While living in an age of countless skin care regimes and remedies can be overwhelming, getting back to basics and addressing the actual problem can do wonders.
Acne is an exceedingly common skin condition affecting millions around the world. Even though there are various treatment options available to combat Acne, Salicylic Acid has emerged as a powerful and effective tool for the same.
In this blog post, we will cover how Salicylic acid works to resolve Acne conditions, its uses, and its benefits.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
As a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), Salicylic acid is derived from the willow bark and has wonderful properties for effective Acne treatment.
How does it work? By penetrating our skin and exfoliating its outermost layer, unclogging pores, and minimizing inflammation.
It helps the skin shed dead cells from the topmost layer which may in turn help decrease swelling and redness (inflammation). This process reduces the formation of pimples and encourages faster healing.
Acne formation is a result of excess oil and debris that accumulate on the skin, especially within the pores.
Salicylic acid works by having the ability to dissolve them and help prevent future breakouts.
How does the Skin actually benefit from Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid has earned the reputation of becoming a cornerstone ingredient in the fight against Acne. And to do its job, Salicylic acid goes deep into your skin.
Its penetrative quality is why most dermatologists or skin doctors end up prescribing it for Acne treatment.
The acid helps dissolve actual intracellular “glue” holding skin cells together, unclogging dirt, debris, and excess oil from pores along the way. Salicylic acid also helps loosen “desmosomes”- attachments that are found between cells in the skin’s outermost layer.
This action further promotes unclogging of pores as well as skin exfoliation, dissolving cysts and blackheads. Moreover, this superhero ingredient is suitable for various skin textures and is available as cleansers, spot treatments, moisturizers, or toners.
This is a major reason for people being able to incorporate it into their skincare regimens easily. It helps regulate the skin cells and also primarily targets antibacterial activity.
How to use Salicylic acid on the skin effectively
All skincare is incomplete without a healthy routine that caters to your specific skin type and its problems.
To effectively use Salicylic acid for acne treatment, one can begin by using a mild cleanser or cleansing solution. Apply a product with Salicylic acid on affected areas, letting it penetrate clogged pores. Gentle application or spot treatment can let it sit on your skin longer. It is important to follow directions on the product packaging without excessive use. Too much Salicylic acid is also known to cause skin irritation.
One can also use a Vitamin C serum as it works well in conjunction with any cleanser having Salicylic acid.
Conclusion
For any skin irritation or dryness related to Salicylic acid use, it is always wise to consult a dermatologist on what best suits your skin.
While using this ingredient consistently can help clear your skin and fight off inflammation, it is best to consult a skin specialist to help identify what you need for better, beautiful skin.
