If you look more closely at the labels of exfoliating products or those designed to fight acne, you will notice that most of them have one thing in common – salicylic acid. This active ingredient is one of the fiercest enemies of skin imperfections, inflammations, and pimples. Additionally, it has proven effects on other skin problems such as psoriasis, dandruff, calluses, and warts.
But are you familiar with the full list of its incredible qualities and do you know why it is one of the most commonly used agents in cosmetics overall?
What is salicylic acid?
First, let’s clarify that acids are often used in cosmetics for exfoliation – to remove dead cells and accelerate skin renewal. There are several types of acids: alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic and lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) – like salicylic acid – each with different levels of effectiveness depending on the needs of different skin types.
Salicylic acid belongs to the beta hydroxy acid family, is fat-soluble, and is most commonly extracted from willow bark. It penetrates the deepest layers of the skin, and its greatest advantage is that it is very effective against acne, pimples, blackheads, and comedones.
In cosmetics, it is usually produced chemically, without altering its effective properties. It is most commonly found in products at minimal concentrations – between 0.5% and 2%. Something that might surprise you is that it is used as a raw material to produce acetylsalicylic acid, better known as aspirin.
An ingredient known since ancient times
It turns out that salicylic acid is widespread in nature and is present in many plants and some fruits. The highest concentration of salicin is found in white willow, known since ancient times for its anti-inflammatory properties. There are records that as early as Mesopotamia, it was used as a remedy for fever and inflammation.
The most remarkable testimony comes from Hippocrates himself, who prescribed it as a pain reliever in the form of tea and recommended chewing willow bark for those suffering from fever. After various studies and uses over the centuries, in 1829 the French pharmacist Pierre-Joseph Leroux first extracted salicin in pure crystalline form, which he used to treat rheumatism, and by the late 19th century, industrial production began in Germany as a medicinal form against pain and fever.
The main advantages for which it is used in cosmetics are:
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It has a keratolytic effect: its exfoliating action removes dead skin that accumulates and clogs pores, and in the long term, this helps even out skin tone and restore radiance.
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Regulates sebum production: prolonged use significantly reduces oily secretions, which cause new blackheads and comedones.
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Has a depigmenting effect: helps remove dark spots and acne scars.
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Has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action: reduces inflammation in subcutaneous pimples.
- It is used against dandruff and helps in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
Powerful exfoliant
Salicylic acid has a softening effect and removes dead cells from the surface without affecting the deeper layers of the dermis. Products containing it have a peeling effect that renews the skin and makes it more radiant and healthy.
Because of this property, it is also used in combination with other treatments for psoriasis, dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, ichthyosis, calluses, and more.
Natural enemy of acne
Salicylic acid has proven to be an effective treatment for mild acne. One of the most common reasons for the appearance of pimples and inflammations is the clogging of hair follicles by keratin plugs.
They block the hair follicle opening and form comedones and blackheads. This stimulates sebum production, and along with it, the number of bacteria that also “help” cause acne.
This is where the magical abilities of salicin come into play. Thanks to its keratolytic action, the ingredient removes dead cells and keratin plugs from the upper layer of the skin. This unclogs pores and smooths the skin.
The antiseptic properties of the acid help reduce bacteria – the culprits behind new pimples. The skin clears, the number of comedones and blackheads decreases, and their recurrence is prevented.
Regenerates and renews cells
As we age, our skin’s regeneration process slows down, leading to wrinkles, uneven tone, and loss of radiance. Salicylic acid stimulates cell renewal and thus reduces fine lines.
Who is it suitable for?
Salicylic acid is an ideal ally in caring for combination or oily skin. But if you have sensitive, dry, or irritated skin – be careful – this may not be the most effective ingredient for you. If your skin is prone to blackheads or pimples, include a facial cleansing product with salicylic acid in your daily care.
How to use it?
Always test the product before using it on your entire face. Apply it in the evening to a small area on the forehead, as the skin there is thicker. If redness or peeling appears within the next 24 hours, it’s best to choose another product with a lower concentration of salicylic acid (or try an alternative ingredient if you are fighting acne, such as azelaic acid, for example).
