Salicylic acid for facial skin: use in cosmetics, benefits

Acids are widely used in cosmetology: some increase the elasticity and hydration of the skin, the second are responsible for saturating cells with essential macro- and microelements, restore the lipid barrier of the skin, and others are aimed at accelerated renewal of the epidermis and its exfoliation. Let’s talk more about salicylic acid for the face, as the most popular in the basis of cosmetic formulas.

Salicylic acid what is it?

Salicylic acid or BHA is a fat-soluble acid from the category of phenolic beta-hydroxy acids. Poorly soluble in water and good in alcohol, is a colorless crystals. In cosmetology, it is found as Salicylic Acid and is a common keratolytic component in the basis of exfoliating formulas and products for oily problem skin.

BHA was first obtained from willow bark soaked in hot water at the end of the XNUMXth century and began to be actively used in pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals due to its unique chemical properties. Today, the product is made synthetically, including for the purpose of producing its appropriate concentration for safe use in cosmetology. Let’s take a look at the beneficial properties of salicylic acid for facial skin.

The main functions of salicylic acid in cosmetology:

• The bactericidal and antiseptic properties of the component help fight the manifestation of acne, minimize inflammation.
• Destroys desmosomes intercellular connections of keratinized cells, contributing to intensive skin exfoliation.
• The process of regeneration of epidermal cells is accelerated.
• Reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands and has a sebum-regulating effect.
• Penetrating into the pores, the acid deeply cleanses them of the accumulation of sebum and external impurities, reduces black spots and acne.
• Evens out the tone and relief of the face, fights visible age-related skin changes.
• Brightens and whitens the skin, reduces pigmentation and traces of post-acne.
• Improves microcirculation and accelerates the healing process of tissues.

The use of salicylic acid

The scope of salicylic acid in care is not limited to its inclusion in skin care products. The component is widely used in the treatment of certain diseases and is the basis of many medicines. We will tell you where BHA acid is used and what its benefits are.

• In cosmetics

In addition to the fact that salicylic acid is a common component in the basis of corrective care for oily and problematic skin, it is also used as part of anti-aging product formulas: due to its ability to trigger accelerated skin cell regeneration, the acid smoothes wrinkles, fights age spots, dull complexion.

The substance can also be found in the composition of shampoos for hair, aimed at combating hair loss, against seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Highly effective and safe cosmetic products based on salicylic acid, which have passed strict dermatological control, are best purchased at pharmacies.

• In cosmetology

In cosmetology, acid is used mainly in the basis of salicylic peels (up to 20% of the composition) for the skin. Despite its acidic properties, the component is highly safe. Salicylic peels are aimed at increasing microcirculation, renewing epidermal cells, evening out the tone and relief of the face. Preparations based on BHA-acid are effective in combating burns, acne and post-acne, the first signs of aging, corns, warts.

• In pharmaceuticals

In medicine, salicylic acid derivatives are found in antiseptic ointments (with a content of 2, 3, 5, 10%), anti-inflammatory powders, pastes, and alcohol solutions for external use (with a content of 1 or 2%). Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) in tablets is used as an antipyretic and analgesic, available without a prescription.

Salicylic acid has been successfully used in the treatment of common skin diseases, such as certain types of lichen, psoriasis, seborrhea, alopecia, keratosis, eczema, dermatitis. The composition can also be used to treat burns, wet exuding wounds.

Indications for the use of cosmetics with salicylic acid

Summarizing the main beneficial properties of BHA-acid, we can conclude that the agent has the highest efficiency in the fight against the following imperfections:

• Pigmented spots It is used as a means of bleaching and brightening pigmented and stagnant spots.
• Enlarged pores Reduces sebaceous and sweat ducts, destroying the bonds between keratinocytes in them, narrows pores, regulates sebum production.
• Black spots It cleans the pores from the remnants of sebum, prevents the occurrence of inflammatory elements and new imperfections.
• Acne It is used as part of local SOS products, which are pointwise applied to inflammation and acne and left, for example, overnight for action. Suppresses the activity of propionibacterium acne, prevents the recurrence of rashes.
• Mimic wrinkles Renews the upper layer of the epidermis, helps to smooth fine wrinkles.
• Dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema Dissolves soy dead cells, minimizes peeling, itching, has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Dandruff (seborrhea) Effectively removes seborrheic formations, dandruff particles, cleanses the skin of the scalp and has an antimicrobial and antipruritic effect.

Safety measures

• It is not recommended to apply products containing more than 10% salicylic acid to the skin in order to avoid tissue burns.
• BHA-based alcohol solutions from a pharmacy dry the skin and can cause dehydration, it is not recommended to apply the solution in its pure form to the skin.
• Hypersensitive and very dry skin may react to pure salicylic acid with irritation, redness, flaking, and hives.
• Salicylic acid in La Roche-Posay skin care products is absolutely safe and completely devoid of the disadvantages of using the acid in its pure form.

Features of the use of salicylic acid for different skin types

Salicylic acid for the face, according to its key functions in cosmetology, is intended primarily for the care of the oily type. However, you should not overdo it with its use. Combine BHA-based drying products with moisturizing products that prevent tissue dehydration.

Salicylic acid dries out the skin if you neglect the recommendations for its use. Therefore, dermatologists do not recommend using products with a high content of it in the basis of formulas. In the care of sensitive skin, acids should be used with caution, as aggressive ingredients irritate the skin and increase its reactivity.

For the care of the normal type, it is recommended to use products based on saliclic acid for regular exfoliation of the skin: wipe the face with a tonic or lotion based on salicylic acid (1-2, maximum 5% of the composition). Avoid aggressive salicylic peels. If inflammation or acne occurs, it is recommended to apply a cream based on salicylic acid locally.

For combination skin, use products with formulas based on salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid to prevent dehydration of dry areas of the U-zone of the face.

Forms of release of cosmetics with salicylic acid

Let’s analyze the formats in which products with salicylic acid are produced:

• Cleansing foams and gels for oily problematic skin, such as Effaclar gel micro-exfoliating face wash.
• Lotions and tonics for the second stage of cleansing and toning oily problematic and combination skin. Choose the Effaclar Pore Reduction Lotion with a mattifying effect.
• Deep cleansing masks with a mattifying effect for oily and problematic skin.
• Peelings and scrubs for intensive exfoliation at home and accelerating cell regeneration are used no more than once a week.
• Cream for correcting imperfections: post-acne, acne, blackheads, oily sheen and early signs of aging (expression wrinkles and pigmentation). Correcting cream-gel for problem skin Effaclar Duo (+) eliminates greasy shine, reduces imperfections, preventing their recurrence, moisturizes.
• SOS products with an accelerated effect against imperfections: relieve inflammation, redness, have an antimicrobial effect, prevent the formation of a stagnant spot. Suitable corrective agent for local action Effaclar AI

Review of cosmetics with salicylic acid from La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Mat Moisturizing Mattifying Emulsion

Based on salicylic acid, perlite and sebulise, it is suitable for oily and combination skin: it regulates sebum synthesis, reduces facial greasy shine for up to 6 hours, moisturizes the epidermis and has a non-comedogenic texture.

Consumer feedback:

Hope: Suitable for makeup. Mattifies for the whole day, while not drying, but moisturizing the skin. I use six months. There were fewer breakouts.

Anna: Super cream. It really mattes! I liked it the first time! Light texture, the skin is immediately velvety and matte) an excellent base for make-up.

Effaclar Concentrated Serum

With a tri-acid formula and skin-soothing niacinamide, it reduces imperfections and evens out skin tone and texture. Suitable for anti-aging care and for oily problem skin.

Consumer feedback:

Anastasia: Great serum, love it! Really good solution for problematic skin. It is better to use it once a day, I do it at night, as it is an acidic product. It is better not to use 1 times a day, as it dries the skin. I use only on those places where the skin is oily in the T-zone. A lot of inflammation has gone from the chin. It copes well with spot acne, I also use it as an SOS remedy. I recommend the tool!

Frequently Asked Questions About Salicylic Acid

Dermatologist Alexander Prokofiev, La Roche-Posay brand expert, answers questions.

Can salicylic acid be applied to pimples?

Formulas with salicylic acid are designed specifically for oily skin prone to imperfections. Safe corrective care for oily problem skin can be purchased at pharmacies in your city. 

Is it possible to wipe the face with salicylic acid?

It is not recommended to wipe the face with a pharmaceutical alcohol solution of salicylic acid, even with very oily skin. The tool dries the epidermis, which will provoke an increased synthesis of sebum, the skin will begin to self-moisturize in this way, which will provoke blockage of pores and rashes. It is better to wipe the face with a tonic based on salicylic acid, for example, Effaclar mattifying lotion to narrow the pores.

Who is salicylic acid suitable for?

Salicylic acid is most often found in skin care formulas for oily skin with a tendency to acne. If you have sensitive dry skin, you should refrain from using acidic cosmetic products.

What to do if there is irritation after using salicylic acid?

If redness, dryness or irritation occurs after using salicylic acid, consult a dermatologist. To rule out an allergic reaction, first apply a BHA-based product to a small area of ​​skin, such as the inside of the elbow, wait 20 minutes. If there is no redness and itching, then the product is safe to use.