When to Use and When to Avoid Salicylic Acid

 

What's the Science behind Salicylic Acid? 

A hormone called salicylic acid is naturally produced by plants as a defense mechanism against pathogenic or environmental stress. Additionally, it is a derivative of aspirin

Now for the science part: Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA for short, which means that it contains two different types of acids. There are alpha hydroxy acids, which help to make your skin look smoother and more even by gently exfoliating the top layer of the skin. Beta acids are another option; they penetrate the skin deeper, clearing clogged pores and working their magic from the inside out. Additionally, beta acids have exfoliating and antibacterial properties.

What does Salicylic Acid do for the Skin? 

Salicylic acid can work deep within your skin. This characteristic makes it a particularly effective ingredient for treating acne, especially blackheads and whiteheads.

Salicylic acid "dissolves skin materials that clog pores, [acts] as an anti-inflammatory, and also helps red, inflamed pimples and pustules go away more quickly" once it has entered the skin.

Ways to Use Salicylic Acid 

You've probably seen salicylic acid, a crucial component, in numerous cleansers, face masks, and acne treatments. It's a highly suggested ingredient for anyone struggling with oily skin, blackheads, or acne because of its antibacterial properties and capacity to deeply exfoliate skin to unclog pores. But you've come to the right place if you're wondering precisely what salicylic acid is and how it functions. For a thorough examination of salicylic acid, scroll down.

When should I use Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid can be used in your morning and evening routines, depending on the product you use, but you should be careful to avoid over-exfoliating skin. You should use a targeted spot treatment daily until a breakout has cleared up even though salicylic acid cleansers are typically gentle enough to use every day. Masks and toners containing salicylic acid, however, should be applied less frequently. Make sure to always include an SPF in your skincare routine on a daily basis when using any kind of exfoliant because they make your skin more susceptible to UV rays.  

Possible Salicylic Acid Side Effects

There is such a thing as having too much satisfaction. Some side effects may occur in people who apply too much salicylic acid or who use the product excessively for an extended period of time. These problems typically revolve around skin issues. Some of the most frequent negative effects of using salicylic acid include the following:

Sunburns: Overusing salicylic acid can result in chemical burns, and regular use can also expose skin to the sun too much. Use sunscreen in addition to any salicylic acid product because sunburn is a frequent side effect for people who use any BHA-containing product.

Extreme Dryness or an Oily Feeling: Since salicylic acid treatments promote cell turnover, exfoliation, and peeling, they may have a drying effect.