5 Benefits Of Using Salicylic Acid On Skin

Acids! It sounds harsh and daunting when it comes to skincare. Will it burn off skin? Are they harmful? Are they the miracle ingredients that will clear your skin?With improvements in formulations and technology, skincare brands have considered the benefits of acids to make the skin more clear and effective. Acids can be suitable for your skin if we know how to use them. There are a plethora of skin care acids in various skin care products. Lactic acids, alpha hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and the list goes on. It is tricky enough to distinguish between the right acids and those that need to be avoided.

Salicylic acid (SA) is one such ingredient that has become a staple in most effective skin care regimens and a popular skin care marvel.It has been regarded as a multitasking wonder with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and exfoliating properties but the hype surrounding the skincare wonder has yet to fade and for a good reason.

* Treats acne and also prevents comedones

The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and keratolytic activities of salicylic acid make it a popular ingredient for battling oily and acne prone skin. It is oil soluble allowing it to penetrate pores and dissolve clogged pores. It prevents comedones from forming by loosening the particles therein.Multiple clinical trials have studied the efficacy of salicylic acid showing that using salicylic acid significantly reduces the non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne lesions with minimal irritation and negligible changes in skin hydration, pH, and transepidermal water loss. Some clinical trials have also established greater efficacy of salicylic acid over benzoyl peroxide.

* Exfoliates dead skin cells

Salicylic acid face wash as an exfoliant softens and dissolves keratin, an essential protein that helps to form the structure of the skin. Dead skin cells are easy to slough off after keratin has broken apart. Exfoliation reveals healthy and younger skin cells. Salicylic acid also reduces fine lines and wrinkles by promoting synthesis of collagen.

* Provides sun protection and anti-aging benefits

We all know that sun protection is the most critical defence against premature ageing. Salicylic acid has been shown to protect against sun damage and also inhibits the UVB-induced sunburn cell formation. It also reduces wrinkles and skin roughness without irritation.

* Reduces inflammation

Acne breakouts can cause redness and swelling on the skin. Salicylic acid exhibited anti-inflammatory properties and known to reduce swollen, red and inflamed pores by generating a soothing effect, thereby resulting in a balanced skin tone.

* Protects against hyperpigmentation

Salicylic acid is also a pigmentation fighter because of its exfoliating effect and ability to inhibit melanin formation with low risk of irritation. Clinical studies indicate that use of 20-30% salicylic acid peels was effective against post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.