Acne is a condition that we all can hate as a species, and with countless skin care products that help in getting rid of acne, it’s quite evident that we do not like acne. Salicylic Acid (a type of BHA- Beta Hydroxy Acid) has become all the rage as people begin to notice its miraculous benefits against acne.
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Yet over 85% of the people between the age of 14 and 25 are affected by acne. So are we failing this fight against these pesky bumps on our skin that ruin your outing plans? Not exactly because we have salicylic acid as the last bastion of hope.
But before you wield this weapon, it is important to know everything that you need to know about salicylic acid for acne-prone skin. Improper use of this chemical on your skin can not only result in ineffectiveness, but also skin damage.
What is Salicylic Acid used for?
Salicylic acid is a mild acid that can be applied on the skin in limited concentration. Depending on the skincare product, its concentration can range from 0.5% to 3%. We’ll discuss different products in the latter section of this article.
It is one of the beta hydroxy acids or BHA. Sounds familiar? BHA is also used as a chemical exfoliator. It is usually extracted from natural sources such as willow bark or produced through chemical processes.
The most common use of this acid in skin care products is reduction of acne symptoms such as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, etc. It is also used as a strong face wash for people with oily skin.
Long-term use of salicylic acid can reduce oiliness and as a result, make your pores look much smaller.
How It Works Against Acne
The process of how salicylic acid works is very straight-forward and simple; the main reason why we develop acne is due to the dirt and dead skin cells clogging our skin pores. These pores are filled with oil and hence, you get blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Salicylic acid dissolves the layers of dirt and dead skin cells clogging your pores. Once this hardened layer is taken off, the oil and other pollutants can be cleaned off easily.
Who Should Avoid Salicylic Acid?
While salicylic acid is wonderful against acne and cleans the skin thoroughly, it is not right for everyone:
- People with Very Dry Skin: Salicylic acid provides excellent cleaning of the skin, which means that along with dirt, dead skin cells, and other pollutants, it also removes the oil from the skin. People with mildly dry skin would be okay using cleansers with low concentrations of salicylic acid. But if you are someone with excessively dry and flaky skin, it is better to consult your dermatologist before getting anything with salicylic acid. You can try mild ones with 0.5% to 1% concentration to test the waters.
- People with a compromised skin barrier: Overdrying of the skin can lead to skin irritation, dryness, redness, itching, etc. It can also mess up your natural skin barrier causing other skin conditions. So, consult your dermat before you use it. Over exfoliation can damage your skin, lead to skin conditions, and even make your skin sensitive.
- People with eczema or eczema-prone skin: Using products with salicylic acid can make the skin drier, aggravating the symptoms. If you have eczema or eczema-prone skin, it is better to stick with the skin care products your dermatologist prescribed you.
- Do not use if you’re experiencing the flu or chickenpox
Some Great Salicylic Acid Products
As mentioned before, salicylic acid comes in different concentrations. You can get it in serums, mild soaps, and cleansing pads where the concentration ranges from 0.5% to 3%. These products are great for people with dry to oily skin. You can try it and see how your skin responds to the acid. No matter how oily your skin is, it is better to consult your dermatologist before taking lotions and ointments with 7% or 8% concentration of BHA.
Here are some great skincare products that are effective and affordable that you can try. We’ve added the link as well so that you can check them out easily. As always, take care of your skin.
- Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash
- Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum For Acne, Blackheads & Open Pores
- The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Serum with Witch Hazel & Willow Bark for Active Acne
