When you think of pimples or acne, the first thing that comes to mind is salicylic acid. Many of the cleansers, moisturizers, and serums we use contain salicylic acid. But do we know how and how much it should be used?
Among the ingredients that work well against acne, salicylic acid is at the top of the list. But what does it actually do, how do you get the benefits, who can use it and who can’t, why is salicylic acid so popular for acne reduction, and many more questions come to mind. Today I will share with you the A to Z of salicylic acid. Read today’s article carefully to know the uses and benefits of salicylic acid in skincare.
What is Salicylic Acid?
To understand how salicylic acid works, we first need to know what it actually is. The matter is a bit complicated, though. But since this topic is about the ingredients of skincare products, it is better for us to know a little about it.
There are two types of acids we often see in skincare products:
- Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. Beta hydroxy acid is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate through the skin’s lipid layer into pores and unclog them. Both alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid exfoliate the skin. However, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are water-soluble, while beta hydroxy acids (BHA) are oil-soluble.
Uses and Benefits of Salicylic Acid in Skincare:
Salicylic acid penetrates deep into our skin to target acne and slowly dry it up. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce red, painful acne quickly. Now, let’s learn about its uses and benefits in skincare.
1. Acts as a Chemical Exfoliator
Salicylic acid exfoliates our skin to remove dead skin cells and softens the skin. Often, makeup and external dust accumulate and clog the pores of the skin. Salicylic acid helps unclog these pores.
2. Removes Facial Acne
As mentioned earlier, it removes pollution from skin pores. Having clean pores greatly reduces the chances of pimples or acne. Salicylic acid also helps reduce cystic acne due to its antibacterial properties.
3. Reduces Blackheads and Whiteheads
We often have blackheads and whiteheads on our nose, cheeks, and nostrils. Regular use of products containing salicylic acid can easily get rid of them. It deeply cleans the skin from the inside by reducing oiliness and effectively reduces blackheads and whiteheads.
People Who Should Not Use Salicylic Acid:
Overuse of salicylic acid can cause side effects such as redness and excessively dry skin. In many cases, if used in amounts exceeding the recommended dosage, the skin becomes sensitive. Therefore, those with dry or sensitive skin should not use products containing salicylic acid.
Also, those who are pregnant or on any medication must consult a doctor regarding the use of active ingredients. However, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, small doses of salicylic acid are safe to use during pregnancy.
What Products Can You Use as a Beginner?
Which products with salicylic acid we use for our acne will depend on whether the acne is mild or severe. Usually, 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid is used in skincare products, and this amount is safe.
There are many brands of cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and chemical exfoliators that contain salicylic acid. As a beginner, you can use a cleanser with salicylic acid for acne-prone skin. However, three things must be kept in mind:
1. If using salicylic acid, sunscreen must be applied.
2. A good moisturizer should be used according to the skin type.
3. After age 20, you can put serum in your skincare routine, but not before.
My Experience
For my oily and acne-prone skin, I use a cleanser with 0.5% salicylic acid, which helps control excess sebum on the skin and reduce my acne breakouts. I use this cleanser three to four days a week, only at night. I used to have problems with closed comedones, which have been greatly reduced by using this cleanser.
Precautions While Using Products Containing Salicylic Acid:
Do not apply a serum containing the same ingredients at the same time as a salicylic acid-based toner. It can make the skin over-exfoliated and over-dry. If desired, you can apply a hyaluronic acid-based serum after a salicylic acid-rich toner.
Again, if you use a toner with niacinamide, you can apply a serum with salicylic acid afterward. If you use retinol twice a week at night, do not apply AHA and BHA-based products during that time. This is how you need to balance your skincare ingredients.
Conclusion
We definitely understand why salicylic acid is a lifesaver ingredient for acne-prone skin. For those who suffer from acne, add a product containing salicylic acid to your skincare routine with the advice of a beauty expert. And yes, don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you use any product with salicylic acid!
