Salicylic acid is an essential active ingredient in many nonprescription acne treatments. It runs out blackheads and whiteheads along with reducing excess oil. It can also help fading acne scars, although it may take a while.
Like benzoyl peroxide, it works by unplugging skin pores. Yet 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 consequently able to sink deep right into the skin, dissolving excess oil along with dead skin cells. This is what makes it such an efficient anti-acne therapy. It softens keratin, the protein that creates part of our skin framework, to ensure that completely dry, flaky skin conveniently drops, and it loosens up blackheads and whiteheads so they can be removed.
The trouble with blocked pores is that bacteria, dust and dead skin cells are caught, developing the best atmosphere for acne to thrive in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which only scrub the skin's surface area, salicylic acid permeates much deeper into the pores to eliminate the accumulation, developing an oxygen-rich environment that's aggressive to germs.
Look for a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or greater, particularly for oily skin types. If you have sensitive or completely dry skin, begin with a lower dose and use it less frequently. Constantly review the label meticulously to adhere to application instructions.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid assists exfoliate the skin by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This permits the dead skin cells to drop more conveniently, which subsequently can help unblock pores. This is what makes it such an effective active ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads, especially when used combined with other therapies that function to reduce sebum production.
Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid additionally has comedolytic properties that assist break down sebum. This is what makes it so reliable at dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, as well as various other non-inflammatory acne.
Just like any therapy, it is essential to constantly adhere to the instructions on your item's packaging. Start with a small amount and slowly increase your use as your skin accommodates to the active ingredient. This will assist prevent any kind of dry skin or level of sensitivity that may occur. Keep in mind, it can take up to 6-8 weeks to see a distinction in your acne.
3. Gets rid of Pores
When you make use of an acne product with salicylic acid, it penetrates deep right into your pores and loosens up the "adhesive" that causes dead skin cells to integrate with each other. This makes it less complicated for them to fall away and decreases pore clogs that result in surface acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and small red acnes (pimples).
As a result of its capacity to penetrate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor advises using it in a lotion, instead of a cleanser or body wash, to maximize its efficiency. Make certain to read the ingredient label very carefully and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription drugs you take or herbal products you're using, as some can engage with salicylic acid.
To discover an excellent item, try to find one that contains salicylic acid in a higher focus-- 2 percent or greater-- or that integrates it with another anti-inflammatory and exfoliating ingredient, such as california salt PCA and salt hyaluronate, which assists avoid the drying impacts of the salicylic acid. A favorite of lots of customers with delicate skin, this Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid serum has maltobionic acid to scrub without irritating the skin.
4. Decreases Soreness
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce inflammation & inflammation related to acne imperfections. It also softens & loosens up completely dry, flaky skin, which can aid remove dead skin cells, flakes & debris that block pores.
While over the counter concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for products that will be left on your face), it's available in higher concentrations through a prescription. A skin specialist can suggest the appropriate concentration 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 products with this ingredient or have oily skin, attempt utilizing a reduced concentration first. You can slowly work up to a stronger focus, yet it is very important to use your item as guided, i.e., once a day. Or else, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & aggravated. It's also recommended to utilize your products just in the evening, given that salicylic acid can move onto fabrics & tarnish them.
