Salicylic Acid Application In Skincare

Salicylic Acid is an active skincare ingredient that exfoliates skin, controls excess sebum (oil) production, and keeps pores clear. It’s great for blemish prone skin and can refine and refresh skin in as little as 7 days with daily use.

It’s commonly found in cleansers and spot treatment products but can also be found in acne-friendly make-up products and anti-dandruff shampoo.

Skincare comestic ingredients Salicylic Acid is available in different concentrations, with each concentration designed for a specific purpose. Higher concentrated Salicylic Acid is used as a peeling agent, which can reduce the appearance of acne, melasma and dark spots, while lower concentrations can be used on a daily basis in cleansers and toners. 

IS SALICYLIC ACID A BHA?

One of the more common questions you may have seen floating around: is Salicylic Acid a BHA? Salicylic Acid is indeed a type of Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), which are organic compounds commonly used in cosmetics. Although its name might suggest that Salicylic Acid is entirely artificial, it naturally occurs in plants such as willow trees due to its natural ability to promote exfoliation, which helps to protect the plant from bacterial infection. Skincare products tend to use synthetic Salicylic Acid, but this form is approved by the cosmetics industry and the FDA, and is championed for its blemish-fighting properties.

WHAT IS SALICYLIC ACID GOOD FOR?

Thanks to its natural exfoliant properties, Salicylic Acid is great for treating symptoms of lighter acne, such as blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Salicylic Acid penetrates deep into the skin where it breaks down dead skin cells that’d otherwise clog the pores. But what else is Salicylic Acid good for? Here are 5 main benefits of Salicylic Acid:

1.PROTECTS AGAINST ACNE BACTERIA

ls Salicylic Acid good for acne? Absolutely.Acne bacteria thrive in oxygen-free environments, which is why cloggedpores are the perfect nesting ground.Salicylic Acid clears excess oil and dead skin cells away from clogged pores,making the environment less suitable for bacterial growth.This in itself won't eliminate the bacteria entirely, butitcertainly will make an impact if you're prone to blemished skin.If anyone asks 'is Salicylic Acid good for acne?' - be sure to share this handy fact with them.

You may experience a slight increase in blemishes when first using Salicylic Acid and wonder to yourself: doesSalicylic Acid make acne worse before it gets better? Keep reading as we'll cover that and more later on in this.

2. EXFOLIATES

Often sold as a peeling agent, Salicylic Acid gently loosens skin cells in the outermost layer of skin to purify the skin and remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.

3. SOOTHES INFLAMMATION

Salicylic Acid contains a chemical caled salicin which has anti-inflammatory properties.When applied to skin,itcan reduce the redness and soreness often from acne, and also from sunburn. Of course, when it comes to sun-burn, it's best to prevent it from happening altogether by wearing an effective SPF every day.

4. REDUCES OIL PRODUCTION AND SECRETION

Salicylic Acid can inhibit the sebaceous glands that produce sebum (oil). lt achieves this by breaking through theskin's fatty barrier and clearing away excess oil that would otherwise clog the pore and potentially cause acne.

5. PREVENTS ACNE FROM FORMING

In addition to penetrating deep into the pores, Salicylic Acid can also keep the pores clean when used as part of aaily skincare routine.By keeping pores clean, Salicylic Acid prevents whiteheads and blackheads from reappearing due to removing the excess oil or dead skin cells required for an oxygen-free environment.