Salicylic Acid: How Does It Transform Your Skin?

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

In the battle against rashes, there are a few key players you should know about. We have already talked about glycolic acid, macadamia oil, cocoa mask, spirulina mask and many other anti-acne and anti-aging hair care gestures. Today we bring you salicylic acid - one of the biggest enemies of pimples and blackheads. What exactly does this miracle product do and what are the best ways to reap its benefits?

All the Reasons Your Dermis Needs Salicylic Acid to Be Clear, Glowing, and Healthy

If you want to improve the health and appearance of your skin, it is essential that you know the most effective ingredients available in cosmetic products. Looking at various options, it's likely that at one point or another you will come across the term salicylic acid, which could lead to a lot of questions.

First, let's establish what salicylic acid is. In the first place, it is a beta-hydroxy acid derived from willow bark that belongs to a class of substances called salicylates. Its structure is important because it makes the acid more soluble in oil and it can therefore penetrate through the lipid layers between the cells of the dermis, hence its ability to unclog deep pores.

What does salicylic acid do on the skin?

The properties of this product make it a powerful agent for treating acne and blackheads. Once it penetrates the skin, salicylic acid dissolves skin debris (excess sebum) that clogs pores, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and also stimulates pimples and red pustules to go away faster. To summarize, we can say that its main advantages are:

• Fights acne
• Eliminates dead skin cells
• Decreases oil secretion
• Reduces inflammation and redness

In addition to treating acne, you may have seen salicylic acid in products that "rejuvenate" or "lighten" your skin. This is because it is used as a gentler chemical peel for acne-prone patients.

Exfoliating action

The breakdown of the lipid bonds between the cells of the skin promotes its exfoliation. Salicylic acid is considered a keratolytic drug, which means that it causes softening and peeling of the upper skin layer. The product also breaks up and detaches desmosomes (attachments between cells in the dermis).

One of the most remarkable benefits of salicylic acid treatment is its ability to renew the skin. Many problems are indeed caused by the accumulation of dead cells on the surface of the epidermis. The acid destroys the opened scales which cause clogged pores. All dirt and bacteria are removed, improving the health and appearance of your complexion.

A real enemy of black and whiteheads

The etiology of acne indicates that skin cells are not behaving normally and rather than dissipating through a healthy cell cycle, they stick together and block pores, creating cysts and blackheads. Salicylic acid helps loosen these skin cells, as well as get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.

What's more, the acid is also lipophilic, which means that it can deep clean excess fat and in this way reduce acne breakouts resulting from the secretion and build-up of sebum.

Specialists mainly determine three factors that contribute to the appearance of acne: abnormal scaling of skin cells, excessive fat and the action of bacteria. Salicylic acid also has some efficacy against cystic acne caused by the latter, due to its antibacterial activity.

Say goodbye to oily skin

Oily skin is a common culprit of blemishes because it clogs pores and prevents the natural cycle of cell loss from occurring. In addition, excess oil on the surface of the epidermis can trap inflammatory bacteria. When applied, salicylic acid can break down the natural oils in the skin. Adding it to your beauty routine can certainly correct blemishes and promote skin health.

Astringent action

In addition to its other remarkable benefits, salicylic acid is also a very effective astringent which can minimize the appearance of pores by tightening the skin. The result is a visibly younger and smoother face.

Reduction of spots

One of the lesser-known benefits of salicylic acid is its ability to treat hyperpigmentation. Following its corrective action, the complexion is evened out and discoloration is reduced.

How often should you use salicylic acid?

After everything you've read, you might be eager to head to the nearest pharmacy and add this superb ingredient to your daily beauty routine. Before doing this, you should know that dermatologists generally do not recommend very frequent use because of the potential of the product to irritate and dry out the skin. It is advisable to apply once or twice a week, increasing the frequency according to tolerance. If your skin begins to peel excessively, become irritated or very dry, procedures should be reduced or use discontinued. Although it is rare, you can have an allergy. In this case, consult a doctor immediately.

Indeed, the recommended concentration of a salicylic acid product varies from person to person and should be discussed with your dermatologist. The use depends on the type of skin and the severity of the skin problem. For example, while acid is a reliable option for treating superficial acne, oral prescription medication may be needed to relieve cystic acne.

Eventually, applying any salicylate to very large areas of your body can lead to poisoning. So don't apply a layer all over it - stick only to the blemish-prone areas.

Who should avoid using the product?

Depending on the concentration and number of applications, some people may experience dryness, peeling, redness and irritation of the skin. For this reason, those whose skin is already very dry or sensitive should avoid this acid completely. It is also not the best choice if you are pregnant or taking certain medications, including blood thinners.