Salicylic acid (β-hydroxy acid, BHA) is originated from willow bark and also is usually referred to as “salicylic acid”. It has anti-inflammatory as well as topical antibacterial effects, so it is commonly utilized to exfoliate the skin, along with to remove acne and also blackheads. and also whiteheads.
As a fat-soluble BHA, salicylic acid passes through the lipid layer between skin cells, suggesting it can deeply clean the pores.
Topical salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, deals with acne by lowering swelling and also redness, as well as unclogs blocked skin pores, enabling pimples and also pustules to shrink much faster. It deals with various other skin conditions by softening as well as loosening dry, scaly or thickened skin, enabling it to exfoliate or be easily eliminated.
Besides exfoliating, what other functions does Salicylic acid have?
Adding salicylic acid to a no-rinse skin care product has the most significant effect on metabolizing old dead skin cells. The fat solubility allows salicylic acid not only to act on the surface of the skin, but also to penetrate into the pores. Unlike physical exfoliants such as facial scrubs, Salicylic acid has moisturizing properties that enhance smooth, soft skin. Another unique benefit is that salicylic acid gently soothes inflamed and red skin due to its calming properties. Therefore, salicylic acid can simultaneously combat skin surface problems such as dullness, roughness, sun exposure, as well as blackheads, whiteheads and pimples in the pores.
Salicylic acid for more difficult skin problems
Although Salicylic acid is best known for treating acne-prone, acne-prone skin, it is also beneficial for other skin types. Different concentrations of Salicylic acid have different effects, such as improving dull, uneven skin tone, and other visible signs of aging by removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves salicylic acid in concentrations of 0.5-2% as an over-the-counter acne topical product. Additionally, studies indicate that regular exfoliation is recommended with a 1-2% concentration of Salicylic acid in your skincare routine.
For more intractable skin problems, high concentrations of Salicylic acid can produce significant results. In clinical dermatology, salicylic acid in concentrations up to 50% is used to remove warts, corns, pigmented lesions and other more serious skin problems. However, it should be noted that more than 2% of salicylic acid in Taiwan is a drug. If you want to use Salicylic acid with a concentration higher than 2%, you must consult a professional dermatologist. In addition, when using cosmetics containing Salicylic acid, other than shampoo products, do not use it on children under the age of three!
Does the Salicylic Acid you Use Work?
In order for Salicylic AcidBHA to exfoliate, it must contain at least 0.5% salicylic acid, although 1% to 2% will be more effective. Also, the pH of the ingredients is a critical point, with a pH between 3.5 and 4 being ideal. The presence of BHA salicylic acid in face washes will not reduce existing blackheads or prevent the formation of new ones, because the face wash is in short contact with the skin to penetrate pores and reduce clogging. But adding BHA salicylic acid in concentrations as low as 0.5% in the face wash can still provide some skin soothing effects.
Is Salicylic Acid Really Right For You? When Can Salicylic Acid be Used?
It depends on your skin condition. Please read the following skin problems first, if at least one of them is affirmative, then BHA salicylic acid exfoliator is definitely the product you are looking for!
Are you Struggling With Acne, Enlarged Pores or Pimples?
The penetrating effect of Salicylic Acid BHA can metabolize substances that block pores and restore pores to health. It also fights acne-causing bacteria. After using it, you will gradually find that the problems of pimples, acne and large pores are solved.
Do you have sensitive skin problems? Or skin problems like rosacea?
Not all people with sensitive skin can tolerate exfoliation. However, the multiple advantages of Salicylic AcidBHA, which can calm and relieve redness, are indeed the first choice for sensitive skin.
Do you have acne breakouts, spots and dullness at the same time?
Salicylic acid BHA is also excellent for lightening discoloration and skin texture and slowing the signs of aging, so you don’t have to worry about how to fight acne, breakouts and pigmentation at the same time. However, if your skin problem is purely from the surface of the skin and there is no problem of pore blockage, Salicylic Acid BHA may not be suitable. Instead, you should consider using fruit acid AHA, which can be of great help.
Why Does Salicylic Acid Break Out Suddenly?
