Salicylic Acid 101: What Is It and How Does It Work?

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), has become commonly used in products used to treat acne and pimples. 

It works as an exfoliant that helps shed dead skin and unclog pores which acts on black heads, whiteheads and oily skin. It is oil soluble, hence helps with unclogging pores and clearing out excess sebum. 

1. Breaking down basics: 

• Exfoliation
  Salicylic acid is a mild exfoliating agent that helps shed the outermost layer of the skin and breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells. This unclogs pores and prevents blockages causing acne, revealing fresh clear skin. 
  
  
• Penetration of pores
  Since it has an oil soluble formula, it penetrates deep into the pores, dissolving oil and dirt that can cause acne formation. This helps clear off blackheads and whiteheads. 
  
  
• Anti inflammatory effects 
  Salicylic acid helps soothe redness and inflammation on the skin and relieves swelling due to acne. 
  
  
• Treatment of acne
  Salicylic acid has been used in the treatment of acne and pimples for years and is a dermatologist approved skincare active worldwide. By clearing pores off any oil, dirt and impurities , it prevents the formation of comedones. This makes it a great solution for those with an oily skin type and acne prone skin. 

2. How does it penetrate deep into your pores: how does it work?

• Salicylic acid dissolves into the natural sebum of your skin, reaching areas where dead skin cells are trapped. It acts like a keratolytic agent, which means it breaks down the protein in the skin cells, leading to shedding of dead skin.With consistent usage, it accelerates cell turnover, preventing dead skin from accumulating and causing blockages in the pores. 

3. Key benefits of salicylic acid for face:

• Treats acne & marks- It reduces inflammation on the skin and heals breakouts & redness
  
  
• Improves skin texture- It fades rough patches, dark spots and bumps on the skin. Complexion becomes more even toned and smooth. 
  
  
• Reduces pore size- Since pores aren’t stretched out by debris and oil, they remain unclogged, leading to a smoother appearance. 
  
  
• Reduces hyperpigmentation- Fades sun spots, dark spots, promoting cell turnover, accelerates shedding of pigmented skin cells and evens out skin tone. 

• Treats psoriasis- Reduces scaly and thick skin by softening the plaques and shedding dead skin cells.

More than just acne! The versatile benefits of salicylic acid for you skin

4. Key benefits of salicylic acid for scalp:

• Treats dandruff- By exfoliating the scalp, salicylic acid peels off excess flakes, buildup and reduces irritation. 

• Treats scalp acne- Just as it works for the acne on the face, salicylic acid can treat acne on the scalp. It unclogs hair follicles, reduces oil buildup and prevents formation of pimples or cysts on the scalp. 
• Improves hair growth- A squeaky clean scalp provides an optimal surface for accelerated hair growth. Salicylic acid helps create a suitable scalp microbiome for hair growth. 
• Helps with seborrheic dermatitis- This is a condition which causes red, scaly patches on the scalp. Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the scalp and reduce the discomfort caused by this problem. 
  
  

  5. Is it right for your skin type?: 

• Oily skin- If you’re someone with a generally oily skin type, you can benefit from using salicylic acid. It can regulate sebum production and reduce shine, minimize pores and prevent breakouts. 
• Acne prone skin- It works on clearing existing acne , preventing new breakouts and improving skin textures. 
• Dry skin- Salicylic acid might not suit dry skin types as it can further exacerbate stripping down of the skin barrier.
• Sensitive skin- If you have a sensitive skin type, then choose products with a lower concentration of salicylic acid. You must also choose other ingredients like aloe vera and niacinamide which can protect the skin barrier and calm the skin.
  
  6. How to use salicylic acid in your routine:
  
  
• Use a good salicylic acid based face wash to deep cleanse any impurities and toxins present in the skin. It can penetrate deep into the pores and exfoliate without scrubbing, helping with acne & pimples.
• For dandruff, using a salicylic acid based serum can eliminate active dandruff & dead skin. It unclogs pores to give your scalp freshness and a squeaky clean feel. 
• Follow up, with a shampoo that contains salicylic acid. A gentle salicylic acid based shampoo can exfoliate your scalp without being abrasive, and help get rid of any buildup and clogged follicles. It will also regulate sebum production on the scalp to prevent excess oil. 

7. Minimize irritation and Maximize results: Dos and Don'ts:

        Dos:

• Use a hydrating moisturiser- Salicylic acid can be drying on some skin types, in that case it is essential to pair it up with a hydrating moisturiser. Preferably one containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid or glycerine. 

• Use an SPF( 50+) - Salicylic acid can make skin more sensitive to UV damage, so it's essential to pair it up with a broad spectrum sunscreen.
  
  
• Patch test first- If you have sensitive skin, use the salicylic acid based product only on a small area of the skin, instead of using it all over. This will help you know if your skin is responding well to the product or not. 
  
  

  Don’ts:

• Don’t mix with harsh actives in the same routine- Do not use salicylic acid with strong AHA’s. Instead use them on alternate nights to avoid any allergic reaction.

• Don’t use it on open wounds or broken skin- If you apply an exfoliant like salicylic acid on an open cut or inflamed skin, it can sting you and cause worse reactions

• Don’t use it right before waxing or shaving- Using salicylic acid based treatments right before your waxing or shaving routine, can increase the sensitivity of your skin and lead to redness and bumps. 

Conclusion:

To sum up the power of salicylic acid, it is your new best friend if you’re someone who suffers from acne, pimples, dandruff and other inflammatory conditions on your skin & hair. Even if you have an oily skin type in general, this ingredient can work like magic to prevent and erase any of these conditions. Be consistent with it and make it a vital part of your daily acne friendly skin care regime!