Top 4 Salicylic Acid Benefits For Skin You Need to Know

Out of the plethora of active ingredients that are used to reduce and prevent acne, salicylic acid is definitely the most popular one. Since most dermatologists suggest salicylic acid for acne care and prevention over many other ingredients, it can be interesting to know why it is so popular, what are its benefits and how can you use it for your skin!

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy-acid derived from a chemical compound named salicin. This ingredient is found naturally in the willow bark tree. Salicylic acid benefits include treating issues like dandruff, psoriasis, acne and more based on the dosage and time of use. Salicylic acid today can be found in acne-fighting face washes, serums, and gels too for a holistic skin treatment.

How Does Salicylic Acid Work On Your Skin?

Salicylic acid breaks the bonds between dead skin cells and pores. This helps in the effective unclogging of pores which therefore prevents acne from appearing. Other salicylic acid benefits include reducing redness, swelling and thickening of skin too. Salicylic acid can be used daily along with other complementary skin care products for better results.

Does Salicylic Acid Damage Skin?

Since salicylic acid does work on skin issues by drying up the skin and causing flakes, it can be irritating for those with dry or sensitive skin. However, once the flakes appear, they fall off to give soft and smooth new skin. Salicylic acid is not only effective, but it is safe for all skin types. Only in severe cases, salicylic acid can cause stinging or extreme skin irritation, which is when you should immediately visit a dermatologist!

Can You Use Salicylic Acid Daily?

Salicylic acid is a safe ingredient and is suitable for all skin types, however, using a face wash or cleanser with salicylic acid daily can be more beneficial for your skin than using a salicylic acid serum daily. Salicylic acid face washes are gentle yet penetrate into the pores and unclog them. These face washes provide enough exfoliation so if you use a salicylic acid serum every day, you may experience severe drying and irritation. Make sure to stick to a serum only 2-3 times a week for some extra exfoliation.

Salicylic Acid Benefits for Skin

Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells

Since salicylic acid is a BHA, it is an excellent exfoliator and removes dead skin cells with ease. With this ingredient, you will soon never have to worry about clogged pores which lead to excess oil and acne.

Prevents Whiteheads and Blackheads

Whiteheads and blackheads are the most simple form of acne and exfoliating is a great way to be rid of them. Salicylic acid fights oil from being trapped in the pores and also removes dead skin so your pores are clear and there are no signs of whiteheads or blackheads!

Reduces Redness and Inflammation

If you have moderate to severe acne then you are familiar with the redness, swelling and irritation that comes with it. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and microbial properties which decrease redness, swelling and kills the bacteria around and under acne.

Controls Sebum Production

Studies have shown that Salicylic acid also has an impact on the oil production of the skin. It breaches the lipid barrier of the skin and essentially reduces the production of serum. It also prevents oil from being trapped in pores which leads to acne-free skin.

To avail all the benefits of salicylic acid on the face, you need to find gentle and effective acne products. makeO skin(formely skinnsi) produces a range of acne products which are dermatologist-backed and driven by the latest science to give you smooth and acne-free skin. Choose from our acne-away face wash, acne-away potent serum, acne-away charcoal masks and more. You can also select our holistic acne away kit which contains all the salicylic acid benefits for the skin along with other mindful and excellent ingredients.

Salicylic Acid Benefits: FAQs

What does salicylic acid do to your skin?

Salicylic acid breaks the bond between dead skin cells and pores. It also prevents oil from being trapped in the pores. This leads to clean and unclogged pores which is essential for an acne-free face.

Is salicylic acid OK for the face?

Yes, salicylic acid is entirely safe to use for all skin types every day. You can use it in a face wash daily and opt for using a serum 2-3 times a week to get all the salicylic acid serum benefits.

Who should not use salicylic acid?

Young children or toddlers are not recommended to use salicylic acid.

Can I use moisturiser after salicylic acid?

Yes, you can use a moisturiser after salicylic acid. Preferably look for a moisturiser that is light in consistency, oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free. And look out for ingredients like lactic acid, tea tree oil, glycolic acid and niacinamide in the moisturiser for better acne treatment.