It is impossible to deny that salicylic acid is one of the most hyped terms in the world of skincare. ‘The gold standard in acne treatments,’ ‘unsuitable for mature skin,’ ‘the secret to clear skin.’ We’ve heard everything, good, bad, and speculative. So, what’s the truth about this so-called genie in a bottle?
In case you are wondering about the fun and would like to know in detail about salicylic acid, you have come to the right place. You will learn everything you need to know in this article! Find out how it works, what products to use, and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Skin
Skincare is essential for having beautiful and healthy skin. Many drugstore medicines and formulas are designed to improve the texture of our skin and make it appear healthy. Nowadays, acids are one of the most important ingredients in skincare products. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products. Among the many benefits, some of the most important salicylic acid for skin benefits are:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Salicylic acid reduces inflammation by inhibiting the enzymes that cause tissue damage during allergic reactions, resulting in redness and pain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in the reduction of swelling. It can be used to boost the effectiveness of other creams or serums. Salicylic acid may also aid in itching relief.
2. Effective Antioxidant
Because salicylic acid and its derivatives have antioxidant properties, they are frequently used in topical applications for inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. A study found that applying 100 g of salicylic acid ointment daily for three days could significantly reduce pain, itching, and inflammation. This treatment has been used to treat burn scars, acne scars, and psoriasis.
3. Moisturiser for Dry Skin
Salicylic acid inhibits the formation of dead cells, resulting in increased cell turnover and a reduction in overall inflammation. Salicylic acid also acts as a moisturiser for dry skin. This keeps your body from losing water, drying out, and becoming infected with bacteria and fungi. As a result, irritation and itching are reduced while premature aging and scaling are avoided.
3. Healing Properties
Salicylic acid has a skin-healing effect. Many dermatitis patients reported that the remedy helped them relax and relieve their symptoms. Some of them even stopped scratching and itching. Allergic dermatitis is common dermatitis associated with allergic reactions that can be dangerous if untreated. Maintaining healthy skin is critical, and salicylic acid is thought to help. It reduces inflammation, relieves symptoms, and keeps the condition from worsening.
4. Helps to Reduce Acne
It is very effective at treating acne and blemishes as well as preventing breakouts. It keeps the skin pores clean and unclogged, reducing the production of blackheads and whiteheads. Acne-causing bacteria exist beneath the pores and cause pore clogging. No fresh air can enter the skin due to clogging. Salicylic acid exfoliates these pores, allowing fresh air to enter the skin. Salicylic acid works best for mild acne.
5. Promotes Anti-aging
Another significant advantage of salicylic acid is that it is used as an anti-aging product. Its composition is such that when applied to the skin (in a mixed form), it sheds dead skin cells while tightening new skin cells and removing blemishes. Skin appears fresh, renewed, and younger in this manner.
6. Good for oily skin
It is beneficial for oily skin. It aids in the removal of excess oil from the skin as well as the reduction of oil production in the skin. Also, it can be used to treat papules, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation. By exfoliating the skin’s top layer, dead cells are removed. It also aids in the reduction of sebum production by the skin.
Who Can Use Salicylic Acid?
This is crucial to understand, particularly if you’re new to salicylic acid or hydroxy acids in general. Although they have a long list of advantages, they may do more harm than good for some skin types.
1. Acne-prone skin
Those prone to acne breakouts, dark spots, and scarring stand to benefit the most from a salicylic acid treatment or product. Just be patient and don’t overdo it while you wait for the results.
It’s also worth noting that salicylic acid isn’t as effective on cystic acne. Because this type is usually hormone-related, it is best treated with prescription medications.
2. Oily skin
Salicylic acid, in addition to being a chemical exfoliator and oil-soluble, aids in the regulation of sebum secretion. It is a one-stop shop for those with oily skin.
3. Dry skin
Before you celebrate making a list, keep the following in mind: Because of its ability to dissolve oil, salicylic acid generally causes dry skin. As a result, people with dry or sensitive skin are generally advised to avoid AHAs and BHAs. There are, however, a few workarounds for mature, sun-damaged, or weathered skin that is dry!
- With a small dose of salicylic acid, use a moisturising facial wash.
- Spot treatments should only be used during acne breakouts.
- After using your salicylic acid product, apply a rich, hydrating moisturiser.
4. Sensitive skin
People with sensitive skin, as well as those with dry skin, should exercise extreme caution when using salicylic acid. Because it is extremely potent, avoid products with high concentrations. We recommend performing a skin patch test first and then starting with every other week to once a week at most.
Over to You
A skin care product that contains salicylic acid can be effective for treating acne. Salicylic acid unclogs blocked pores by breaking down dead skin cells and removing oil.
The effects of salicylic acid and other acne treatments can take between six and eight weeks to appear. See your dermatologist or doctor if your acne does not improve within this period.
