Salicylic acid is a key active ingredient in many nonprescription acne therapies. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads as well as minimizing excess oil. It can also aid fading acne scars, although it might take a while.
Like benzoyl peroxide, it works by unplugging skin pores. Yet 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 creates part of our skin framework, to make sure that completely dry, scaly skin easily loses, and it loosens up blackheads and whiteheads so they can be gotten rid of.
The issue with blocked pores is that bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells are entraped, developing the best atmosphere for acne to flourish in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which only scrub the skin's surface area, salicylic acid passes through deeper into the pores to remove the build-up, developing an oxygen-rich atmosphere that's hostile to bacteria.
Seek a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or greater, especially for oily skin kinds. If you have delicate or dry skin, start with a reduced dose and use it much less commonly. Constantly read the tag very carefully to comply with application instructions.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid aids scrub the skin by dissolving 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 a powerful active ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads, especially when made use of together with other therapies that function to decrease sebum manufacturing.
Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid also has comedolytic properties that aid break down sebum. This is what makes it so efficient at treating blackheads and whiteheads, along with other non-inflammatory acne.
As with any kind of treatment, it is necessary to constantly follow the instructions on your product's packaging. Beginning with a small amount and progressively boost your usage as your skin accommodates to the component. This will aid avoid any kind of dryness or sensitivity that might occur. Bear in mind, it can take up to 6-8 weeks to see a difference in your acne.
3. Clears Pores
When you utilize an acne product with salicylic acid, it passes through deep into your pores and loosens up the "glue" that triggers dead skin cells to amalgamate with each other. This makes it simpler for them to fall away and lowers pore obstructions that bring about shallow acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and small red acnes (acnes).
Due to its capacity to permeate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor recommends utilizing it in a product, instead of a cleanser or body clean, to maximize its performance. Make sure to review the component tag thoroughly and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription drugs you take or herbal items you're using, as some can engage with salicylic acid.
To find a great item, search for one which contains salicylic skinlab acid in a higher concentration-- 2 percent or greater-- or that combines it with an additional anti-inflammatory and exfoliating ingredient, such as salt PCA and salt hyaluronate, which helps protect against the drying impacts of the salicylic acid. A fave of numerous customers with delicate skin, this Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid product contains maltobionic acid to exfoliate without aggravating the skin.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps in reducing redness & irritability associated with acne blemishes. It additionally softens & loosens dry, flaky skin, which can help eliminate dead skin cells, flakes & particles that clog pores.
While over the counter concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for products that will certainly be left on your face), it's readily available in higher concentrations via a prescription. A skin doctor can recommend the right focus to treat your acne, based on your skin type and your experience with therapies such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
If you're brand-new to skin care items with this active ingredient or have oily skin, try using a reduced focus first. You can slowly work up to a stronger focus, yet it's important to use your item as routed, i.e., once a day. Otherwise, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & inflamed. It's additionally advised to use your products only at night, given that salicylic acid can move onto fabrics & stain them.