After using a product with salicylic acid, always apply a moisturizing cream to balance and prevent dryness. Due to the exfoliating properties of salicin, the skin may be more sensitive to sunlight, so don’t forget sun protection.
Salicylic Acid / Salicylic Acid
If you look more closely at the labels of exfoliating products or those designed to fight acne, you will notice that most of them have one thing in common – salicylic acid. This active ingredient is one of the fiercest enemies of skin imperfections, inflammations, and pimples. Additionally, it has proven effects on other skin problems such as psoriasis, dandruff, calluses, and warts.
But are you familiar with the full list of its incredible qualities and do you know why it is one of the most commonly used agents in cosmetics overall?
What is salicylic acid?
First, let’s clarify that acids are often used in cosmetics for exfoliation – to remove dead cells and accelerate skin renewal. There are several types of acids: alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic and lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) – like salicylic acid – each with different levels of effectiveness depending on the needs of different skin types.
Salicylic acid belongs to the beta hydroxy acid family, is fat-soluble, and is most commonly extracted from willow bark. It penetrates the deepest layers of the skin, and its greatest advantage is that it is very effective against acne, pimples, blackheads, and comedones.
In cosmetics, it is usually produced chemically, without altering its effective properties. It is most commonly found in products at minimal concentrations – between 0.5% and 2%. Something that might surprise you is that it is used as a raw material to produce acetylsalicylic acid, better known as aspirin.
An ingredient known since ancient times
It turns out that salicylic acid is widespread in nature and is present in many plants and some fruits. The highest concentration of salicin is found in white willow, known since ancient times for its anti-inflammatory properties. There are records that as early as Mesopotamia, it was used as a remedy for fever and inflammation.
The most remarkable testimony comes from Hippocrates himself, who prescribed it as a pain reliever in the form of tea and recommended chewing willow bark for those suffering from fever. After various studies and uses over the centuries, in 1829 the French pharmacist Pierre-Joseph Leroux first extracted salicin in pure crystalline form, which he used to treat rheumatism, and by the late 19th century, industrial production began in Germany as a medicinal form against pain and fever.
The main advantages for which it is used in cosmetics are:
Powerful exfoliant
Salicylic acid has a softening effect and removes dead cells from the surface without affecting the deeper layers of the dermis. Products containing it have a peeling effect that renews the skin and makes it more radiant and healthy.
Because of this property, it is also used in combination with other treatments for psoriasis, dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, ichthyosis, calluses, and more.
Natural enemy of acne
Salicylic acid has proven to be an effective treatment for mild acne. One of the most common reasons for the appearance of pimples and inflammations is the clogging of hair follicles by keratin plugs.
They block the hair follicle opening and form comedones and blackheads. This stimulates sebum production, and along with it, the number of bacteria that also “help” cause acne.
This is where the magical abilities of salicin come into play. Thanks to its keratolytic action, the ingredient removes dead cells and keratin plugs from the upper layer of the skin. This unclogs pores and smooths the skin.
The antiseptic properties of the acid help reduce bacteria – the culprits behind new pimples. The skin clears, the number of comedones and blackheads decreases, and their recurrence is prevented.
Regenerates and renews cells
As we age, our skin’s regeneration process slows down, leading to wrinkles, uneven tone, and loss of radiance. Salicylic acid stimulates cell renewal and thus reduces fine lines.
Who is it suitable for?
Salicylic acid is an ideal ally in caring for combination or oily skin. But if you have sensitive, dry, or irritated skin – be careful – this may not be the most effective ingredient for you. If your skin is prone to blackheads or pimples, include a facial cleansing product with salicylic acid in your daily care.
How to use it?
Always test the product before using it on your entire face. Apply it in the evening to a small area on the forehead, as the skin there is thicker. If redness or peeling appears within the next 24 hours, it’s best to choose another product with a lower concentration of salicylic acid (or try an alternative ingredient if you are fighting acne, such as azelaic acid, for example).
After using a product with salicylic acid, always apply a moisturizing cream to balance and prevent dryness. Due to the exfoliating properties of salicin, the skin may be more sensitive to sunlight, so don’t forget sun protection.