Salicylic acid is a well known skincare ingredient for treating breakouts but why? Part of the BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) family, salicylic acid helps to reduce congestion while helping to reduce inflammation. This skin blog discusses salicylic acid, it's benefits and how to incorporate this active ingredient into your skincare routine.
Lets get started.
WHAT IS SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring BHA (beta hydroxy acid) derived from the bark of willow trees, though can be synthetically produced from aspirin.
See Related: WTF are AHA's and BHA's
Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products and professional treatments due to its ability to reduce congestion and assist with inflammation. Part of the BHA (beta hydroxy acid) family, salicylic acid assists congestion by dissolving or loosening the desmosome, the protein that holds cells together, making it easier for products to exfoliate or cleanse clogged pores removing congestion. This break down of cells makes salicylic acid an effective skincare ingredient for assisting to remove stubborn breakouts such as blackheads, whiteheads and acne cysts. Salicylic acid also assists the skin with inflammation by suppressing the expression of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that contributes to inflammation in the body.
Salicylic acid is a oil soluble BHA (beta hydroxy acid) meaning it can easily break through the skin cell's lipid layers and penetrate the skin at a deeper level than water soluble products making it a more effective skincare ingredient for treating congestion and reducing breakouts.
BENEFITS OF SALICYLIC ACID
Breaks down congestion within the pores helping to refine pores
Reduces open comodones (blackheads), closed comodones (whiteheads) and acne cysts
Reduces skin inflammation associated with acne
WHICH SKIN TYPE IS SALICYLIC ACID BEST SUITED TO
While salicylic acid is good for most skin types, people who have acne prone, combination or oily skin types will benefit the most from this skincare ingredient due to it's anti-inflammatory properties and ability to assist congestion and reduce breakouts. Due to it's ability to break down oil, salicylic acid may not be a suitable skincare ingredient for dry or sensitive skin types.
HOW TO INCORPORATE SALICYLIC ACID INTO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Cleansers
Salicylic acid cleansers can be used on a regular basis to reduce congestion as part of a structured skincare routine. Depending on the product, salicylic acid cleansers usually contain around 2% salicylic acid can be used everyday. Cleansers are a great way to remove dirt, debris and excess oil but as cleansers are products that are washed away, it is recommended to incorporate other salicylic acid products for best results.
With any skincare product with active ingredients, be careful to avoid using salicylic acid around the eye area as it can sensitise the delicate skin around the eyelids.
Toners, Serums + Lotions
Salicylic acid toners, serums and lotions are an option for daily treatments and usually range from 0.5% to 2% in concentration. Used after cleansing, these salicylic acid treatment options are a more effective way to treat congestion and reduce inflammation as these products are left on the skin allowing more time to better penetrate the skin.
These products can be used as a spot treatment or on a specific area of concern and don't necessarily need to be used all over the face. This is a great option for anyone with clogged pores through the t-zone or someone wanting to spot treat acne. With any product, if your skin begins to show signs of irritation or sensitivity, reduce frequency of use to a couple of times per week. If irritation or sensitivity continues, reduce use altogether.
At Home Exfoliants
These products come in forms of peels and masks and are designed to deliver a higher concentration of salicylic acid to the skin for a stronger result. Due to the high concentration of salicylic acid compared to daily use products, it is recommended to only use these products 1-3 times per week depending on the product, your skin type and/or skin concern.
See Related: Exfoliating Do's and Don'ts
Professional Chemical Peels
Professional salicylic acid chemical peels can be done in clinic on a regular basis for an even stronger result helping to reduce congestion and break outs. These chemical peels should only be applied to the skin by a qualified skin therapist. Salicylic acid chemical peels generally range in concentration from 8% up to 50%. Your qualified skin therapist will decide which strength of peel is appropriate for your skin and may increase the strength over time depending on your skin's needs. Usually, a series of chemical peels is recommended to achieve your desired skin goals.
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