Unlike many questionable skin care ingredients, Salicylic Acid is one of the safest and an effective remedy, that’s especially recommended for acne-prone skin. SA can now be found in a host of skin care products. It’s not only a star ingredient for oily and blemish prone skin, but is also used in many targeted serums and hydrators for dry, combination and sensitive skin.
But what exactly does Salicylic acid does for your skin? Here’s more to this miracle ingredient:
What Makes Salicylic Acid So Effective?
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant that belongs to the family of Beta Hydroxy Acids (learn more). Also known as ‘Nature’s Aspirin’, SA contains a chemical called ‘Salicin’, which is the main active ingredient.
It’s a keratolytic agent and is capable of cutting through the oil plugs to help exfoliate deep within the pores. Being anti-inflammatory in nature, it also helps in healing the skin faster, making it 2X times effective for clearing blemishes.
Are There Any Negative Effects of Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid can be obtained both synthetically and naturally. The primary side effect of ‘chemical-based’/ synthetic Salicylic acid is its ability to irritate the skin and cause and dryness.
However, naturally obtained Salicylic acid from the Bark of White Willow Tree or Salix alba is actually gentle, yet very effective for problematic skin when used in the correct concentration in products.
The Benefits of Salicylic Acid
Here are some of the promising benefits of Salicylic acid:
1. Exfoliates the Skin
Salicylic acid works as a gentle chemical peel that sloughs away dead skin cells. It loosens and breaks apart ‘desmosomes’ (glue-like attachment between skin cells), which results in unclogging of pores. Slowly, it helps improve texture and reveal brighter skin tone.
2. Clears Blemishes
Spiked with 100% Natural Salicylic Acid from White Willow Bark, our On the Spot Blemish Treatments (Day and Night) is a unique therapy that calms inflammation and accelerates healing. It is highly effective in removing blackheads, whiteheads and acne. To maximize the benefits and see overnight results, start masking the blemishes as soon as they appear.
3. Balances pH and Reduce Oiliness
If there’s one ingredient that dermatologists swear by for oily or kapha complexion – it’s definitely Salicylic acid. Using it in the form of pH Balancing ‘Pore Perfect Cleanser’ helps clear out excess oils by reducing sebum levels and restore a natural matte look.
4. A Powerful Astringent
Salicylic acid is a great toning agent and its astringent effect can help minimize the appearance of pores. These Organic Toners/Hydrators are also helpful in regulating pH and providing deep down moisture your skin craves for. Regular use will also help to tighten the skin.
5. Repairs Skin
SA has antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols that reduces the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It also improves hydration, essential for supporting healthy skin repair mechanism and fight the signs of aging skin.
Salicylic acid can be applied on all skin types. However, it’s important that only 100% pure Salicylic acid from White Willow Bark Extract is used to reap its maximum and long-lasting benefits.
