Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid for your healthy skin

 

Hydroxy acids are renowned for their use in cosmetics and skincare. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are two major classes used in this arena. The most commonly used hydroxy acids that are used in skincare are glycolic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid.

Out of these, salicylic acid has a hype in the skin and cosmetic industry & this is due to its amazing benefits for the skin. Dreaming of beautiful, clean skin with no whiteheads, blackheads and acne can become true with this hydroxy acid. It does not only cleanse your skin but also acts to make it flawless and smooth.

You can find this ingredient in various forms, from cleanser, face wash, toner to creams, gels and lotions. The salicylic acid face wash is one of the great options to rinse the face with as it excellently cleanses the skin, leaving skin with no excess oil or grime on it.

But why is salicylic acid in the limelight? What makes it so efficient in skincare? Let's take a look at this:

1. A peeling agent

BHA Salicylic acid acts as a potent peeling agent, removes the upper layer of damaged or dead skin cells, leaving refreshed, even-toned and glowing skin behind. It is very helpful for people who have acne marks, scars or have problems with hyperpigmentation.

2. An exfoliator

This beta hydroxy acid is a good exfoliator as well, removes dead cells, unclogging the pores, removes excess oil and makes skin clean. This makes it a good choice for a cleanser, especially for people with oily skin types.

3. A keratolytic agent

Keratolytic agents are the components that are known to remove the scales (made of dead skin cells, when comes together), enhancing the skin moisture and making skin smooth and flawless. Salicylic acid is an excellent keratolytic agent, allowing pores to clear out.

4. An anti-inflammatory agent

It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent as well, soothes the skin, reduces the irritation, redness and the risk of inflammatory breakouts.

5. A comedolytic

Comedolytic agents are known to inhibit comedones formation. Comedones are small papules, frequently found on the forehead and chin. The open comedones are known as blackheads and closed comedones are called the whiteheads. So, you can also use salicylic acid for blackheads and whiteheads. 

These actions make salicylic acid more efficient against damaged and dull skin. You can include this in your daily routine to keep your skin healthy and radiant.

If you have more doubts in your mind regarding this ingredient, you can also check out these 

FAQs:

Q. Is it ok to use salicylic acid every day?

Ans. Yes definitely, you can use salicylic acid daily. But make sure to use this one to two times a day only. Don't use this ingredient in excess otherwise, this can cause dryness or irritation. 

Q. Does salicylic acid fade dark spots?

Ans. Salicylic acid is a peeling and keratolytic agent. It makes skin glowing and radiant by acting upon acne marks, dead skin cells and dark spots.

Q. Can I use 0.5 salicylic acids every day?

Ans. Salicylic acid can be used up to 2 % topically. You can use Salicylic acid products with 0.5% salicylic acid every day. But make sure to do a patch test before using.

Q. How to use salicylic acid?

Ans.  This entirely depends on what type of product you are using. If you use salicylic acid face wash, you only need to take an adequate amount of cleanser on your hands, rub to make a lather and cleanse your face with it.

If you are using salicylic acid serum or salicylic acid toner, you need to apply it after cleansing the face. To apply toner, take toner on a cotton pad and apply onto skin using the dab method. For serum, take 3-4 drops, evenly apply the serum on the face using your hands. Massage well till it gets fully absorbed into the skin.