Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is used in various skincare products to help clear and prevent pimples and skin blemishes in people who have acne. It is also used to treat other skin conditions by softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it falls off or can be removed easily. Here are some of the ways salicylic acid benefits the skin:
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Unclogs pores: Salicylic acid penetrates the skin and dissolves skin debris that clogs pores, which makes it a potent ingredient for targeting acne, especially for blackheads and whiteheads.
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Exfoliates skin: Salicylic acid loosens and breaks apart desmosomes (attachments between cells in the outer layer of skin), which encourages exfoliation of skin and unclogging of pores.
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Reduces inflammation: Salicylic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory, which helps red, inflamed pimples and pustules go away faster.
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Improves skin texture: Salicylic acids mild exfoliation benefits can help improve the look of rough and bumpy skin, which is formally known as keratosis pilaris and can resemble "chicken skin" or "strawberry skin".
Salicylic acid is generally considered to be an ingredient that is suitable for daily use, and when applied correctly, can be used in combination with other skincare products. However, it is important to follow the directions on the product package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
