SALICYLIC ACID IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Updated: Mar 12, 2022
What is Salicylic Acid? – First off, the word acid alone can be a scary term but, always remember that some acids are good for the skin. Salicylic acid is referred to BHA a type of Beta Hydroxy Acid. Which is oil soluble and can penetrate deeply into pores, unclogging blockages to prevent blemishes. Salicylic Acid typically exfoliates dead skin cells encouraging cell turnover. It is also a hormone that is produced naturally by plants. It derives from willow trees/bush and in other words defined as the Willow Bark.
How does using Salicylic Acid in skincare benefit the skin? – Salicylic Acid in creams, lotions, liquids (serums), shampoos and toners etc. is used to treat a variety of skin complexities that is associated with excess dead skin cells. It can assist in treating psoriasis, dandruff, blackheads, and clogged pores. People with acne can benefit through using salicylic acid in their skincare routine to help minimize the appearance of blemishes, acne, clogged pores, blackheads etc.
How does Salicylic Acid help with acne complexities? Salicylic Acid decreases the buildup of dead skin cells at the top layer called the stratum corneum. Blackheads and clogged pores have excess stratum corneum dead cells stuck in the opening of the pores. Salicylic Acid is used to treat these blackheads and clogged pores. Which has been a stable in treating acne since the 1950's. Salicylic Acid is effective at penetrating sebum and oily clogged pores. Using glycolic Acid with Salicylic Acid helps penetrate oily skin while together loosening and reducing blackheads.
Salicylic Acid contains the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin that causes the top layer of the skin to swell to then it becomes softer that further assists in getting rid of impurities and debris that is present on your skin. Which includes dead skin cells and dirt that accumulates overtime. All these complexities can leave your skin dull so, that is what salicylic acid can help to get your skin back to its healthy and clear state. Salicylic Acid basically renews the skin which means lesser acne, acne scars and blackheads.
What is the role that salicylic Acid has in anti-aging? – Salicylic Acid improves the appearance in sun damaged skin. It is often used in cosmetic acid peels to reduce the appearance in rough and dull skin that is caused by sun damage. This is found in some topical anti-aging treatments that is partnered with retinol another powerful anti-aging ingredient.
Can you use Salicylic Acid every day? – Short answer Yes & No. Yes, Salicylic Acid can be used every day for most skin types. However, you must be aware of your skin before deciding to use it every day. If your skin is sensitive and have severe acne/rosacea, then it is recommended to only use Salicylic Acid a couple of times a week. People with rosacea should not use Salicylic Acid as it will only irritate the skin more.
How long does it take for Salicylic Acid to work? – Usually, it will take 4-6 weeks to see results. However, in some cases it could take a little longer up to 3-4 months. Which means for long term results continuous usage is recommended.
Where can I find products with Salicylic Acid? - Most products that contain Salicylic Acid is found over the counter at beauty stores and drug stores. For certain complexities your doctor may even recommend a prescription to treat your skin depending on the situation.