Salicylic acid is a key active ingredient in numerous nonprescription acne therapies. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads along with decreasing excess oil. It can also aid fading acne scars, although it might take a while.
Like benzoyl peroxide, it works by unplugging skin pores. Yet 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 therefore able to sink deep right 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 framework, so that completely dry, scaly skin conveniently sheds, and it loosens up blackheads and whiteheads so they can be removed.
The issue with clogged up pores is that bacteria, dust 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, salicylic acid permeates much deeper right into the pores to eliminate the accumulation, creating an oxygen-rich atmosphere that's aggressive to bacteria.
Search for a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or greater, especially for oily skin types. If you have delicate or dry skin, start with a reduced dosage and use it much less typically. Constantly review the label carefully to follow application directions.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid assists scrub the skin by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells with each other. This allows the dead skin cells to drop even more easily, which subsequently can aid unclog pores. This is what makes it such an effective active ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads, particularly when utilized combined with other treatments that work to minimize sebum manufacturing.
Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid also has comedolytic properties that assist break down sebum. This is what makes it so efficient at dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, along with various other non-inflammatory acne.
Similar to any kind of treatment, it's important to constantly comply with the directions on your item's packaging. Start with a small amount and slowly enhance your usage as your skin adapts to the active ingredient. This will assist avoid any dry skin or sensitivity that may occur. Keep in mind, it can use up to 6-8 weeks to discover a distinction in your acne.
3. Clears Pores
When you utilize an acne product with salicylic acid, it penetrates deep into your pores and loosens the "glue" that causes dead skin cells to integrate with each other. This makes it less complicated for them to fall away and lowers pore clogs that cause shallow acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and little red pimples (acnes).
Because of its ability to penetrate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor recommends utilizing it in a product, instead of a cleanser or body laundry, to maximize its effectiveness. Be sure to review the active ingredient tag very carefully and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription medicines you take or natural products you're using, as some can interact with salicylic acid.
To locate a great item, seek one which contains salicylic acid in a facial greater focus-- 2 percent or greater-- or that integrates it with another anti-inflammatory and exfoliating ingredient, such as salt PCA and salt hyaluronate, which assists stop the drying impacts of the salicylic acid. A favorite of lots of reviewers with sensitive skin, this Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid product has maltobionic acid to scrub without aggravating the skin.
4. Minimizes Soreness
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce redness & inflammation associated with acne imperfections. It also softens & loosens up completely dry, scaly skin, which can assist eliminate dead skin cells, flakes & particles that obstruct pores.
While over the counter concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will certainly be left on your face), it's offered in greater concentrations through 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 products with this active ingredient or have oily skin, attempt using a reduced concentration initially. You can gradually develop to a stronger focus, but it is very important to use your item as guided, i.e., once daily. Or else, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & aggravated. It's also advised to use your items only at night, because salicylic acid can move onto fabrics & tarnish them.
