Have you ever heard of salicylic acid? This is an active ingredient that is very present in cosmetic products due to the multiple benefits it confers on the skin. Do you want to know more about him? Do not miss this post!
Salicylic acid: what is it?
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that acts as a keratolytic acid for the skin. This means that the part of the hydroxide is separated from the acid by two carbon atoms, which makes it more soluble in oil and therefore able to penetrate the pores of the skin. Thus, the opposite happens to alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which only dissolve in water.
What is salicylic acid used for?
Salicylic acid is primarily used as an acne treatment, as it reduces swelling and redness and helps open up clogged skin pores, allowing pimples to dry out. These are some of its benefits:
- Perform a gentle exfoliation of the superficial layers of the skin, helping to eliminate dead cells, smoothing the texture and preventing pore obstruction.
- Regulate sebum production.
- Avoid clogging of pores.
- Perform a double anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action.
- Reduce blackheads and comedones.
- Reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Act on the black and white points.
- Reduce acne breakouts and acne scars.
This active ingredient is mainly indicated for combination, oily and/or acne-prone skin.
Salicylic acid for acne can be found in numerous formats: creams, serums, gels… When starting to use it, it is essential to do it progressively, to test the tolerance of our skin. Choose well-formulated products that contain this active ingredient in low concentrations and start applying it every other day: first, two nights a week; then alternate nights; and finally, every night.
In any case, whenever you choose a cosmetic product made with this active ingredient, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult your dermatologist or pharmacist beforehand.
Salicylic acid for the skin: protect your skin
Salicylic acid can irritate the skin if used excessively or improperly, causing redness, dryness or itching. To avoid this, it is essential to apply it progressively, as described above, and to use advanced broad-spectrum photoprotection daily, to avoid the production of free radicals that worsen the situation.
Salicylic acid for face
There are multiple products formulated with salicylic acid that help control acne. Choose the one that best suits your skin type, as well as its specific needs:
Remember that the best way to take care of the appearance and health of your skin is to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet, drinking between two or two litres of water a day or exercising regularly. Combine these customs with the application of sun protection and products formulated with salicylic acid to control acne.
