Salicylic Acid Effect On Face: What Experts Say About Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid Effect On Face: The combination of salicylic acid and vitamin C helps slow down skin aging, brighten the skin, and reduce blemishes and acne.
The name salicylic acid, along with hyaluronic acid, retinol, and collagen supplements, might sound like a skincare buzzword, but it’s not just a marketing trick. Many dermatologists actually regard it as a key to unlocking clear skin.
Nowadays, you can find salicylic acid in various products, including shampoos and cleansers, but we remember the hot market for salicylic acid serums and toners back in 2012 — thanks, Caroline Hirons.
Salicylic Acid Effect On Face, So, what exactly is salicylic acid? And more importantly, is it worth spending your hard-earned money to incorporate it into your skincare routine? We sought real answers, so we talked to experts to get all the information, facts, and the best products to buy.
For a well-rounded set of expert opinions, we spoke with Dr. Bernard Ho, a dermatologist at Bioderma, Dr. Ahmed El Muntasar, founder of The Aesthetics Doctor clinic in the UK, and treating physician for TikTok star Olivia Neill and Love Island’s Amy Day. Our final expert? Dr. Simon Ourian, who you might recognize from the early seasons of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” Here’s what they had to say.
Salicylic Acid Effect On Face
What Is Salicylic Acid?
Dr. Ourian explains, “Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA). It penetrates and unclogs pores, providing deep exfoliation. It’s also excellent for controlling oil and addressing skin problems.” Dr. Ahmed adds that salicylic acid is usually derived from aspirin, which accounts for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Salicylic Acid Effect On Face
What Does Salicylic Acid Do?
Dr. Ourian says salicylic acid in skincare is “an incredible ingredient to break down the glue that holds skin cells together at a deeper level, helping you achieve brighter and younger-looking skin while addressing acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.”
He continues, “In short, salicylic acid penetrates skin debris that clogs pores, breaks down skin cells, and provides deep exfoliation—something AHAs can’t do as they only target the skin’s surface. “In contrast, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble acids that only exfoliate the skin’s surface to varying degrees.
Salicylic Acid Effect On Face
Is Salicylic Acid Effective For Treating Acne?
Dr. Ourian explains that regarding acne, salicylic acid “acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent (acne can form due to a damaged skin barrier), helping reduce swollen, red, painful, and inflamed pimples, cystic acne, and pustules, and it can reduce excess oil (which can lead to breakouts).” Dr. Ho adds, “Generally, it may take six to eight weeks to see significant improvement in acne.”
Salicylic Acid Effect On Face
Is Salicylic Acid Safe?
Dr. Ourian confirms that it is “absolutely” safe, adding that you can use salicylic acid daily. However, he recommends gradually introducing it into your skincare routine, as overuse can “dry out already dry skin and irritate sensitive skin.” He advises stopping use and consulting your dermatologist or doctor if you experience any sensitivity.
Another point to consider? Dr. Ahmed notes, “This ingredient is not suitable for pregnant individuals or those with dry skin.”
Salicylic Acid Effect On Face
How Can I Use Salicylic Acid At Home?
Dr. Ahmed explains, “Many people find salicylic acid too strong when they first start using it. It’s essential to use it at night and gradually increase your skin’s tolerance. Start with three nights a week and then gradually increase. It can be used up to twice a day.”
Dr. Ho reiterates Dr. Ahmed’s caution, emphasizing, “Avoid introducing too many products into your skincare routine simultaneously, as you might not know what is genuinely helping or harming your skin.”
In essence, start slow and don’t introduce salicylic acid alongside another new product like retinol and niacinamide.
Salicylic Acid Effect On Face
Can You Use Salicylic Acid With Vitamin C?
You can combine salicylic acid with vitamin C. Dr. Ourian says, “Both are highly effective ingredients on their own, but when combined, they can work wonders for the skin.
They help slow down skin aging, brighten the skin, and reduce blemishes and acne—together, they are a powerful combination.” Just don’t start this powerful combination simultaneously with your initial use of salicylic acid.
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