What is Salicylic Acid: Uses in skin care cosmetics and how to use it correctly

What is salicylic acid?

What is salicylic acid?

Basically, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid and is known by other names as BHA. It is also a derivative of aspirin and has anti-inflammatory activity. They work to exfoliate but don’t clog pores.

According to research salicylic acid is derived from willow bark, which belongs to a group of ingredients known as salicylates. This structure is very important because it will make the salicylic acid more oily. Therefore, BHAs are oil-soluble and can penetrate through the lipid layers between cells and into the pores of the skin easily. In other words, oil-soluble ingredients have the ability to penetrate the skin at a deeper level than water-soluble ingredients.

Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Skin

Salicylic acid is effective in treating acne

Salicylic acid is known to be an extremely familiar and popular ingredient in acne products. Because this active ingredient has the effect of quickly soothing the redness, swelling caused by acne. This is also an effective anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of acne marks on the skin.

This ingredient also has the ability to control excess oil, clean pores and help the surface of the skin stay dry. These activities help prevent and treat acne effectively. Not only that, with the ability to penetrate and clean pores, salicylic acid can loosen acne nuclei, making it easier to pop pimples. Thereby reducing the inflammation of the skin when squeezing acne.

Axit salicylic tẩy tế bào chết trị mụn “thần sầu” (Ảnh: Internet)

Salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin

As we all know, facial skin is dry and itchy partly due to the accumulation of dead cells on the skin. And Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for this. Salicylic acid will soften the top layer of dead skin, then work to cause this dead skin layer to slough off. Thanks to that, new, healthier, whiter cells have the most favorable conditions to grow. As a result, you will have a skin that is free of dirt, bacteria, bright white as well as smoother.

In addition to dry, itchy skin, Salicylic Acid also affects oily skin. Specifically, Salicylic Acid will penetrate into oily skin, deep clean dirt, help pores more open. At the same time, Salicylic Acid also prevents excessive secretion of oil under the skin, effectively reducing acne, anti-inflammatory and soothing allergy spots on the skin.

Helps regulate sebum for the skin

Salicylic acid, after being applied to the skin, breaks the bonds between fatty acids such as sebum and natural oils. Thanks to that, this active ingredient has the ability to remove and regulate sebum on the skin. This is a must-have for oily and acne-prone skin.

Salicylic Acid – The “panacea” fades scars, tightens pores (Photo: Internet)

Salicylic acid helps unclog pores

Thanks to its ability to penetrate deep into the skin, salicylic acid has a cleansing effect, unclogs and helps unclog pores. This active ingredient also stimulates the circulation process, supporting the elimination of sebum, dirt, and cosmetic residue from the pores. Thanks to that, it helps to clean the face from deep inside extremely effectively and quickly.

Helps fade scars

Dark spots, acne scars and freckles, dark spots will be blurred and significantly improved with salicylic acid. Because this active ingredient is highly appreciated for its ability to fade and change skin tone.

Which skin should use Salicylic Acid? (Photo: Internet)

When should salicylic acid be used?

With products containing salicylic acid, you can use it both morning and evening. However, you need to be careful when using it during the day. Because the ingredient salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the effects of sunlight. So, when you need to apply this ingredient during the day, remember to use it with sunscreen and cover it up carefully.

If you have sensitive skin, you should also limit the use of products containing salicylic acid in the evening. At the same time, always read the information carefully and follow the instructions for use of each product. Although the frequency of use is different for each product, you should only use it a maximum of two times per day.

How much BHA in cosmetics is safe? (Photo: Internet)

Permissible content of salicylic acid in cosmetics

Salicylic acid is commonly used in many topical products, gels and cosmetics in certain concentrations. Below are the allowable levels of salicylic acid in these product forms.

Soap: 1%
Cream, milk:   2%, 6%
Shampoo: 2%, 3%, 6%
Foam form: 6%
Salicylic ointment: 3%, 5%
Topical gel: 1%, 2%, 3%, 6%, 17%, 17.6%
Topical solution: 2%, 3%, 16.7%, 17%, 17.6%
Patches: 0.5%, 1%

How to use salicylic acid exactly as experts recommend

Salicylic acid is commonly found in skin care products such as cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. This active ingredient is also an important ingredient in chemical exfoliants called AHA/BHA.

With salicylic acid ingredients, the effect is best promoted when it has time to absorb into the skin for more than 10 minutes. Therefore, cleanser products will bring less effective. As for other products containing salicylic acid, you need to follow the following skin care routine for best results.

You need to follow the right skin care routine with salicylic acid (Image: Internet)

• Step 1: Cleanse your skin with a mild, low pH cleanser suitable for your skin.
• Step 2: If you need to use skin care products containing vitamin C, use them first. After about 20 minutes, use a product containing salicylic acid.
• Step 3: If a product containing salicylic acid comes in a gel or cream form, apply a pea-sized amount and gently massage in an upward motion. If the product contains salicylic acid in liquid form, use a cotton pad and dab it on your face.
• Step 4: You need to wait for about 15 to 30 minutes before using any other skin care products. This is the time for salicylic acid to penetrate the skin and work to exfoliate and balance the skin’s pH. After applying salicylic acid, you don’t need to rinse it off.

