Contents
We talk about the advantages of salicylic acid, the main fighter against skin imperfections. Who needs it, what tasks does it perform as part of cosmetics, how to use it? The answers to all questions are in this article.
What is Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid belongs to phenolic acids and is a colorless crystals, poorly soluble in water. Produced by chemical synthesis, in the composition of cosmetics it is indicated in accordance with the international INCI nomenclature as Salicylic Acid. This acid was first isolated from willow bark at the end of the XNUMXth century.
Everyone who suffered from skin problems in their youth or at a later age knows very well what kind of substance it is, and consider salicylic acid to be miraculous. By and large, the way it is – it’s all about its unique chemical properties.
Materials
Salicylic acid differs from its related acids in its rapid action and effectiveness. Here are its main advantages:
destroys the bonds between the cells of the stratum corneum, providing rapid exfoliation and helping to even out the skin relief and tone of the face;
fights bacteria.
Salicylic acid is used in cosmetics to cleanse and exfoliate the skin.
Salicylic acid in cosmetics
The main area of responsibility of salicylic acid is to solve the problems of oily and problematic skin prone to acne and blackheads. As part of skin care products, this substance performs several important functions.
Exfoliates
The primary task of this component is to help remove dead skin cells (especially if the skin is oily) and prevent the appearance of rashes.
Reduces pore size
Due to its ability to break the bonds between keratinocytes in the sebaceous glands, it facilitates the outflow of excess sebum, helping to reduce the size of the pores.
Restores
Once on the skin, salicylic acid not only triggers an immediate exfoliation process, but also activates cell division. Thus, the restoration of the cell renewal cycle is faster.
Fights bacteria
Thanks to its pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, salicylic acid reduces and prevents the appearance of signs of problem skin, acne, and post-acne marks.
Brightens
Thanks to its powerful exfoliating effect, salicylic acid makes the skin visibly brighter. This ability is used in products to combat pigmentation and some forms of post-acne – traces that remain on the skin after acne (scars, changes in skin tone).
Salicylic acid is often included in cleansers.
The main indications for the use of products with salicylic acid:
oily problem skin (greasy sheen, enlarged pores);
black dots;
clogged pores;
acne
stand up.
Application rules
The rules for using products with salicylic acid depend on their category.
Foams and gels for washing Recommended for those with oily and combination skin.
Peeling and scrubbing should not be used more than once a week.
Cream it is not necessary to apply to the entire face, it is enough to distribute it over the areas most prone to the appearance of excess shine and pimples (T-zone).
Means of local influence should be applied pointwise to the inflamed area, if necessary, repeat the treatment after a few hours.
Salicylic acid products are recommended for oily and problem skin.
Restrictions on use
The main limitation is individual intolerance to the substance. Also, cosmetic products with salicylic acid should be treated with caution by owners of sensitive and dry skin. If there is inflammation, peeling, redness, you need to consult a dermatologist.
Funds overview
The main destination of cosmetics based on salicylic acid is oily and problem skin.
Purification
| Name | What type of skin is suitable for | Action | Mode of application |
Blemish & Age Cleansing Gel, SkinCeuticals | aging and acne prone skin | Exfoliates dead skin cells, removes impurities. | Foam a little gel in the palms, massage the skin with it, rinse. |
Gel against acne and blackheads “Clean Skin Active”, Garnier where to find? | problematic skin prone to inflammation | Penetrates deep into the pores and cleans them, removes excess sebum. Dries out pimples, activates the process of skin regeneration. | Spread over the face with massage movements, rinse with water. After use, apply a moisturizer to avoid dryness, itching, irritation and pimples. |
Cleansing gel “Exfo Pro Clean Skin Active”, Garnier where to find? | oily and problematic skin prone to acne | Gel with a built-in brush removes excess sebum, deeply cleanses pores and blocks the inflammatory process. | Apply twice a day – morning and evening, apply to damp skin. |
Exfoliating scrub with charcoal “Clean Skin Active”, Garnier where to find? | oily and problematic skin prone to acne | Salicylic acid exfoliates the top layer of the skin, charcoal absorbs sebum and deeply cleanses the skin. | Spread the gel over the face with massage movements, after wetting the skin with water. |
Toning
| Name | What type of skin is suitable for | Action | Mode of application |
Blemish & Age Solution, SkinCeuticals Cleansing Toner for Acne and Age-Related Skin | acne-prone skin; aging skin | The combination of salicylic, capryl-salicylic and glycolic acids prepares the skin for a professional peeling procedure: removes impurities, cleans pores, soothes irritated and inflamed areas. | Spread over the face with a cotton pad, apply morning and evening before applying the cream. |
Cleansing lotion PureFect Skin, Biotherm | oily and irritated skin | With regular use reduces sebum production, soothes the skin and gives it a glow. | Use twice a day. Using a cotton pad, treat the skin of the face over the entire surface. |
Daily Care
| Name | What type of skin is suitable for | Action | Mode of application |
Highly effective anti-pigmentation care cream Advanced Pigment Corrector, SkinCeuticals | skin with traces of pigmentation | Salicylic acid removes the layer of dead cells and “clears the way” for active components: hydroxyphenoxypropionic and ellagic acids, yeast extracts. In combination, they reduce the severity of pigmentation and activate the process of cell regeneration. | Apply twice a day on the skin of the face over the entire surface or locally on the foci of pigmentation. Recommended after laser resurfacing procedure. |
Corrective emulsion against oily sheen and blackheads Effaclar K +, La Roche-Posay where to find? | oily skin | Lightweight texture reduces sebum and mattifies the skin. Provides a feeling of cleanliness and freshness for the whole day. | Apply in the morning on the entire face. |
SOS tools for local application
| Name | What type of skin is suitable for | Action | Mode of application |
Corrective agent of local action Effaclar AI, La Roche-Posay | oily skin prone to acne | Prevents the development of inflammation, reduces redness, preventing the appearance of post-acne marks. | Apply locally to inflamed areas. |
Breakout Control Targeted Blemish Spot Treatment, Kiehl’s | problematic skin prone to pimples and acne | Works as a targeted SOS tool. Quickly reduces local redness and signs of acne. | Apply a thin layer pointwise on a pimple or inflammation, after cleansing the skin. Can be used up to 3 times a day. Before going outside, apply SPF cream on top of the product to reduce the risk of pigmentation. |