Salicylic acid is an essential ingredient in lots of nonprescription acne treatments. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads along with decreasing excess oil. It can additionally help fading acne marks, although it may take a while.
Like benzoyl peroxide, it works by disconnecting skin pores. But 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, liquifying excess oil as well as dead skin cells. This is what makes it such a reliable anti-acne therapy. It softens keratin, the protein that creates part of our skin structure, to ensure that completely dry, scaly skin quickly loses, and it loosens up blackheads and whiteheads so they can be gotten rid of.
The trouble with clogged up pores is that microorganisms, dust and dead skin cells are entraped, creating the perfect environment for acne to flourish in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which only scrub the skin's surface, salicylic acid penetrates deeper into the pores to get rid of the build-up, developing an oxygen-rich setting that's aggressive to bacteria.
Seek a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or greater, specifically for oily skin kinds. If you have delicate or dry skin, begin with a lower dose and use it much less often. Always read the label carefully to follow application instructions.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin by liquifying the bonds that hold dead skin cells with each other. This permits the dead skin cells to drop more easily, which in turn can help unclog pores. This is what makes it such a powerful component for dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, particularly when utilized together with other treatments that work to reduce sebum production.
Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid additionally has comedolytic residential or commercial properties that help break down sebum. This is what makes it so reliable at dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, in addition to other non-inflammatory acne.
As with any kind of therapy, it is very important to always follow the directions on your product's product packaging. Beginning with a small amount and progressively boost your use as your skin adapts to the component. This will aid avoid any kind of dry skin or sensitivity that might happen. Remember, it can occupy to 6-8 weeks to see a distinction in your acne.
3. Clears Pores
When you make use of an acne product with salicylic acid, it penetrates deep right into your pores and loosens the "adhesive" that triggers dead skin cells to integrate together. This makes it less complicated for them to fall away and minimizes pore obstructions that lead to surface acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and little red acnes (pimples).
As a result of its ability to pass through the pores, Dr. Negbenebor recommends utilizing it in a serum, as opposed to a cleanser or body wash, to optimize its effectiveness. Make certain to skin lab read the active ingredient label very carefully and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription medications you take or natural items you're utilizing, as some can connect with salicylic acid.
To discover an excellent product, look for one that contains salicylic acid in a greater concentration-- 2 percent or greater-- or that combines it with one more anti-inflammatory and exfoliating active ingredient, such as sodium PCA and salt hyaluronate, which helps protect against the drying results of the salicylic acid. A favorite of numerous customers with sensitive skin, this Paula's Option 2% salicylic acid product includes maltobionic acid to scrub without aggravating the skin.
4. Minimizes Soreness
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps in reducing soreness & irritation related to acne blemishes. It likewise softens & loosens up completely dry, scaly skin, which can assist get rid of dead skin cells, flakes & debris that block pores.
While over-the-counter concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will certainly be left on your face), it's available in higher focus through a prescription. A skin specialist can suggest the proper concentration to treat your acne, based on your skin kind and your experience with therapies such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
If you're brand-new to skincare products with this component or have oily skin, attempt making use of a lower concentration initially. You can progressively work up to a stronger concentration, however it is necessary to use your item as routed, i.e., once a day. Or else, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & irritated. It's also suggested to use your items just at night, given that salicylic acid can move onto fabrics & tarnish them.