You should combine using salicylic acid with your daily skin care products for optimal results. The procedure to use is as follows: Serum (serum) > Lotion > Sunscreen (daytime).

What is the Difference Between Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide?

So are these two ingredients but the same effect? Probably not. While both ingredients can help treat acne, they are not interchangeable. So, before you start your treatment, it’s good to know the exact uses of each.

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Overall, Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most effective treatments for inflammatory acne, says Greenfield. However, you should know that commercially available products containing Benzoyl Peroxide often cause dry skin. Follow your dermatologist’s advice and use caution when you go to the pharmacy.”

Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most effective treatments for inflammatory acne

As a general rule, Manhattan dermatologist Susan Bard recommends using a concentration of 2.5-5% Benzoyl Peroxide for the face and 5-10% for the body. Many experts also recommend combining Retinoids with Benzoyl Peroxide products. “Retinoids are an inhibitory ingredient, which means they break down and clear facial skin all the way down to clogged pores,” explains Bard.

Distinguish the simplest Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid (Image: Internet)

Distinguish the most basic Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

Essentially, Salicylic Acid acts as a mild exfoliator and also pairs well with Retinoids products. “Salicylic acid is good for mild acne, so choose products that contain up to 2% Salicylic Acid,” says Bard. Anything can happen, she cautions, so you should consult a dermatologist before using it. Dr. Schlessinger adds that if you have extremely oily skin, you may want to use a higher percentage of Salicylic Acid, and there are some products with concentrations as high as 5%.

But remember, Salicylic Acid is an acid. That means that if you use it in too strong a concentration or improperly, it can lead to burns. In other words, it is best to consult a dermatologist to solve your skin problems.

Side effects of salicylic acid ingredients in skincare products

When using Salicylic Acid, users may experience unwanted side effects. Typical less common or rare side effects include:

• Skin irritation that did not occur prior to the use of these drugs (moderate or severe)
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Dry and itchy facial skin
• Red skin
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Ancient Khan
• Unusually warm skin.

Or two more common side effects:

• Skin irritation, which did not appear before the use of these drugs (mild)
• Hurting

Some drug side effects may not require any medical attention. As your body can gradually get used to the drugs and the side effects may go away. However, if any of the above symptoms of overdose persist while taking the drug, you absolutely must seek emergency help immediately because it can be dangerous.

There are many people who use salicylic acid without any side effects mentioned. If you have any questions, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure your own safety.

Irritated skin when using Salicylic Acid what to do? (Photo: Internet)

Note when using Salicylic Acid (BHA) to treat acne

Before using any drug, you need to find out the origin, origin as well as the warnings that the drug brings. For Salicylic Acid, it’s important to know the following:

Irritated skin when using Salicylic Acid what to do?

During use, if you have signs of an allergic reaction to something, you should notify your doctor or dermatologist immediately. For example, allergies to dyes, preservatives… Before using, it is necessary to read the ingredients carefully to ensure safety.

Also, you should test a small amount of salicylic acid on your skin for a day or two to check for irritation. If there is any sign of itching, redness or burning you should discontinue use and consult a specialist.

Can salicylic acid be used on children?

Children are at increased risk of side effects from absorbing salicylic acid through the skin. Salicylic acid should not be applied to large areas of the body for long periods of time, or under tight clothing. Therefore, it is not recommended to use too much salicylic acid for children, especially children under 2 years of age are recommended not to use.

Who should not use salicylic acid for acne?

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated problems with this medicine in the elderly. However, in patients with a predisposition to age-related vascular disease, caution should be exercised when this drug is administered.

How often to use salicylic acid

As mentioned, salicylic acid offers a lot of great skin care benefits. However, this active ingredient also has a strong impact on the texture of the skin and also often causes many unwanted side effects. Therefore, you need to use salicylic acid carefully and patiently with a maximum frequency of 2 to 3 times per week.

However, with products containing salicylic acid, you can use it more often. If the skin has a good reaction, you can use it every day at night. On the contrary, you can only use it 2 to 3 times per week.

Through the above article, Dep365 has shared with you all the information about salicylic acid. This is a great ingredient to help treat acne and effectively nourish the skin. However, you need to really follow the tips and notes that the article just mentioned. Wish you will soon own healthy, radiant skin to always be confident and shine!

Frequently asked questions about salicylic acid

What is salicylic acid?

Basically, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid and is known by other names as BHA. It is also a derivative of aspirin and has anti-inflammatory activity. They work to exfoliate but don’t clog pores.

Permissible content of salicylic acid in cosmetics

• Soap: 1%
• Cream, milk:   2%, 6%
• Shampoo: 2%, 3%, 6%
• Foam form: 6%
• Salicylic ointment: 3%, 5%
• Topical gel: 1%, 2%, 3%, 6%, 17%, 17.6%
• Topical solution: 2%, 3%, 16.7%, 17%, 17.6%
• Patches: 0.5%, 1%