Salicylic acid is an essential active ingredient in many 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 works by unplugging skin pores. But it does so differently.
1. Breaks Down Dead Skin Cells
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble and therefore able to sink deep into the skin, liquifying excess oil along with dead skin cells. This is what makes it such a reliable anti-acne therapy. It softens keratin, the protein that develops part of our skin structure, so that completely dry, flaky skin quickly drops, and it loosens blackheads and whiteheads so they can be removed.
The problem with clogged up pores is that microorganisms, dirt and dead skin cells are trapped, creating the excellent setting for acne to flourish in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which only scrub the skin's surface area, salicylic acid passes through much deeper into the pores to eliminate the build-up, developing an oxygen-rich setting that's hostile to bacteria.
Look for a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or greater, particularly for oily skin types. If you have delicate or completely dry skin, start with a lower dosage and utilize it less often. Constantly check out the label carefully to adhere to application guidelines.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid assists exfoliate the skin by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells with each other. This enables the dead skin cells to shed even more quickly, which in turn can help unblock pores. This is what makes it such a powerful ingredient for dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, especially when made use of combined with other therapies that function to decrease sebum manufacturing.
Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid likewise has comedolytic residential or commercial properties that help 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 comply with 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 certainly assist avoid any kind of dryness or level of sensitivity that may occur. Keep in mind, it can take up to 6-8 weeks to observe a difference in your acne.
3. Gets rid of Pores
When you utilize an acne item with salicylic acid, it permeates deep into your med spa pores and loosens up the "glue" that triggers dead skin cells to amalgamate with each other. This makes it simpler for them to fall away and lowers pore blockages that bring about shallow acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and tiny red pimples (acnes).
Due to its capacity to permeate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor recommends utilizing it in a serum, instead of a cleanser or body wash, to optimize its effectiveness. 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 connect with salicylic acid.
To find an excellent product, try to find one which contains salicylic acid in a higher focus-- 2 percent or higher-- or that incorporates it with another anti-inflammatory and exfoliating component, such as salt PCA and sodium hyaluronate, which aids prevent the drying results of the salicylic acid. A favorite of many reviewers with delicate skin, this Paula's Selection 2% salicylic acid product consists of maltobionic acid to scrub without aggravating the skin.
4. Lowers Soreness
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps in reducing soreness & inflammation related to acne imperfections. It likewise softens & loosens dry, scaly skin, which can help eliminate dead skin cells, flakes & debris that block pores.
While non-prescription concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will certainly be left on your face), it's readily available in higher concentrations via a prescription. A skin doctor can recommend the right focus to treat your acne, based on 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 initially. You can gradually work up to a more powerful focus, but it is very important to utilize your item as directed, i.e., once daily. Or else, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & aggravated. It's also recommended to utilize your items just in the evening, because salicylic acid can move onto textiles & tarnish them.
