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Here's everything you need to know about what it is, how it works, and ways to incorporate it into your skin-care routine.

Simply speaking, salicylic acid is one of acne's biggest enemies. But, what does salicylic acid do for the skin, and what are the best ways to reap its benefits?


What is salicylic acid?
First off, let's establish what salicylic acid is. Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark and it belongs to a class of ingredients called salicylates. When it comes to skin-care products, there are two classes of acids you'll see often: beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. 

Both alpha and beta hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin, but AHAs are water-soluble, while BHAs are oil-soluble.

Generally, oil-soluble ingredients penetrate through the lipid layers between the skin cells more readily. In other words, oil-soluble ingredients can penetrate the skin at a deeper level than their water-soluble counterparts. This is important because it makes salicylic acid more oil-soluble so it can penetrate into the pores of the skin.

AHAs work well on the skin's surface to loosen old, dead skin and reveal fresh newer skin, salicylic acid works deeper and is able to penetrate into the pores to unclog them.




What does salicylic acid do for the skin?
Salicylic acid can get deep into your skin to do its job. This quality is precisely what makes it such a potent ingredient for targeting acne — especially for blackheads and whiteheads.

Once it penetrates the skin, salicylic acid dissolves skin debris that clogs pores, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and also helps red, inflamed pimples and pustules go away faster.


Salicylic acid is also an exfoliant
This breaking down of skin cells promotes exfoliation. Salicylic acid is considered a keratolytic medication, which means that it's perfect for supreme exfoliation. Keratolytic medications cause softening and sloughing of the top layer of skin cells.


Salicylic acid works best on blackheads and whiteheads
There are three factors that contribute to acne: an abnormal sloughing off of skin cells, excessive oiliness, and the action of acnes bacteria. Salicylic acid helps with the first cause by dissolving the type of skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne.

Blackheads Whiteheads


Therefore, salicylic acid is ideal for treating blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid can directly dissolve the keratin plugs and regulate the skin cells. It does have some effectiveness against cystic acne due to its antibacterial activity, but less so than the classic blackheads and whiteheads.


Can salicylic acid damage skin?
You can actually use too much salicylic acid. The primary negative side effect of salicylic acid is its ability to irritate and dry skin in those who are very sensitive or those who overuse it.

Depending on the concentration and the number of applications, some people may experience dryness, peeling, redness, and some skin irritation. For this reason, those with skin that's already severely dry or sensitive should consider avoiding SA altogether. It's also not the best choice if you are pregnant or taking certain medications, including blood thinners.

Still, the concentration of most over-the-counter salicylic acid creams and cleansers — often two percent — is low. If used appropriately, it can be tolerated quite well. When starting a new salicylic acid-based product, begin slowly by using the product every other day or otherwise half as often as the product directs, then working their way up to daily once you know how your skin reacts to the ingredient.


Can you use salicylic acid every day?
Salicylic acid-based products are safe to use daily if used as directed and tolerated by your skin. If your skin type is dry or sensitive, it's more likely that salicylic acid could cause some irritation, so be sure to test the product on your skin every other day before committing to it on a daily basis.


What are the best salicylic acid skin-care products to use for acne?
Salicylic Acid Cleanser Banner
DermaClear BHA Cleanser on white background
1
Dermaquest
DermaClear BHA Cleanser

C$45.00

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Alpha Beta AHA BHA Daily Cleansing Gel - Travel Size on white background
Dr Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta AHA BHA Daily Cleansing Gel - Travel Size

C$21.00

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AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser on white background
22
SkinMedica
AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

C$50.00

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Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid on white background
1
Circadia
Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid

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Salicylic Acid Serum Banner
Beta-Clarity BHA Drops on white background
1
Glo Skin Beauty
Beta-Clarity BHA Drops

C$81.00
C$45.36

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Acne Remedies Salicylic "A" Serum on white background
4
Rhonda Allison
Acne Remedies Salicylic "A" Serum

C$78.00

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Salicylic Acid Creams & Lotions Banner
AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream on white background
11
VivierSkin
AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream

C$94.00

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AHA/BHA Face Cream on white background
13
SkinMedica
AHA/BHA Face Cream

C$46.00

ADD TO CART
Pure C + BHA on white background
O Cosmedics
Pure C + BHA

C$87.00

ADD TO CART

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