Salicylic acid is a key ingredient in numerous nonprescription acne treatments. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads as well as minimizing excess oil. It can also help fading acne scars, although it might take a while.
Like benzoyl peroxide, it functions by disconnecting skin pores. But it does so in different ways.
1. Breaks Down Dead Skin Cells
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble and therefore able to sink deep into the skin, dissolving excess oil in addition to dead skin cells. This is what makes it such an effective anti-acne therapy. It softens keratin, the healthy protein that develops part of our skin structure, to make sure that completely dry, flaky skin quickly loses, and it loosens blackheads and whiteheads so they can be eliminated.
The problem with clogged up pores is that microorganisms, dirt and dead skin cells are trapped, producing the excellent environment for acne to prosper in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which just scrub the skin's surface area, salicylic acid penetrates much deeper right into the pores to do away with the accumulation, creating an oxygen-rich atmosphere that's aggressive to microorganisms.
Seek a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% concentration or higher, particularly for oily skin kinds. If you have delicate or dry skin, start with a reduced dose and use it much less frequently. Always review the label thoroughly to adhere to application directions.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This enables the dead skin cells to drop even more conveniently, which subsequently can help unclog pores. This is what makes it such an effective active ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads, especially when used along with various other therapies that function to decrease sebum production.
In addition to being an exfoliant, salicylic acid also has comedolytic homes that assist break down sebum. This is what makes it so efficient at treating blackheads and whiteheads, in addition to other non-inflammatory acne.
Just like any type of treatment, it is very important to constantly adhere to the instructions on your item's product packaging. Begin with a percentage and slowly raise your use as your skin acclimates to the ingredient. This will aid prevent any type of dry skin or level of sensitivity that may occur. Bear in mind, it can occupy to 6-8 weeks to see a distinction in your acne.
3. Gets rid of Pores
When you utilize an acne product with salicylic acid, it permeates deep into your pores and loosens the "adhesive" that creates dead skin cells to integrate together. This makes it simpler for them to fall away and reduces pore blockages that lead to surface acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and tiny red acnes (acnes).
Because of its ability to pass through the pores, Dr. reginix Negbenebor advises using it in a serum, rather than a cleanser or body clean, to optimize its effectiveness. Be sure to review the active ingredient label carefully and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription drugs you take or organic items you're using, as some can interact with salicylic acid.
To locate a great product, look for one which contains salicylic acid in a higher concentration-- 2 percent or greater-- or that integrates it with another anti-inflammatory and exfoliating active ingredient, such as salt PCA and sodium hyaluronate, which aids stop the drying effects of the salicylic acid. A fave of lots of reviewers with delicate skin, this Paula's Option 2% salicylic acid serum has maltobionic acid to exfoliate without irritating the skin.
4. Minimizes Inflammation
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce redness & irritability connected with acne blemishes. It also softens & loosens up dry, flaky skin, which can aid eliminate dead skin cells, flakes & debris that obstruct pores.
While non-prescription concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will certainly be left on your face), it's available in greater concentrations via a prescription. A skin specialist can recommend the appropriate focus to treat your acne, based on your skin kind and your experience with treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
If you're brand-new to skincare items with this ingredient or have oily skin, attempt using a reduced concentration initially. You can slowly develop to a more powerful focus, however it's important to utilize your product as routed, i.e., once a day. Or else, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & irritated. It's additionally recommended to utilize your products just at night, since salicylic acid can move onto fabrics & discolor them.