You may want to ask, why does rubbing salicylic acid suddenly break out acne? The main effect of salicylic acid is to remove the old dead skin cells accumulated in the pores, but there are some formed acne in the pores. During this period of time when it slowly emerges into the pores, it may cause inflammation and eventually become acne. The so-called breakout period.
If you Want to Know How to Get Through The Acne Breakout Period, I Will Teach you Three Steps to Get Through the Breakout Period!
Step 1: Be sure to continue using Salicylic Acid
Step 2: Review all of your skin care and makeup products
Step 3: Switch to a refreshing skin care product
What is the Difference Between AHA and Salicylic Acid?
After reading the introduction of Salicylic Acid, you may want to ask, what is the difference between salicylic acid BHA and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid, AHA), which are the same as exfoliating acids?
Salicylic AcidBHA and AHA are Both Exfoliating Ingredients. Both Have Similar Effects, Such as Restoring Skin luster, Strengthening moisturizing, and reducing signs of aging. However, for different skin types and skin problems, the two ingredients have different effects. Effect. Salicylic acid is fat-soluble and can effectively act on keratin and penetrate into pores to metabolize old dead keratin, thereby improving pore-clogging and oily skin. Because of its small molecule and high water solubility, fruit acid can penetrate deeper into the epidermis, accelerate skin metabolism, and improve aging, dryness, roughness, and dull spots.
How to Use Salicylic Acid for Better Skin? Three Ways to Teach you How to Use Salicylic Acid
It is recommended to try different concentrations of BHA salicylic acid first to see which one brings the best effect to the skin without causing irritation.
The Following Methods of Using Salicylic Acid are For your Reference:
Method 1. In the initial use, it is recommended to apply it once every 3 days. After using it for a period of time, if there is no dryness and peeling, then slowly increase the frequency of use. Everyone’s skin conditions are different, and the cycle of use depends on your skin.
Method 2: You can use 1% or 2% salicylic acid products around the eyes (about the cheekbones), but do not apply them directly near the eyes to avoid the products running into the eyes.
Method 3: You don’t have to wait until the salicylic acid BHA exfoliation is completely absorbed by the skin before using the next product. After using the salicylic acid product, you can directly use moisturizing, serum, eye cream or sunscreen.
There is an important key to understand that the metabolism of Salicylic Acid BHA will not penetrate the bottom layer of the skin and the lining of the pores to affect the healthy cells at the bottom of the skin. Therefore, the use of Salicylic Acid BHA will not cause skin thinning, and it will be old and waste. After the keratin is metabolized, it can also enhance the skin’s ability to lock water and moisturize, and ensure the normal operation of pores!
Because some studies have shown that some Salicylic Acid users will experience erythema, itching, tingling and other reactions, and some people will experience tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and other toxic reactions of Salicylic Acid after extensive or long-term use. Salicylic acid may cause Reye’s syndrome, a potentially lethal condition, in children under 3 years of age.
For safety reasons, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stipulates that the concentration of Salicylic Acid products is limited to 0.2% – 2.0%. It is regulated as a “medicated cosmetic” that needs to be applied for and checked. Infants under the age of 3 are not allowed to use it, and a warning must be added. .
Salicylic Acid for maintenance usually has an improvement effect on acne and acne problems. It is recommended to start with a low concentration. If there is no discomfort on the skin, use a product with a higher concentration. In addition, these acid products are irritating and photosensitive, and if they are used in the sun, they may cause sunburn, so it is recommended to use them at night.
Basically, as long as the products of Salicylic Acid have passed the inspection of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, there is no need to worry too much about the safety in use. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to discuss with your doctor before using it. If the so-called “adverse reaction” really occurs, please stop using it first and ask your doctor for help!
Salicylic acid skin care products are generally not used every day, especially for sensitive skin. If the skin does not have any allergy to salicylic acid skin care products after using for a period of time, and the absorption is better, then you can increase the frequency of use, and you can use it about four times a week. Of course, if the product has special instructions, it should be used in accordance with its official instructions. If you are using salicylic acid skin care products for the first time, be sure to do a sensitivity test.