Salicylic acid is the new skincare ingredient that is the talk of the town! Right from vloggers to skin specialists, it is recommended as the one-stop solution for our skin concerns.
It is no exaggeration when we say it is the golden grail for skincare. Salicylic acid stays true to its word and protects the skin against build-up of dead skin cells, redness, excess oil and clogged pores. It also helps treat other skin care issues caused due to adverse environmental conditions, such as dryness and scaliness.
If you have acne-prone skin and have not found the right ingredient for its treatment, then salicylic acid is the perfect one for you!
Salicylic acid can also come handy if you have irritated skin. It reduces skin inflammation, allergic reactions, and is extremely gentle on the skin.
Not sure where and how to start? Scroll down to find all the answers related to salicylic acid!
CONTENT INDEX
- What exactly is salicylic acid?
- Benefits of salicylic acid
- Side effects of salicylic acid
- How do we use it?
Everything You Need To Know About Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that occurs as a natural compound in plants. It is part of a class of drugs known as salicylates. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid may work by helping the skin to shed its dead skin cells and bring out the inner glow of the face.
It is also one of the best skin ointments for acne. Salicylic acid heals skin wounds and treats acne and acne scars through penetration of the deeper levels of the skin.
You can get your hands on over-the-counter salicylic acid medications, or use products enriched with salicylic acid to cure mild acne, wrinkles and glowing, dewy skin.
Now let us look at the benefits of salicylic acid for our face and skin.
Goodness of Salicylic Acid
Benefits for our face and skin
Prevents acne
Salicylic acid is best known for preventing skin conditions that let acne appear. It is comedolytic which means it is an important factor that unclogs skin pores. And due to unclogging of pores, there is reduction in blackheads and whiteheads, along with acne. Isn't that good news?
It also controls excess sebum production by the skin glands, which is the primary cause for acne. The best part is that it also gets rid of acne scars and blemishes due to its ability to break the bonds between the skin cells in the outermost layer of the skin.
Removes dead skin cells
Another advantage of using salicylic acid is that it gets rid of dead skin cells that are piled up under the skin. Salicylic acid is a gentle ingredient used in cleansers to clean pores, remove dead cells and boost collagen production.
Collagen is needed for promoting cell generation by which new cells replace old ones. To stimulate this process, salicylic acid-based serums are used. This gives way to a brighter, younger skin with less wrinkles and fine lines.
It is a gentle astringent
Salicylic acid works as a mild astringent. This property aids this beta hydroxide acid to tighten the pores, reduce oil secretion and redness, and remove acne. By shrinking the appearance of pores and tightening the skin, salicylic acid makes the skin smoother and younger.
Fights inflammation
Skin inflammation and redness can be a real problem. It is very hard to find the right ingredient that is both mild on the skin and at the same time treats the inflammation too. Do not fear when salicylic acid is near!
Salicylic acid does the job by using its anti-inflammatory properties. It fights against swelling and redness caused by skin inflammation. In addition to this, salicylic acid also has antimicrobial properties, which means that it can kill bacteria and other particles that cause acne.
Soothes sunburns
Salicylic acid, because of its mild nature, is an excellent ointment for treating sunburns. All thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces swelling and irritation caused by the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. It also prevents peeling and blistering by keeping the skin hydrated.
Decreases whiteheads and blackheads
Whiteheads and blackheads can be annoying, especially when they come along with acne. But hail salicylic acid the savior! It reduces all forms of acne conditions that include pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.
Just a few drops of salicylic acid a day, keeps these skin problems away!
Now that we have talked about the benefits, are there any side effects we should be mindful of?
Not so Good Effects of Salicylic Acid
Keep these things in mind, next time you purchase salicylic acid for your skin. The most common side effects one experiences, especially at the beginning of using it, is skin irritation, swelling and itching. Ironic that the very same agent that is used to treat these skin problems, actually ends up increasing it. But this seldom happens, and only when we do not patch test the product.
This is why choosing the product and giving it a patch test is a must. If you continue to see these symptoms, then stop using the product altogether. Do ask your doctor before going for a higher percentage of the acid.
Do not, I repeat, do not mix this ingredient with retinol or glycolic acid while applying on the face. All of these are very strong ingredients that do not go well with each other. If the allergic reactions worsen, such as difficulty in breathing, swelling or hives, please consult a doctor immediately.
How do we Use Salicylic Acid?
Use the product according to the instructions on the package. Do check if you are allergic to the ingredient by performing a patch test. After confirming its safety, you can start applying the ointment, gel, or salicylic acid face wash,cream on the areas of acne or blemishes, usually once or twice a day.
This medication is for the skin only. So beware not to get this near your eyes, nose or mouth, and broken skin. Before applying, wash the face with a gentle cleanser and then pat dry. After you apply salicylic acid on your face, follow it up with a moisturizer.
The key takeaway,
Salicylic acid has numerous benefits for the skin. It unclogs the pores, keeps the skin free from bacteria and acne, and also keeps inflammation, redness and other problems at bay.
It is ideal to choose skincare products that are mild for the skin. UnbottleCo practices a skin range that contains ingredients that are all natural and free from harsh toxins!
Skin Brightening Body Wash Proven to Even Out Skin Tone with Kakadu Plum and Rosehip Oil
Hi! I’m Tuco Skintelligent Skin Brightening Body Wash. Here are the botanical super-actives I have inside me.
To treat:
- Kakadu plum, rich in Vitamin C, brightens skin tone
- Turmeric acts as a powerful antioxidant to eliminate free radicals
To prevent recurrence:
- Rosehip oil exfoliates and brightens skin
- Witch hazel relieves inflammation and tightens pores
- Sodium hyaluronate has the magical duality to both moisturize skin and reduce inflammation
Skin Brightening Botanical Face Serum Proven to Even Out Skin Tone with Kakadu Plum and Rosehip Oil
Hi! I’m Tuco Skintelligent Skin Brightening Face Serum. Here are the botanical super-actives I have inside me.
To treat:
- Kakadu plum, rich in Vitamin C, brightens skin tone
- Safflower seed is an antioxidant storehouse and lightens acne scars
To prevent recurrence:
- Rosehip oil exfoliates and brightens skin
- Curcumin from turmeric acts as a powerful antioxidant to eliminate free radicals
Age-defence Face Cleanser Proven to Fight Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Grapeseed Oil and Alpha Arbutin
Hi! I’m Tuco Skintelligent Age-defence Face Cleanser. Here are the botanical super-actives I have inside me.
To treat:
- Alpha-arbutin brightens skin tone and heals skin damage
- Grapeseed oil promotes skin elasticity and flexibility
To prevent recurrence:
- Green tea reduces free radicals and detoxes skin
- Saffron evens and brightens skin tone without causing breakouts
Acne Clearing Body Wash Proven to Fight Acne and Dark Spots with Witch Hazel and Chamomile
Hi! I’m Tuco Skintelligent Acne Clearing Body Wash. Here are the botanical super-actives I have inside me.
To treat:
- Witch hazel relieves inflammation and tightens skin pores
- Chamomile acts as a powerful antioxidant to eliminate free radicals
To prevent recurrence:
- Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial which reduces acne causing infection
- Glycerin boosts skin’s ability to absorb nutrients