Full Answer
What is salicylic acid acne treatment?
Salicylic acid is an acne treatment that is available over the counter, without having to see a doctor or nurse. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that acts as a chemical exfoliator.
Do Over-the-counter salicylic acid products work for acne?
Over-the-counter salicylic acid acne products work best if you have minor blackheads, rough bumpy skin, or mild pimples. OTC salicylic acid won't work on more serious, inflamed acne breakouts.
What is salicylic acid (SA)?
Salicylic acid (SA) is a beta hydroxy acid that occurs naturally in plants such as willow bark. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and also works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
When was salicylic acid used?
The first recorded use of salicylates dates back about 4,000 years to the Sumerians, who noted the pain remedies of the willow tree on early clay tablets. Ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia used the extract from willow trees to treat fever, pain, and inflammation.
When was salicylic acid discovered?
Salicylic acid was first prepared by the Italian chemist Raffaele Piria in 1838 from salicylaldehyde. In 1860 the German chemists Hermann Kolbe and Eduard Lautemann discovered a synthesis based on phenol and carbon dioxide.
Why you shouldn't use salicylic acid?
Although salicylic acid is considered safe overall, it may cause skin irritation when first starting. It may also remove too much oil, resulting in dryness and potential irritation. Other potential side effects include: skin tingling or stinging.
Is salicylic acid good for acne treatment?
Salicylic acid is a common ingredient used in many acne treatments. Research shows that it's more effective than a placebo, meaning that it actually works to treat acne. The way it works is by unclogging your pores and destroying the acne-causing sebum inside of them.
Where did salicylic acid come from?
Salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) is a white solid first isolated from the bark of willow trees (Salix spp.), from which it gets its name.
How was salicylic acid created?
Salicylic acid is produced commercially via the Kolbe-Schmitt process. Here phenol and sodium hydroxide are reacted to make sodium phenoxide. The phenoxide is contacted with CO2 to form sodium salicylate. The salicylate is acidified to give salicylic acid.
Why does salicylic acid make acne worse?
Acne treatments — especially those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — are drying and a bit harsh on your skin. If you use too many treatments at the same time, your skin may become irritated, and you may actually suffer more breakouts as a result.
What should you not mix with salicylic acid?
But overall, stick to using water-based products and serums together. AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
Which is better glycolic or salicylic acid?
While both glycolic acid and salicylic acid have some effect on acne, the latter is considered to be a better choice. Glycolic acid only works on the surface of the skin whereas salicylic acid goes deeper and reduces excess sebum production which is the leading cause of breakouts and acne.
Which is better benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is more effective for blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide works well for mild pustules. The severity of your breakouts. Both ingredients are intended for mild breakouts, and they can take several weeks to take full effect.
Should I use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide?
If you have blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid alone should work well to clear out your pores. If your acne tends to be inflammatory, such as papules and pustules, opt for benzoyl peroxide to stop outbreaks at the source. For sensitive skin, start with salicylic acid, since it's less likely to cause irritation.
Does salicylic acid make acne worse before it gets better?
Breakouts caused by acne shouldn't worsen when starting a product known to improve acne. The comedones triggered when skin purges happen at the start of using a product known to cause purging. Dr.
What are the side effects of salicylic acid?
Most people can use salicylic acid without any big problems. But you may notice some side effects when you're using salicylic acid, among them: 3 1 Dryness 2 Peeling and flaking 3 Stinging or burning 4 Skin irritation
What is the best product for acne?
If you have acne, there are many options to choose from in the battle against breakouts. One common acne-fighting product that is commonly used and easy to find is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid has numerous benefits for the skin, and it can have a major impact on your overall appearance or complexion. To help you understand this ingredient, let’s ...
Does salicylic acid help with acne?
It works best against non-inflamed breakouts and blackheads. Salicylic acid also helps to decrease oil and inflammation. 1.
Can you use salicylic acid with topical retinoids?
You're more likely to experience more significant side effects if you're using salicylic acid in conjunction with other acne treatment products, like topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. 1.
Is salicylic acid a beta hydroxy acid?
