Salicylic acid today is extremely widely used both in medicine and in cosmetology because of its powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic and seboregulating properties. But how exactly is salicylic acid used in skincare products? Let’s take a closer look at the skin benefits of this ingredient.
Salicylic acid is a monohydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid. It is also classified as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Its name is derived from the Latin name for the willow tree, salix, since willow bark is a natural source of salicylic acid. Although willow bark had been widely used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, its active extract (salicin) was first obtained in 1828.
About a decade later, the Italian chemist Raffaele Piria converted salicin into salicylic acid. His discovery was revolutionary because it paved the way for the discovery of acetylsalicylic acid. Commonly known as aspirin, it is one of the most widely used antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications.
Salicylic acid is used as a medication, too. It is commonly found in topical preparations used to treat various skin conditions, such as acne, ichthyosis, psoriasis, ringworm, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and warts. Similar to other hydroxy acids, salicylic acid is a key ingredient in many skincare products designed to treat acne scars, blackheads, calluses, corns, dandruff, pimples, etc. It is also a common ingredient in chemical peels. What exactly effects does salicylic acid have on skin?
Salicylic acid penetrates into the deeper levels of the epidermis and combats inflammation, normalises the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands, softens the outermost layer of the epidermis and helps to slough off dead cells, inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, improves microcirculation, and speeds up the healing of minor skin injuries.
As we’ve already mentioned above, skincare products and topical medications with salicylic acid can be designed to treat a wide range of skin conditions. The main difference between medications and cosmetics with salicylic acid lies in the concentration of the main active ingredient. Topical salicylic acid solutions and ointments are usually higher in salicylic acid than face cleansers, peels, toners, masks, moisturisers, etc.
Mass-market skincare products usually contain no more than 2% of salicylic acid to prevent possible side effects, since salicylic acid is an irritant. Such products are usually designed for oily and combination skin prone to blackheads and breakouts. Products for teenage skin often contain salicylic acid to normalise sebum secretion and prevent teenage acne.
Skincare products with salicylic acid are produced by numerous manufacturers today, so the choice is huge, and it may be hard to find the product that’s just right for you. Therefore, it is very important to know what to look for in cosmetics with salicylic acid, as well as to take into account the peculiar needs of your skin.
For example, it is worth noting that salicylic acid is incompatible or poorly compatible with some other skincare ingredients, such as retinol (vitamin A), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and zinc oxide. Incompatible ingredients can mutually reduce or even neutralise each other’s benefits and enhance side effects.
In addition, you should be extremely careful when combining salicylic acid with other hydroxy acids or essential oils, since it may lead to severe skin irritation or even chemical burns. Ingredients that salicylic acid is compatible with include, but are not limited to, licorice root extract, various anti-inflammatory and moisturising agents, hydrolysed soy protein, and benzoyl peroxide.
In our online shop Organic Store, you can find natural and organic products with salicylic acid for oily and problem skin, as well as for combatting dandruff. We offer high-quality cosmetics at reasonable prices, convenient and secure payment methods, and international delivery to most parts of the world to make your shopping experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
Skincare Products with Salicylic Acid in Our Store
Home Doctor Salicylic Face & Body Soap, 70 g |