always adhere to the directions on your product's packaging. Start with a percentage and slowly raise your use as your skin accustoms to the active ingredient. This will aid avoid any type of dry skin or level of sensitivity that may happen. Remember, it can occupy to 6-8 weeks to observe a distinction in your acne.

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

As a result of its capacity to permeate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor advises utilizing it in a serum, rather than a cleanser or body wash, to optimize its efficiency. Make sure to review the ingredient tag very carefully and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription medications you take or herbal items you're making use of, as some can interact with salicylic acid.

To discover a good item, seek one that contains salicylic acid in a higher focus-- 2 percent or higher-- or that incorporates it with an additional anti-inflammatory and exfoliating component, such as sodium PCA and sodium hyaluronate, which assists protect against the drying out effects of the salicylic acid. A fave of lots of reviewers with sensitive skin, this Paula's Option 2% salicylic acid product contains maltobionic acid to scrub without aggravating the skin.

4. Reduces Inflammation
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps in reducing inflammation & irritation connected with acne blemishes. It likewise softens & loosens up dry, scaly skin, which can aid eliminate dead skin cells, flakes & particles that clog pores.

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

If you're brand-new to skin care items with this ingredient or have oily skin, attempt using a lower concentration initially. You can slowly work up to a more powerful concentration, however it is necessary to utilize your item as directed, i.e., daily. Otherwise, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & irritated. It's additionally suggested to use your items just in the evening, considering that salicylic acid can move onto fabrics & tarnish them.