It works as an exfoliant, helping skin to shed dead skin cells more effectively. A close cousin of alpha hydro xy acid, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. Besides being used to treat acne, salicylic acid also is used to treat warts, psoraisis, and reduce signs of aging. 1.
Is salicylic acid a chemical peel?
Salicylic acid is also used as a chemical peel agent. Salicylic acid peels are stronger than OTC products, in strengths of 20% up to 30%. These superficial chemical peels exfoliate more deeply than over-the-counter salicylic acid products, so they can help treat moderate acne and, in certain cases, severe acne.
How does salicylic acid help with acne?
Salicylic acid works to treat and prevent acne in several ways: First, by peeling away dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is an exfoliating agent, meaning it helps to strip away the stratum corneum, or outermost layer of the skin. This layer of the skin is where many of the dead skin cells that contribute to acne can be found.
How long does it take for salicylic acid to work on acne?
Overall, studies show that salicylic acid is effective as a treatment for acne, with most research showing that it helps to reduce inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions over eight to 12 weeks of use. If you have mild to moderate acne, using an acne treatment that contains salicylic acid could be a good choice.
How much salicylic acid is in acne cream?
Most over-the-counter salicylic acid acne treatments contain anywhere from 0.5 to 5 percent salicylic acid. Products with a lower amount of salicylic acid may be less likely to cause irritation or dry skin. When you apply a product containing salicylic acid, make sure to keep it away from your eyes, nostrils and mouth.
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that’s commonly used as an ingredient in over-the-counter acne creams, gels and face washes. Like many other ingredients used to treat acne, one of the ways salicylic acid works is by stripping away dead skin cells. It’s backed up by some impressive scientific research and is sold over the counter, ...
Why is salicylic acid used in skin care?
In fact, salicylic acid is also used to treat other skin conditions that involve an overgrowth of skin cells, such as psoriasis, dandruff, calluses and certain types of warts. Second, by unclogging pores. Because salicylic acid helps to strip away the outermost layer of the skin, it can cause blocked pores to become unplugged, ...
What is the best way to treat acne?
A type of topical antiseptic, ben zoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that can contribute to acne. Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments. Benzoyl peroxide is typically used to treat mild to moderate acne.
How does clindamycin work?
Clindamycin. A topical antibiotic, clindamycin works by getting rid of the bacteria that can contribute to inflammatory acne. Like tretinoin, it’s one of several active ingredients in our customizable acne cream. We’ve explained more about how clindamycin works in our full guide to clindamycin for treating acne.
How does salicylic acid work?
Salicylic acid dissolves oil and clears away dead skin cells and impurities. It works by breaking down the bonds holding together the cells that make up the outer layer of skin. This exfoliates dead skin cells, preventing them from accumulating on the surface skin and clogging pores.
What is the concentration of salicylic acid in OTC?
Topical OTC products usually contain concentrations of salicylic acid ranging from 0.05–5%. When trying a product for the first time, it’s best to start with a low concentration and work your way up to find the percentage best suited to your skin.
What is the best moisturizer for acne?
Toners containing salicylic acid can help to reduce acne formation by preventing pores from becoming clogged. Moisturizers. Acne-prone skin tends to be oily, but still requires moisture. Moisturizers containing salicylic acid serve the dual purpose of preventing breakouts while hydrating the skin.
What is the best topical for acne?
Salicylic acid is one of the most effective and commonly used topicals for acne treatment. It functions by chemically exfoliating accumulated dead skin, excess oil, dirt and debris from the surface skin, which helps to prevent acne formation. It is also oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate deep into the skin and clear out clogged pores.
What is the best acne treatment for 2020?
March 25, 2020 • By April Hutchins. Salicylic acid is one of the most effective skin care ingredients used to treat and prevent acne. It helps to maintain clear pores and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, debris and oil on the surface skin. This ingredient is commonly found in over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products such as cleansers, ...
What is the best ingredient for acne?
We are kin to skin. Salicylic acid is one of the most effective skin care ingredients used to treat and prevent acne. It helps to maintain clear pores and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, debris and oil on the surface skin.
What is the best way to treat acne?
