Advantages of Salicylic Acid For Acne
Salicylic acid is a vital component in many nonprescription acne therapies. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads as well as minimizing excess oil. It can also aid fading acne scars, although it might take a while.
Like benzoyl peroxide, it works by unplugging 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 for that reason able to sink deep into the skin, dissolving excess oil as well as dead skin cells. This is what makes it such an effective anti-acne therapy. It softens keratin, the healthy protein that develops part of our skin framework, to ensure that dry, scaly skin conveniently loses, and it loosens up blackheads and whiteheads so they can be eliminated.
The issue with blocked pores is that bacteria, dust and dead skin cells are entraped, producing the ideal environment for acne to thrive in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which just scrub the skin's surface area, salicylic acid permeates deeper into the pores to remove the accumulation, producing an oxygen-rich environment that's aggressive to microorganisms.
Try to find a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% concentration or higher, specifically for oily skin kinds. If you have sensitive or dry skin, begin with a reduced dose and use it much less commonly. Always read the tag very carefully to comply with application instructions.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid aids scrub the skin by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This permits the dead skin cells to drop more conveniently, which subsequently can assist unclog pores. This is what makes it such an effective component for treating blackheads and whiteheads, specifically when made use of together with other therapies that function to decrease sebum manufacturing.
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.
Similar to any type of treatment, it is necessary to constantly follow the directions on your item's packaging. Start with a percentage and gradually raise your use as your skin adjusts to the active ingredient. This will help prevent any dry skin or level of sensitivity that may take place. Keep in mind, it can take up 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 passes through deep into your pores and loosens up the "glue" that creates dead skin cells to integrate together. This makes it much easier for them to fall away and decreases pore clogs that result in surface acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and little red acnes (pimples).
As a result of its capability to penetrate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor suggests using it in a lotion, rather than a cleanser or body laundry, to maximize its efficiency. Be sure to check out the ingredient tag carefully 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 product, search for one which contains salicylic acid in a higher focus-- 2 percent or higher-- or that incorporates it with another anti-inflammatory and exfoliating active ingredient, such as sodium PCA and salt hyaluronate, which helps stop the drying impacts of the salicylic acid. A favorite of lots of reviewers with delicate skin, this Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid lotion contains maltobionic acid to exfoliate without aggravating the revision skin care skin.
4. Decreases Inflammation
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce inflammation & irritability associated with acne blemishes. It additionally softens & loosens dry, scaly skin, which can assist get rid of dead skin cells, flakes & debris that obstruct pores.
While over-the-counter focus of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will be left on your face), it's offered in greater concentrations with a prescription. A dermatologist can recommend the right concentration to treat your acne, based on your skin kind and your experience with therapies such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
If you're new to skin care items with this ingredient or have oily skin, try making use of a reduced concentration initially. You can gradually develop to a more powerful concentration, however it's important to use your item as routed, i.e., once a day. Or else, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & aggravated. It's also suggested to utilize your products only at night, given that salicylic acid can transfer onto materials & stain them.