Benefits Of Salicylic Acid For Skin

Hi Everyone!! This post will share some benefits of salicylic acid for skin.

One of acne’s biggest enemies is Salicylic acid and I feel those struggling with acne must have heard about this. However, there are many who are not aware of this ingredient and its benefits. In order to know the details about it is important to know what Salicylic acid is?

 Benefits Of Salicylic Acid For Skin

Salicylic acid is a popular choice for staving off breakouts and is an ingredient that is commonly found in skincare products.

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that is derived from willow bark and is used for topical application due to its powerful ‘acne-fighting’ properties. The structure of salicylic acid is such that it can easily penetrate the skin and has the capacity to dissolve the glue that sticks dead skin cells together thereby leading to deep cleansing of the skin. If the glue that binds these dead skin cells is not dissolved then these dead cells block the pores of the skin leading to acne and pimples. So, salicylic acid is one such ingredient that acne fear the most. Apart from this benefit, there is a lot more that this acid offers to our skin so, go through the post to know more about it.

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Salicylic Acid Benefits For Skin

1. Combats Acne

Using skincare products having salicylic acid is beneficial for those having acne-prone skin. One of the main causes of acne is the accumulation of dead skin cells and dirt in the pores. Salicylic acid has the capacity to unclog and clean the pores of the skin and can combat acne.

2. Skin Exfoliant

Next on the list of benefits of salicylic acid is that it is an effective exfoliant. By penetrating deep into the pores of the skin, it helps in dissolving dead skin cells that are built-up on the skin’s surface and have clogged the pores. Moreover, it helps in removing the bacteria, grime and dirt from the pores thereby keeping them clear and free from irritants. This further leads to improvement in skin health and appearance.

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3. Can Reduce Hyperpigmentation

Due to its astringent properties, salicylic acid is used as a peeling agent and in peeling masks to treat hyperpigmentation. It is one of the lesser-known benefits of salicylic acid for skin that it can treat discolouration that is very embarrassing for some and affect their overall personality.

4. Effective Astringent

Salicylic acid is an effective astringent and by reducing the skin’s oiliness and tightening, it helps in minimizing the appearance of the pores.

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5. Reduces Signs Of Aging

Salicylic acid offers anti-aging benefits as well. As shared above, it penetrates deeper into the skin and also helps in skin exfoliation thereby accelerating the cell renewal process. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties as well and helps to reduce the signs of aging such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.

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So, these were some salicylic acid benefits for skin.

Now, that you are aware of these benefits what you need to look out for in your skincare products?

• If you just see salicylic acid in the ingredient list of your skincare product that doesn’t mean it contains the right dose of it.
• It needs to be present in the required percentage and concentration and not just buries at the bottom of the ingredient list.
• Salicylic acid at least should be present in the concentration of 0.5%-2% to give you the desired results however, the excess can be harmful to the skin.

Side Effects Of Salicylic Acid

Make sure to consult a dermatologist before introducing salicylic acid into your skincare regime. Though, the chances are rare but below can be the side effects of using salicylic acid.

• Burning sensation
• Redness
• Dryness
• Peeling