It can be found in shampoos, cleaners, serums, and lotions.
It also exfoliates the skin, making it beneficial for a flaky scalp or dry skin.
This article will help you decide if and how you should add salicylic acid to your skin care routine.
Kanawa_Studio / Getty Images
Kanawa_Studio / Getty Images
Chemically, What Is Salicylic Acid?
Chemically, salicylic acid is related to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
The two medicines both work to decrease inflammation.
Salicylic acid is applied directly to the skin (topically) for skin care.
Aspirin is often taken as a tablet by mouth.
This article will discuss salicylic acid as an active skin care ingredient.
Most often these days, its made in the lab.
Using too much of these medications can lead to side effects, potentially making your skin worse.
What Does Salicylic Acid Do for Skin?
Salicylic acid has exfoliating, keratolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The buildup of skin flakes and oil in hair follicles can cause acne and blackheads.
It also dissolves away rough or flaky skin from various skin conditions.
This can eliminate whiteheads and blackheads that have already formed and help prevent more spots from forming.
Salicylic acid can also dry out oily skin, which helps prevent new acne-causing blockages.
As an anti-inflammatory, salicylic acid can reduce swelling and redness.
Always read and follow the package directions for your specific product.
These skin care ingredients can help prevent breakouts, but they work differently.
Compounds related to salicylic acids, like aspirin and othersalicylate-based medications, are used in many different ways.
Salicylate-based drugs can be used topically or orally, based on the medication.
Aspirin helps thin the blood and reduce the chance of heart attack or stroke.
Other products, like those for warts, may have salicylic acid in higher concentrations.
Do not use these products on your face.
Generally, use any product containing salicylic acid only as directed.
Apply to the entire area where you get breakouts, not just where theres an active blackhead or pimple.
Also use sunscreen if there isnt one in the product.
They typically contain about 2% salicylic acid.
They can also help reduce the oiliness of the skin.
These lotions are made to reduce the roughness of the skin because of these conditions.
They exfoliate the dead skin cells with salicylic acid and other acids like lactic acid.
They also contain moisturizers to soften the skin.
These conditions, which feature built-up skin, need stronger exfoliation than your face.
Talk to a healthcare provider about warts in those areas.
Review the program instructions on the medication.
Cover the wart with a loose bandage.
It may take several weeks for this medication to work.
It can be used with other treatments like freezing to help them work faster.
Salicylic Acid Peels
Salicylic acid peelsare more potent products.
You’ll likely want to get the peel done multiple times for the best results.
You swipe on the treatment after washing and let the ingredient soak into the skin without washing it off.
The pads are usually textured to provide some mechanical exfoliation to the skin.
When Do You Need Prescription Salicylic Acid?
The maximum dose of OTC salicylic acid for facial skin is 2%.
Amounts of up to 3% are used for scalp and body skin conditions.
Salicylic acid combined with other drugs may be available as a prescription.
Mixed with a corticosteroid, it can be an effective treatment for eczema.
Your condition may worsen during the first few days of treatment.
These reactions often resolve on their own over time.
Moisturizer can help your skin feel better if youre still having symptoms.
Salicylic acid may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Salicylic acid can be combined with many other active skin care ingredients.
But beware of using it alongside irritating agents like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, andRetin-A (tretinoin).
Avoid products that contain alcohol or sulfur or are abrasive or scratchy.
Dont start two new ingredients at the same time.
Wait a few weeks until you see the complete response to the ingredient before making additional changes.
Summary
Salicylic acid is a popular skin care ingredient found in many over-the-counter products.
It offers various benefits for the skin.
Salicylic acid can be a beneficial ingredient in skin care routines.
It works by exfoliating the skin and reducing inflammation.
Salicylic acid is chemically related to aspirin.
It comes from natural products or is made in the lab.
OTC salicylic acid products often contain between 0.5% and 2%.
Higher concentrations are available for specific treatments.
Start with a lower concentration and gradually increase if the skin responds well.
Side effects of salicylic acid include irritation, dryness, and increased sensitivity to the sun.
Avoid using salicylic acid with other irritating agents.
Use sunscreen if products don’t have built-in sun protection.
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