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 may take a while.


Like benzoyl peroxide, it functions by unplugging skin pores. However it does so in a different way.

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 into the skin, dissolving excess oil as well as dead skin cells. This is what makes it such an effective anti-acne therapy. It softens keratin, the healthy protein that creates part of our skin framework, to ensure that dry, scaly skin easily sheds, and it loosens up blackheads and whiteheads so they can be gotten rid of.

The issue with stopped up pores is that germs, dirt and dead skin cells are trapped, developing the excellent setting for acne to prosper in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which only scrub the skin's surface, salicylic acid penetrates much deeper right into the pores to remove the accumulation, developing an oxygen-rich atmosphere that's hostile to bacteria.

Seek a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or greater, especially for oily skin types. If you have delicate or completely dry skin, start with a lower dose and use it less often. Always review the tag very carefully to comply with application instructions.

2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid aids scrub the skin by liquifying the bonds that hold dead skin cells with each other. This enables the dead skin cells to shed even more conveniently, which consequently can assist unclog pores. This is what makes it such a powerful active ingredient for dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, particularly when used in conjunction with various other treatments that work to lower sebum production.

In addition to being an exfoliant, salicylic acid additionally has comedolytic buildings that assist break down sebum. This is what makes it so efficient at treating blackheads and whiteheads, along with various other non-inflammatory acne.

Similar to any type of therapy, it is very important to always comply with the directions on your item's packaging. Start with a percentage and progressively enhance your use as your skin adjusts to the ingredient. This will certainly aid prevent any dry skin or sensitivity that may happen. Remember, it can occupy to 6-8 weeks to discover a distinction in your acne.

3. Removes Pores
When you use an acne item with salicylic acid, it permeates deep into your pores and loosens up the "adhesive" that causes dead skin cells to integrate together. This makes it less complicated for them to fall away and minimizes pore blockages that bring about shallow acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and small red acnes (pimples).

As a result of its ability to pass through the pores, Dr. Negbenebor suggests using it in a product, instead of a cleanser or body wash, to optimize its effectiveness. Make sure to review the component tag very carefully and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription medications you take or natural products you're utilizing, as some can connect with salicylic acid.

To discover an excellent product, try to find one that contains salicylic acid in a greater focus-- 2 percent or higher-- or that incorporates it with one more anti-inflammatory and exfoliating active ingredient, such as sodium PCA and salt hyaluronate, which helps stop the drying impacts of the salicylic acid. A favorite of lots of customers with delicate skin, this Paula's Selection 2% salicylic acid lotion has maltobionic acid to exfoliate without irritating the skin.

4. Lowers Redness
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps in reducing redness & inflammation related to acne imperfections. It additionally softens & loosens completely dry, scaly skin, which can assist get rid of dead skin cells, flakes & debris that obstruct pores.

While over-the-counter focus of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will be left on your face), it's offered in greater focus via a prescription. A onexfly skin dermatologist can advise the correct concentration to treat your acne, based upon your skin type and your experience with treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.

If you're brand-new to skin care products with this component or have oily skin, attempt using a lower focus first. You can slowly develop to a stronger concentration, yet it is necessary to use your product as routed, i.e., daily. Otherwise, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & inflamed. It's additionally recommended to use your items just at night, since salicylic acid can transfer onto textiles & stain them.