Salicylic acid, What is it? How Does it Work?

Salicylic acid is the new skin saviour to treat inflammation or irritation to your skin. Salicylic acid is a key ingredient found in many beauty used in the treatment of acne. But what exactly does salicylic acid do, and what kind of acne is it best for?

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, which makes it great in the treatment of acne.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, which means the hydroxy part of the molecule is separated from the acid part by two carbon atoms. This structure is important because it makes salicylic acid more oil soluble therefore it can penetrate into the pores of the skin.

Due to it exfoliating nature and structure it is often used in the treatment of acne, it also has the ability to soothe stressed skin and work as an anti-inflammatory to calm breakouts.

How does salicylic acid work?

Essentially it breaks down the bond that keeps dead cells clinging together. If not broken down, this bond can clog pores along with oil, leading to blackheads and whiteheads. The acid part of the molecule can dissolve some of the intercellular ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together.

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medication, which means that it's perfect for exfoliation as it softens the top layer of skin cells. Salicylic acid also loosens and breaks apart cells in the outer layer of skin. This helps to exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores.

Salicylic acid is also lipophillic, which means it can penetrate oily skin and clogged pores, resulting in a deep cleaning. Salicylic acid can reduce sebum secretion, which is another way it can help reduce acne.

Salicylic acid is not suitable if you have really dry skin or if you are pregnant. Given the properties explained above Salicylic acid can also help with the treatment of dandruff.

How to use salicylic acid

When you first apply it to clean and dry skin you’ll probably experience some stinging and perhaps a little peeling or slightly reddened skin. But it’s actually safe to use on sensitive skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Now that understand how salicylic acid works, shop the best salicylic acid products today on www.BeautyFeatures.ie

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution - 30ml

Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak