We know it what you think. Salicylic acid, what is it? Sounds complicated, maybe even dangerous. I'll pass. Stop right there, friend. Let's rewind and start from the beginning.
Salicylic acid, also known as beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is an important, natural occurring substance compound that can improve skin tone, correct acne-prone skin and reduce excess oil. Fascinated? I thought it.
This article will give you a thorough explanation of what salicylic acid is and how it works. Our goal is to equip you with the relevant knowledge about salicylic acid and to inform you on the way better informed than the next girl. Since not all BHA products are the same, you will receive information about the best salicylic acid products to help you navigate the saturated skin care market.
Instructions for BHA / salicylic acid skin care: Contents
• What is salicylic acid?
• How does salicylic acid work?
• Pros & amp; Disadvantages of Salicylic Acid Products for the Skin
• How to Use Salicylic Acid for the Skin
• how often to use BHA products
• How to choose an effective salicylic acid product
• 13 Best Salicylic Acid Products for Healthier Skin
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is an acid (shocker) of salicin, a naturally occurring compound found in the bark of willow and aspen. It is closely related to acetylsalicylic acid, which is more commonly known as aspirin. Commercial salicylic acid is generally produced in a laboratory by exposing sodium phenoxide to carbon dioxide in a high temperature environment. Salicylic acid has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is a beta hydroxy acid, which means that the hydroxy molecule is separated from the acidic compound by two carbon atoms. Compare this to alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid), which are separated by a carbon atom.
BHA is a gentle acid and is a popular ingredient in skin care products, marketed specifically for the treatment of acne. Salicylic acid is a useful remedy for a range of diseases, from eczema, to dryness, to outbreaks, due to its penetrating properties and its role in relieving dead skin cells. Interesting Facts: Salicylic acid is not found only in trees. It can be found in strawberries, blackberries and kiwis!
How does salicylic acid work?
Salicylic acid works in two ways to improve the skin: it exfoliates the skin surface and reduces inflammation. Unlike glycolic acid, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, making it ideal for exfoliating greasy skin. Because it is oil-soluble, it penetrates the pores rather than remaining on the surface. As skincare expert Paula Begoun often says, salicylic acid peels in the pore, purifying sebum and bacteria and preventing breakouts. Compare this with glycolic acid, which dimming the surface of the skin. With peeling, what we're saying is that salicylic acid breaks down the glue, keeps the dead skin cells together, releases them and allows them to shed. This 'glue' we are referring to a protein known as keratin.
Due to these strong properties, salicylic acid is known as a keratolytic agent, a normalizer of the skin excretion process (keratinization). Chemical peeling is a necessary process that improves the texture and function of the skin. Think of the process as spring cleaning: with the old, with the new.
The second way salicylic acid functions to improve the skin is by reducing inflammation. As its molecules are larger, it is less likely to stress and irritate the skin. Compare this to glycolic acid, whose smaller molecules can potentiate localized redness and discomfort on the skin surface. Salicylic acid, similar to its relative aspirin, works against inflammation caused by outbreaks. It reduces the size and redness of painful breakouts and helps to soothe the skin. This anti-inflammatory effect also makes it a wonderful and gentle exfoliant for women with sensitive skin or rosacea.
Pros & amp; Cons of Salicylic Acid Products for the Skin
Like all entities, salicylic acid is not all sugar and spice and everything is nice. To give you a more balanced understanding of the connection, let's give a cursory examination of the sweet and not so sweet sides.
salicylic acid benefits
• It scabs the skin and helps remove dead and dead skin cells.
• In conjunction with the removal of the outer layer of skin, BHA shows a brighter and more vibrant skin.
• It clogs the pores and removes whiteheads and blackheads. Pores become larger when loaded with dirt, dead skin, and oils, and removing these contaminants causes salicylic acid to minimize the appearance of pores.
• BHA accelerates the healing process of acne and blemishes.
• It improves the uneven skin texture by peeling off the cells that decrease the clarity of the skin. Salicylic acid soothes reddened skin and irritation.
• It is suitable and suitable for all skin types.
• BHA is gentle enough for sensitive skin profiles and for frequent use.
• It does not make the skin sensitive to light (ie prone to sun damage) like many other chemical peels.
• Continued use can primarily prevent the onset of outbreaks, further evidence that it should be more consistently integrated into your overall skin care routine.
• Salicylic acid products reduce pigmentation by inhibiting melanin production. This makes salicylic acid a good choice for reducing sun spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic acid side effects
Compared to all the advantages, the disadvantages of using BHA products are rather small:
• Salicylic acid is often incorporated into hard formulas and toner, so it's important to research the products you use. If you are prone to sensitive skin, make sure your BHA-infused product is specifically designed to be gentle and non-abrasive.
• It can trigger a process called flushing. Flushing refers to the type of outbreak that occurs after using an active ingredient. It typically appears one to two weeks after the beginning of the use of the drug. This process occurs because salicylic acid quickly removes skin layers of the surface layer and breaks and oils that were under that layer are now exposed and possibly irritated.
• It is possible to coat the skin with any exfoliating product. Therefore, be careful of your skin for signs of excessive exfoliation such as irritation, dryness, tightness, or flakiness.
• Pay attention to the other agents in your routine. Salicylic acid works well with almost all skincare ingredients, but some women skin may not have too many active skin compounds in their routine.
• Women with extremely dry skin profiles may experience irritation and discomfort when using BHA products. If this applies to you, it may be more appropriate to use the product every few weeks.
• Women with aspirin allergies should be sure to avoid any product that contains salicylic acid.
• There are mixed reviews of whether salicylic acid is safe for pregnant women to use topically. We would recommend consulting a dermatologist in advance.
• Salicylic acid products are not recommended if you use blood thinners.
How To Use Salicylic Acid For The Skin
Salicylic acid is a dynamic small shapeshifter and can be found in a number of formulas including cleansers, toners, serums and moisturizers. It is also a salient ingredient in sour trays.
Salicylic acid is most effective when it has time to absorb into the skin (think 20+ minutes), so BHA cleansers are a less effective way of applying them. To get the most out of salicylic acid in your skincare routine, follow these tips.
1. Start by cleaning your skin with a gentle, low-pH cleanser such as this CosRX cleaner. Be sure to rinse the skin completely after applying the cleanser.
2. Use a mild pH adjustment toner for oily skin profiles to reduce excess oil and dirt.
3. If you are using a product with Vitamin C as the active ingredient, it is best to use it before salicylic acid and wait 20 minutes before applying.
4. Apply your salicylic acid product. If it is a gel or a lotion, apply a pea-sized amount and massage the skin in upward strokes.
5. If your salicylic acid is in the form of a liquid or toner, you can apply it with a cotton pad or gently into the palms of your hands and dab it on the face. Some of our favorite salicylic acid products come in a preswollen pad formula that is foolproof to use.
6. Wait 15-30 minutes before applying other products. This allows the salicylic acid to peel off the skin and give the skin's pH sufficient time to re-adjust.
7. You do not have to wash off the salicylic acid as it has entered your pores and provides your skin with all-day benefits. Follow the rest of your skincare routine. Apply your products in this order: other active ingredients such as glycolic acid, moisturizing essences and serums, lotions and moisturizers. Complete with a face mask during the day and / or occlusive cream in the evening.
An Additional Note on Peels: Peel products often contain salicylic acid in combination with other active acids. Because of the effectiveness of these ingredients, we strongly recommend that you thoroughly cleanse your skin (even neutralize it with a neutralizing solution) before proceeding with the other steps in your skin care routine. Always read the instructions on the packaging before using a product.
How often to use BHA products
Salicylic acid is considered an "active ingredient", which means that it has a strong effect on the texture and quality of the skin. However, such benefits rarely come about without some disclaimers. Due to its strength, salicylic acid also has the potential to irritate the skin. It is the key to take care of your skincare routine carefully and patiently.
When you start your journey with salicylic acid, it is important to use it at most 2 to 3 times a week. Put on your skin for a day or two to see how you interact with the product. Watch how you feel and whether there is irritation, itching or redness.
This is a wonderful way to understand how your skin reacts to salicylic acid products and how often you understand it should be used. Each skin profile is unique and some women will find that they can use the product daily, while others find it more comfortable to store it for an occasional treatment. If you find that your skin is responding well, you can certainly use salicylic acid products daily. We recommend to use it once a day. Evenings are preferable because your skin can continuously absorb all the benefits of salicylic acid during sleep.
How to Choose an Effective Salicylic Acid Product
We'll keep you in a secret about salicylic acid. It can be a maintenance intensive product. The pH formula of your chosen formula is crucial. We can not stress that enough. For effective and gentle exfoliation, the pH of the formula should be between 3 and 4. If the pH is lower, it will be irritating and hard. Any formula above 4 lacks the peeling ability that salicylic acid has to offer.
There are studies that claim that regular use of a salicylic acid formula with a higher pH value brings benefits to the skin. These studies are not completely conclusive, so why spend money on a product that is less effective than the highest performing products. Salicylic acid is extremely effective in formulas that have a percentage between 1% and 2%. You will find that the most popular mixtures contain 2%, but 1% is the golden number for women with sensitive skin. Salicylic acid is most effective when space and time to completely absorb into the skin. It is best used in the form of a toner, a liquid, a serum, a lotion or an essence. It is best used after cleaning and before moistening.
Detergents containing salicylic acid are not as effective as the latter options because the true strength of the acid is released upon absorption.
13 Best Salicylic Acid Products for Healthier Skin
This incredible ingredient should certainly be on your radar, even if your skin is not oily or acne-prone because of it can do a lot for everyone. These are the best salicylic acid products on the market that will give you a radiant look! Have fun!
1. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Skin Perfecting Gel Scrub
Paula Begoun's blog is home to some of the most detailed information on salicylic acid, and she is known to be a big fan the ingredient is. It's no surprise that their brand contains BHA in all sorts of textures and percentages. We have selected the gel for this list because the texture is unique, easy to use and contains a wealth of skin-soothing ingredients. But you really can not go wrong with any of their products. You can buy it through Dermstore .
2. CosRX BH A Blackhead Power Liquid
I love some niacinamide, so it's so exciting to see it paired with BHA and willow bark extract! This K-Beauty product contains 4% BHA in the form of the gentler betains salicylate. It helps revive the skin and clear acne, but it should also help prevent premature aging and combat redness. This salicylic acid product is perfect for women of all skin types. You can pick it up from Ulta .
3rd Sunday Riley UFO Ultra Clarifying Face Oil
With this BHA product, there is an ongoing theme. Someone gets a sample of it, tries it out, falls in love with it and then cries when they realize the price. This is one of the best salicylic acid products because it is very effective, very gentle, and it comes in a very innovative formula.
It is one of the few facial oils that contain exfoliating acids, so it also keeps the skin hydrated easily. This formula combats acne on several fronts and also contains skin-clarifying cumin and tea tree oil. It can be bought from Sephora .
4. The usual salicylic acid 2% solution
Perfect for all skin types. This potent salicylic acid serum is spiked with witch hazel to effectively remove impurities and breakouts. Along with its clarifying properties, it works against dull skin by improving tone and texture. We love this BHA product because it is vegan and formulated without alcohol, oils, fragrances or parabens. It is the perfect choice for women with sensitive or inflammatory skin. It is available at beauty retailers sephora .
5. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
This famous serum is found in Hautpf Legekreisen and beyond famous and is one of the best-selling luxury salicylic acid products on the market. Legions of fans are not wrong with this intoxicating blend - it really works wonders. This is an important tool in your fight against stains, just a drop of enough blackheads to dry out.
Formulated with Galmei, Bathescu's drying lotion should be applied with a Q-tip directly on the stain after cleanses the skin. It is most effective for the evening use. This is one of our favorite BHA products for women with skin prone to outbreaks. It is available at Nordström .
6. Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acne Treatment & amp; Moisturizer
This BHA product has a light moisturizing formula packaged in a fresh and vibrant tube. This smooth moisturizer is perfect for women who want the one-two punch of blemish removal and deep hydration. The formula helps to prevent breakouts before they form and gives the skin a clarifying and balancing hydration.
The formula contains antimicrobial properties that immediately begin to cleanse the pores of bacteria and dirt. But we're not done yet: this hard-working salicylic acid cream also controls oil production and leaves a matte finish. It is available in Sephora .
7. Skin Wash Acne Face Wash with Salicylic Acid
One The Best Salicylic Acid Products For Acne comes from Skin Laundry, which promises to balance your skin texture and promote a clear, healthy-looking skin that you've been dreaming of. As the BHA flakes off the skin to remove the clogged pores and remove any dirt, the purple stem cells soothe the inflamed skin while controlling sebum production. This magical BHA product can be taken out Ulta .
8. Drunk Elephant TLC Fr Amboos Glycolic Night Serum
With this high-tension salicylic acid gel formula you can refine, refresh and regenerate your skin as much as possible. Revitalize your skin with this BHA product to gently dissolve dead skin cells and improve the texture and clarity of the face. In combination with raspberry extracts and a combination of AHA and BHA agents, this formula works hard and fast to exfoliate the skin.
White tea and horse chestnut extracts are poured into the mixture to soothe the skin during exfoliation. Large pores, oily texture and fine lines are targets of this salicylic acid serum, which invigorates you with vibrant skin overnight! It is now available at Sephora .
9. Peter Thomas Roth AHA / BHA Acne Cleansing Gel
Clinical skin care guru Roth brings us this fabulous blend of AHA and BHA acids in an elegant and stylish bottle. This powerful number is designed to quickly eliminate whiteheads, blemishes and fine lines. It helps to cleanse the skin while giving youthful clarity.
The synergistic effect of the two active ingredients quickly leads to results. Frequent use will reduce the frequency of outbreaks over time and help regulate healthy cell turnover. This salicylic acid product is now available Nordstrom .
10. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Blemish P atrol Pads
Prevent outbreaks before they arise with these wonderfully easy-to-use miracle workers. The formula contains acne-fighting tea tree oil, which reduces oil production and improves the clarity of the skin. Willowbark extract soothes and relaxes the skin and helps to dull the skin surface. This salicylic acid product is ideal for women with blemishes or blemishes. It is available under Ulta
11. Colleen Rothschild Beauty Salicylic Acid Treatment Complex
Refine impure skin with this powerful and decadent salicylic acid formula. The rich BHA cream eliminates impurities and helps prevent new breakouts before they form. Willowbark and Niacinamide work harmoniously to improve skin texture and reduce the size of the pores. Rosemary extract limits oil production. Allow the cream to absorb before applying more products. This product salicylic acid is now available Neiman Marcus .
12. CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion
This salicylic acid lotion is intensely moisturizing and hydrates even the driest skin profiles. The MVE technology penetrates the pores and releases ceramides, which keep the skin supple and supple throughout the day. Vitamin D improves skin texture and helps to maintain a more vibrant and radiant complexion.
This BHA product is perfect for women who want gentle beauty control and intense hydration. This salicylic acid product is designed for use throughout the body and is available in the Dermstore !
13. Nip + Fab Glykolic Fix Night Pads Extreme
These hard-working acid pads do not bother! They contain three of the most sought-after compounds in skin care for sophisticated skin refining. Glycolic acid (AHA) reduces pigmentation and the appearance of scars, resulting in a more even and vital skin tone. Salicylic acid cleanses the pores of dirt and oils. Hyaluronic acid pumps the skin with an infusion of intense moisture. This salicylic acid product is now available on Amazon .
Photos about @rafaeldiascosta, @kimberleyllane, @glamonglamx
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