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Salicylic Acid
Combat Excess Oil With Salicylic Acid
Scientific Name: {2-Hydroxybenzoic acid}
Common Name: {Salicylic Acid}
The word "acid" puts many women off, but salicylic acid benefits the skin. It is derived naturally from Willow Bark and likely a normal part of the everyday life of those who suffer from chronic acne.
Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide
Cleansing products, lotions, and sometimes even makeup contains this acid, which helps prevent acne from forming and reduces the size and severity of existing acne.
Some people prefer the benzoyl peroxide option over salicylic acid. However, salicylic acid has some benefits which benzoyl peroxide can't replicate.
Unlike benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is relatively mild on the skin. As a result, it doesn't strip the skin of oil and other nutrients it needs. In addition, it is found naturally in plants. Further, it is not as harsh as many other skin treatments and is a favorite among the skincare and natural communities.
Furthermore, salicylic acid is similar in composition to aspirin, which has beneficial anti-inflammatory and replenishing properties. These benefits make it so great for women whose skin is red, inflamed, irritated, or problematic.
What does salicylic acid do?
Though familiar with the substance, you may not understand what it does. First, this acid helps to exfoliate your face. We often think of exfoliants as scrubs containing either beads or other abrasions which appear to help slough off old, dead skin.
Chemical exfoliants are often far more effective and less damaging than physical exfoliants. For example, Salicylic Acid encourages the skin to naturally let go of dead skin cells instead of ripping or tearing them away. In this way, it prevents dead skin cells from gathering in pores and clogging them.
Clogged pores are one of the leading causes of acne. Salicylic acid contains natural bacterial cleansing powers. In fact, a scrub or wash can help slough off dead skin and draw excess oil out of the skin, making it ideal for women struggling with acne. Most acne is caused when pores are blocked by bacteria or by dead skin cells.
The oil our body naturally produces cannot get out of the pore, and when it builds up, it can create a small infection known as a pimple. The best way to prevent these kinds of blackheads is to wash the face with a salicylic acid product, as it both kills bacteria and helps to slough off dead skin.
Salicylic acid also fights excess oil on the face. The skin will release the extra oil to the surface, making a shiny face.
Sometimes, the oil does not make it to the skin's surface. Instead, it is trapped in the pore, where dead skin cells can become infected and create a pimple. If you have chronic cystic acne, too much oil production in the skin is probably one of the leading causes.
Unclog Pores with 2% Salicylic Acid
What makes salicylic acid more effective than other acne treatments is how it's absorbed into the skin. As a result, it is the best product for women with dry or problematic complexions to keep their appearance in check. In addition, it will help recapture healthy, calm skin as it cleanses the factors contributing to acne.
Some cosmetic lines have recently begun putting salicylic acid into makeup, helping protect sensitive skin from clogging and being blocked by the foundation.
These makeups will also be less irritating to sensitive skin and improve the look of underlying skin as they cover any blemishes or existing pimples.
Salicylic acid can also be added to just about any other skincare product. For example, oil-free moisturizers containing the natural exfoliator are perfect for women with dry skin prone to breakouts. They can receive the benefits of the moisture they need without worrying if it will clog their pores.
Women with sensitive skin should only use salicylic acid in low concentrations.
Sources:
https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/what-use-clogged-pores-salicylic-acid-or-benzoyl-peroxide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylic_acid
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Salicylic-acid
About the Author
Kari Thomas wrote this article.
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