If you're dealing with problems like blackheads, pimples, or dull looking skin and haven't been able to solve them with the cosmetics you have at home, you probably haven't purchased salicylic acid yet. This is a key ingredient to help you fight acne, known for its powers to reduce and heal inflammation, exfoliate the skin, and fight bacteria.

Of course, as with any cosmetic ingredient, questions arise such as what is salicylic acid, when and how to use it, benefits and contraindications, and the list goes on. In this article you will find the necessary information that will answer all your questions about salicylic acid. After reading the whole thing you will understand how important it is to have this miracle ingredient on hand.

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that plays an important role in the skin's natural exfoliation process. Originally, salicylic acid was originally derived from the bark of certain plants (such as white willow), and today it is created in the laboratory. But this all-natural ingredient has long been used to treat a variety of issues, including irritated, rough-looking skin and small bumps.

This minor condition, also known as keratosis pilaris or follicularis, occurs due to excess keratin accumulating in the pores, being a mixture of sebum and dead cells. Normally, these buildups should clear up after a day or so. However, this natural exfoliation can be affected due to hereditary conditions, hormonal imbalance or exposure to stress. Fortunately, salicylic acid is an ingredient you can use with confidence when dealing with these skin issues.

You can use salicylic acid all over the skin, especially in areas where pimples or acne appear. For example, to remove dead cells and especially for those who face the problem of pimples on the back, a body cream with salicylic acid is indicated . This cream is specially created for "stressed" skin, absorbs excess sebum, gently exfoliates the skin and soothes skin irritations. And the skin on our body deserves the same care as the skin of the complexion, and this will also be reflected in your general condition.

Benefits of Salicylic Acid

Before we go into detail about all the benefits of salicylic acid and how it works, we will summarize these advantages below. It will be much easier for you to review when you are interested in knowing exactly in which situations it is good to turn to salicylic acid.

• Fights acne

• Removes dead skin cells

• Decreases sebum secretion

• Reduces inflammation and redness

A very important first point is that salicylic acid is oil soluble, so it is able to penetrate deep into the follicles and remove the blockages from within, helping to exfoliate the skin. This advantage makes it more useful than AHAs - alpha-hydroxy acids (acids such as glycolic or lactic acid, used to exfoliate the skin) in the treatment of breakouts, which are water-soluble and do not penetrate pores as easily.

If you've been wanting to try an acid scrub instead of a traditional granular scrub, then salicylic acid is your best bet. It is much gentler on the skin than abrasive scrubs. In this context, we recommend a shower gel with salicylic acid . As I mentioned before, the skin of the body also deserves special attention. You are often tempted to choose those granulated exfoliants, sometimes too abrasive, for the rest of your body. You can also try a milder version of exfoliation and you will be delighted with the result. The benefits of salicylic acid shower gel include rejuvenating the skin, soothing irritations, and being perfect for acne-prone skin.

Salicylic acid is also anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for inflammation-prone conditions like acne and rosacea. Salicylic acid can also be used for other skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Another benefit of salicylic acid is the reduction of blackheads. Salicylic acid also acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing red, inflamed spots and contributing to the rapid healing process. It also helps reduce the blackheads on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) that bother so much when it comes to the appearance of the skin.

Although many people experience these problems and it is something normal, however, regaining the clean appearance of the skin can be improved by introducing salicylic acid into the care routine. This ingredient will make your skin look smoother and feel much smoother.

Although people with different skin types can benefit from the properties of salicylic acid, it is optimal for oily or acne-prone skin due to its ability to help control excess oil production and improve the appearance of clogged pores, blackheads and the complexion matte, lacks luster.

How to Use Salicylic Acid?

As with most ingredients, you'll find salicylic acid in various cosmetics. This will help you discover the formula that best suits your skin's needs. The treatments that you can use without a medical prescription from the dermatologist are those with concentrations between 0.5% and 2%. The most recommended concentration is 1-2% BHA, without alcohol or fragrance. After applying the concentrated acid solution, it is advisable to apply an intensively moisturizing cream, as salicylic acid tends to dry the skin. Between the acid and the cream you have to wait a while, to let the solution be well absorbed into the skin.

You can use salicylic acid masks , if you want a quick action and a regular, but not daily, use. These masks will act immediately by exfoliating the skin, moisturizing, reducing sebum secretion and stimulating collagen secretion.

Regardless of the cosmetic product you opt for, it is important to apply it on a clean face and initially use it on alternate days (one day yes, one day no), then apply daily, only once. It is safe for daily use and you can gradually increase the dose, applying twice a day, as needed by your skin. If skin dryness or excessive peeling occurs, doctors recommend reducing the frequency of application, as the skin barrier may be damaged.

Is Sun Protection Necessary When Using Salicylic Acid?

Normally, regardless of what other cosmetic products you use or not, sunscreen should not be missing from your skin care routine. Whether it's summer or winter. Daily sun protection is an essential part of any effective skin care routine and should be applied every morning, regardless of whether you use salicylic acid or not. A cream with SPF 15 or higher is recommended for daily use and will be reapplied every two hours when you are exposed to the sun for extended periods.

If you have not emphasized the importance of sun protection creams until now, if you choose to use salicylic acid, you must also include an SPF cream in your care routine. This is especially important because the exfoliating effects of this ingredient will make the skin more vulnerable to harmful UV rays. It is recommended that you take extra protection against the effects of the sun when using salicylic acid, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses.

Can Salicylic Acid be Combined with Other Cosmetic Ingredients?

Salicylic acid is generally considered to be an ingredient that is suitable for daily use. If the directions are followed and your skin responds well to salicylic acid treatment, then it can be used in combination with other skin care ingredients. But it is very important to use active substances with caution, because they can cause irritation and dry out the face very much.

For example, it is important to pay close attention to the combination of retinol and salicylic acid. Both ingredients have an exfoliating role for the skin and rejuvenating effects. But if you do not know in advance how your skin responds to retinol or salicylic acid, it is advisable to avoid the combinations. It is best to test them separately, to be sure that you tolerate them very well, and then to resort to some combinations.

You may find products that combine salicylic acid with other mild exfoliants, such as lactic acid alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or glycolic acid. They give the skin a smoother and brighter appearance. As is recommended with all chemical exfoliants, you should follow the directions on the product label closely and seek the advice of a dermatologist when you are unsure of your choices.

Adverse Effects of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is considered a safe product that can be used by people with different skin types, being the most suitable for those with acne-prone or acne-prone skin. However, as I pointed out above, used in excess, in inappropriate combinations or on skin that does not respond favorably to the effects of this ingredient, it can have several adverse reactions. These include irritation, itching, dryness and peeling of the skin. To see if you tolerate salicylic acid, you can do a small skin test on a small portion of the skin and be aware of possible side effects.

Regarding the use of this acid during pregnancy, there are many opinions, whether or not it is indicated. Some recommendations claim that it is recommended, but with a concentration of less than 2%. Alete, on the other hand, recommends that it be completely avoided, even if certain side effects that it can cause are not known. The safest thing to do during pregnancy is to follow the advice of your dermatologist, who will be able to recommend what is beneficial for your health.

In conclusion, salicylic acid is a safe ingredient to incorporate into your skincare routine thanks to its exfoliating, anti-inflammatory and acne-healing benefits. You can enjoy this ingredient right at your home, choosing products such as creams, serums, toners, cleansers that contain salicylic acid. Whichever type you choose, you will immediately notice the amazing effects of this ingredient on your skin.