It can be overwhelming to read ingredient lists, especially when looking for an activity that will address your skin’s most significant concerns. Salicylic acid can be a good addition to any skin care regimen if you have acne-prone or oily skin. Salicylic Acid sounds intense but is quite gentle. It depends on how sensitive you are and your concentration. It’s an acid that is known to be oil-balancing and acne-busting.
Three board-certified dermatologists gave us the lowdown on salicylic acids: what it is, how it works, and for whom it should be used.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (aka BHA) that’s oil and fat-soluble. Which means it’s oil- and fat-soluble. This acid can penetrate even the most oily skin and can move deep into the pores to unclog them. It can exfoliate the skin, remove excess oil and balance sebum levels.
What is the effect of salicylic acid on the skin?
Let’s discuss what it does and why it is so good. Salicylic acid has several skin-care benefits, from removing dead skin cells to reducing dark spots.
It is an excellent exfoliator
BHAs, including salicylic acid, are used to exfoliate. e are similar to AHAs in that they are used for chemical exfoliation,” says a board-certified dermatologist. This acid is gentle for those with sensitive skin and redness or rosacea. Use this acid according to the instructions, as using it too much can dry out your skin.
This is great for acne
Salicylic acid is antimicrobial, and according to the board-certified dermatologist a data-track event ran Lal, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group, it can go deep into your pores and break open and close comedones (again since the BHA is oil-soluble). It also reduces the appearance of acne-induced hyperpigmentation. We’re all for a more even and more precise skin tone.
It’s a kind of vacuum for your pores
Mikhailov repeats: “Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into pores than AHAs.” It can penetrate deep into pores and help remove excess sebum, dirt, and oil. Clear pores make the skin look softer, smoother, and suppler.
It can promote healthy hair
Anti-dandruff shampoos as it helps loosen dry flakes,” Mikhailov says. If you have dandruff, consult a dermatologist or trichologist to determine if salicylic acid is the best option.
Who should use this?
Lal and Mikhailov both agree that salicylic acid works best on oily skin. Salicylic acid is also great for hyperpigmentation and rosacea.
This ingredient is drying and should be avoided by people with sensitive or dehydrated skin. Mikhailov says some salicylic acid cleansers are formulated with moisturizing ingredients, making them suitable for all types of skin. The acid is also prepared at a lower concentration in these cleansers than the leave-on products, making them much gentler for the skin.
What are the side effects of taking a steroid?
Salicylic acid can be tolerated in most cases, but it can dry out some people. This is the main purpose of this ingredient. Its primary benefit is to absorb excess oil. If you don’t already have excessive oil, your skin will be tight, dry, and possibly irritated.
Salicylic acid is generally only to be used according to the instructions. So, please don’t throw away your skin care packaging before you have read them. Most products recommend using them one to two times per day. If your skin feels uncomfortable, flaky, or even irritated, reduce the amount of time you use it.