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 additionally assist fading acne scars, although it might 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 as a result able to sink deep right into the skin, dissolving excess oil as well as dead skin cells. This is what makes it such an effective anti-acne treatment. 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 atmosphere for acne to flourish in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which only scrub the skin's surface area, salicylic acid permeates deeper into the pores to get rid of the accumulation, producing an oxygen-rich atmosphere that's hostile to microorganisms.
Seek a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or higher, especially for oily skin kinds. If you have delicate or dry skin, start with a reduced dosage and use it less usually. Constantly read the label meticulously to comply with application directions.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid helps scrub the skin by liquifying the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This permits the dead skin cells to lose more easily, which in turn can aid unclog pores. This is what makes it such a powerful active ingredient for dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, especially when used combined with various other treatments that function to decrease sebum production.
Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid also has comedolytic properties that aid break down sebum. This is what makes it so efficient at treating blackheads and whiteheads, along with other non-inflammatory acne.
As with any kind of treatment, it's important to constantly follow the instructions on your item's packaging. Beginning with a small amount and progressively boost your usage as your skin accommodates to the component. This will assist avoid any microdermabrasion kind of dryness or sensitivity that might occur. Bear in mind, it can take up to 6-8 weeks to see a difference in your acne.
3. Clears Pores
When you utilize an acne product with salicylic acid, it passes through deep into your pores and loosens up the "glue" that creates dead skin cells to amalgamate with each other. This makes it simpler for them to fall away and lowers pore obstructions that bring about superficial acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and tiny red pimples (acnes).
Due to its capacity to permeate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor advises using it in a product, instead of a cleanser or body clean, to maximize its performance. Make sure to review the component tag thoroughly and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription drugs you take or herbal items you're using, as some can engage with salicylic acid.
To find a great item, search for one which contains salicylic acid in a higher focus-- 2 percent or higher-- or that integrates it with an additional anti-inflammatory and exfoliating component, such as salt PCA and sodium hyaluronate, which aids prevent the drying out results of the salicylic acid. A favorite of lots of reviewers with sensitive skin, this Paula's Selection 2% salicylic acid serum has maltobionic acid to exfoliate without aggravating the skin.
4. Lowers Inflammation
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps in reducing soreness & irritation related to acne imperfections. It also softens & loosens up completely dry, scaly skin, which can assist get rid of dead skin cells, flakes & debris that block pores.
While non-prescription concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for products that will certainly be left on your face), it's readily available in higher concentrations via a prescription. A dermatologist 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 focus initially. You can progressively work up to a more powerful focus, yet it is essential to utilize your item as routed, i.e., once a day. Otherwise, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & inflamed. It's additionally recommended to use your products just at night, given that salicylic acid can transfer onto fabrics & discolor them.