Cleansers and face washes. Cleansers and face washes are among the most common salicylic acid products used to treat and prevent acne. Both types of formula are gentle enough to use daily while effective enough to fend ...
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is an organic compound that can naturally be found in plants or chemically synthesized . Salicylic acid is a crystalline powder that is white in appearance and is primarily used to treat fevers, pains, and various skin conditions. Salicylic acid is primarily known as an ingredient in acne treatment formulas, but it is also effective in reducing and eliminating calluses, eczema, psoriasis, and warts. This acid is also often used to treat dandruff.
What is the best acne treatment?
ClearPores is the best acne treatment product of those that contain salicylic acid. ClearPores is an entire system of skin and acne care with items that are specifically designed for the face and the body. Salicylic acid is present at 2% strength in ClearPores facial wash, facial protection cream, body wash, and body protection cream. The ClearPores acne treatment system has successfully reduced blemishes, acne, and redness in the skin for many satisfied customers.
Is salicylic acid good for acne?
The use of salicylic acid for acne treatment has several benefits. This acid is composed of large molecules that remain on the skin surface long enough to sufficiently treat the pores. Those who have sensitive skin can safely use products that contain salicylic acid as they are much less harsh and irritating than some other formulas. Salicylic acid is also known to increase the benefits of additional skin therapies.
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is an acne treatment that is available over the counter, without having to see a doctor or nurse.
How does salicylic acid work?
Salicylic acid works by penetrating the hair follicle and oil gland and dissolving the acne-causing blockages of dead skin cells, oil and other debris. It also works to reduce the amount of oil being produced by your oil glands, making it less likely that new acne-causing blockages will form or grow bigger.
What are some of the side effects of using salicylic acid?
Side effects of salicylic acid include burning, redness and general skin irritation. To help reduce the risk of side effects, start by applying a salicylic acid treatment for a just a few days a week. Salicylic acid can also cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun so use a non-oily sunscreen during the day.
General guidance on using salicylic acid
It is important to remember that most acne treatments take time to work. Doctors usually suggest that you continue the treatment for at least twelve weeks before deciding whether or not it has worked for you.
Example of an acne treatment regime
Treatments that contain salicylic acid are often used as part of a wider acne treatment regime. These regimes involve using acne treatments and sometimes other products in an organised way with the aim of maximising the treatment’s effectiveness.
Benefits of salicylic acid in skincare
Although salicylic acid is best known for its ability to treat whiteheads and blackheads, it can also help eliminate buildup and scaling on the skin caused by psoriasis, warts, calluses and dandruff, said Garshick.
Salicylic acid limitations
If you have sensitive or dry skin, you should proceed with caution to avoid the three most common side effects associated with salicylic acid: dryness, irritation and sun sensitivity, noted board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, of Laser Skin & Surgery Center of NY.
Best salicylic acid products
We’ve learned from our previous acne coverage that you need to be persistent with your skin care routine to see results and salicylic acid products are no different. You may notice some improvement in just a few days, but the most significant results will appear in about four weeks, noted Murphy-Rose.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
First Aid Beauty makes a “great” salicylic acid spot treatment that targets blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads and is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin, according to Garshick. Beyond salicylic acid, it contains glycolic acid, a popular type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), plus fruit enzymes that help to reduce discoloration, she noted.
FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment
The combination of salicylic acid and tea tree oil found in this cleanser helps “eliminate” dirt, buildup and excess oil, which in turn prevents and treats breakouts, noted Garshick. As a bonus, St. Ives claims this non-comedogenic and paraben-free formula is stored in a 100 percent recycled bottle.
St. Ives Acne Control Tea Tree Cleanser
Viscusi called this her "favorite" drugstore salicylic acid product and noted it "gently and instantly" unclogs and tightens pores for a noticeably clear complexion. La Roche Posay's toner received a 4.6-star average rating from more than 1,870 reviews on Amazon.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Astringent
Viscusi is a fan of SkinMedica's salicylic acid-infused face wash and cream — they contain fruit enzymes, tocopheryl acetate and panthenol (provitamin B5), which protect against free radical damage as well as soothe, moisturize and replenish the skin.