Benefits of Salicylic Acid For Acne
Salicylic acid is a key active ingredient in numerous nonprescription acne therapies. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads in addition to reducing excess oil. It can likewise aid fading acne scars, although it might take a while.


Like benzoyl peroxide, it functions 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 for that reason 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 structure, to make sure that dry, flaky skin easily drops, and it loosens up blackheads and whiteheads so they can be eliminated.

The trouble with blocked pores is that microorganisms, dirt and dead skin cells are entraped, creating the best setting for acne to flourish in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which just scrub the skin's surface, salicylic acid permeates much deeper into the pores to do away with the build-up, producing an oxygen-rich setting that's hostile to germs.

Seek a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% concentration or greater, specifically for oily skin types. If you have delicate or completely dry skin, start with a lower dosage and use it less commonly. Always check out the tag carefully to comply with application directions.

2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid aids exfoliate the skin by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This allows the dead skin cells to drop more easily, which consequently can assist unclog pores. This is what makes it such a powerful component for treating blackheads and whiteheads, particularly when utilized together with various other therapies that function to minimize sebum manufacturing.

Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid likewise has comedolytic residential properties that aid break down sebum. This is what makes it so reliable at dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, in addition to various other non-inflammatory acne.

Just like any type of treatment, it is essential to always follow the directions on your item's facial product packaging. Beginning with a percentage and slowly boost your usage as your skin accustoms to the ingredient. This will help stay clear of any kind of dry skin or level of sensitivity that may occur. Remember, it can take up to 6-8 weeks to see a distinction in your acne.

3. Removes Pores
When you utilize an acne product with salicylic acid, it passes through deep right into your pores and loosens the "glue" that causes dead skin cells to integrate with each other. This makes it much easier for them to fall away and decreases pore blockages that lead to surface acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and little red pimples (pimples).

As a result of its capacity to permeate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor recommends utilizing it in a product, instead of a cleanser or body wash, to optimize its performance. Make sure to read the active ingredient tag thoroughly and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription medications you take or organic items you're using, as some can interact with salicylic acid.

To locate a great product, seek one that contains salicylic acid in a higher focus-- 2 percent or higher-- or that combines it with an additional anti-inflammatory and exfoliating component, such as sodium PCA and salt hyaluronate, which assists prevent the drying out effects of the salicylic acid. A fave of lots of reviewers with delicate skin, this Paula's Option 2% salicylic acid product consists of maltobionic acid to exfoliate without aggravating the skin.

4. Minimizes Redness
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps in reducing redness & irritability associated with acne imperfections. It likewise softens & loosens up dry, scaly skin, which can assist remove dead skin cells, flakes & particles that block pores.

While over-the-counter focus of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for products that will certainly be left on your face), it's available in greater concentrations via a prescription. A dermatologist can advise 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 progressively work up to a more powerful concentration, yet it is essential to utilize your product as guided, i.e., once a day. Otherwise, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & aggravated. It's likewise advised to use your items just in the evening, given that salicylic acid can transfer onto materials & stain them.