Salicylic acid is an effective ingredient in skincare routines, especially for oily and acne-prone skin. This acid is classified as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), and is known for its ability to penetrate pores and clean them from the inside. Salicylic acid works to remove excess oils and impurities from the skin by penetrating the pores. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties, this acid helps get rid of dead cells on the surface of the skin, improving its appearance and texture. In this article from         Dalili Medical, we will review the benefits of salicylic acid for oily skin and ways to use it.

What is salicylic acid?

 

Salicylic acid is a type of acid known as a beta hydroxy acid. It is also called a "facial acid" due to its great effectiveness in treating acne, pigmentation, psoriasis, and dandruff. In addition, it is used to remove foot corns, skin warts, and corns on the feet. Salicylic acid works by exfoliating the skin and helping to keep pores clean. This helps reduce the appearance of acne and blackheads. Therefore, this acid is a preferred ingredient in many over-the-counter skin care products.

What are the uses of salicylic acid?

 

Salicylic acid is an effective exfoliant that removes the outer layer of the skin. It is considered one of the best treatments for acne and helps prevent its appearance in the future.

This acid is characterized by its ability to penetrate the skin and clean the pores of dead skin cells. It also contributes to exfoliating the skin and getting rid of wrinkles, scars, pigmentation and brown age spots, especially in products that contain high concentrations of salicylic acid.

. Is salicylic acid good for the face?

 

Salicylic acid is the main enemy of acne, as it can help reduce pimples quickly. It also helps prevent the appearance of pimples and skin blemishes in people prone to acne by opening the pores naturally. It also promotes exfoliation of the outer layer of the skin and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

. What skin conditions can be treated with salicylic acid?

 

Salicylic acid is commonly used to treat acne, as it helps open the pores and exfoliate the skin. It is also used to treat conditions such as psoriasis, calluses, and warts.

. How does salicylic acid affect the skin?

 

Salicylic acid works by penetrating the layers of the skin and dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. This helps exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and promote cell renewal.

. Can salicylic acid be used on all skin types?

 

In general, salicylic acid is suitable for most skin types, but people with sensitive skin are advised to be cautious and may prefer to start with lower concentrations to avoid irritation.

. How often should I use products containing salicylic acid?

 

The frequency of use depends on the concentration of the product and how well your skin tolerates it. It is best to start by using it once or twice a week, then gradually increase the amount if your skin tolerates it well. Some people use it daily.

**. What does salicylic acid do? **

 

Salicylic acid is characterized by its ability to penetrate the skin deeply, as it works to unclog pores and effectively dissolve blackheads and whiteheads. It is commonly used to remove the outer layer of skin, facilitating the skin renewal process. It also helps prevent clogged pores and helps facilitate the growth of new cells.

**. Can I use salicylic acid daily? **

 

If you have dry, flaky skin, salicylic acid may not be right for you. Initially, it may cause further dryness and irritation of the skin. It is best to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase the dose. It is important to follow the usage instructions and consult your doctor.

**. Is salicylic acid water soluble? **

 

Salicylic acid does not dissolve easily in water at room temperature. If you want to make it dissolve completely, it must be converted to salicylate. Its solubility also depends on the pH of the solvent, as it dissolves well in water at pH 3. Its solubility can be improved with ethanol and glycol.

. Can I use salicylic acid and niacinamide together?

 

Yes, these two ingredients can be used together safely and effectively. Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 and is a powerful treatment for hyperpigmentation, as it prevents the transfer of melanin from pigment-producing cells to skin cells. Thanks to niacinamide, salicylic acid can reach the sebaceous glands and reduce sebum production, which helps in better preventing acne.

. Does salicylic acid cause purging?

 

Yes, salicylic acid contains active ingredients that enhance the rate of skin cell turnover, which leads to skin peeling. This process is known as purging, as the increased rate of cell turnover leads to the formation of new cells faster, which helps to get rid of dead skin cells faster than usual, thus unclogging the pores.

**How ​​and when to use salicylic acid?**

 

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your skin type and current condition. It is usually recommended to use it for two to three days. It is important to perform a sensitivity test on a small area of ​​​​the skin or the affected area before full use. It is preferable to start with a small amount and gradually increase the use.

**Methods of use:**

- **Ointment, lotion or cream:** Apply the product to the affected area and massage it gently.

- **Gel:** Before applying the gel, place a wet piece on the affected area for five minutes, then gently massage the gel afterwards.

- Use a bandage to gently wipe the affected area, and avoid rinsing the medicine for a few hours.

Avoid using medicines near flames or heat sources, asIt is flammable. Do not inhale the fumes.

**What to do in case of an overdose of salicylic acid?**

 

Using salicylic acid in doses higher than recommended can have negative effects on your body, which can worsen symptoms. Therefore, it is important to contact your doctor and inform them in case of an overdose.

**Benefits of salicylic acid face wash**

A face wash containing salicylic acid offers many benefits to your skin. Here are some of the main reasons why it is a great addition to your skincare routine.

**Cleans clogged pores**Cleansing clogged pores is one of the main reasons why many people use salicylic acid. Thanks to its oil-soluble nature, it is able to penetrate deep into the skin and dissolve acne-causing impurities, making it an ideal choice for people with oily and acne-prone skin.

**Reduces acne**Salicylic acid is a powerful force when it comes to fighting acne. Not only does it help clear up existing pimples, it also prevents future breakouts by keeping pores clear.

**Exfoliates** Regular exfoliation is essential to maintaining healthy skin, and salicylic acid is an effective exfoliant. It helps remove dead skin cells from the surface, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath.

**Soothes inflammation** Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, salicylic acid can reduce the swelling and redness associated with acne, making it less uncomfortable and soothing.

**Helps with oily skin** For those with oily skin, salicylic acid helps by regulating sebum production. Keeping pores open prevents the benefits of salicylic acid for oily skin from building up oil, resulting in a more balanced, less oily complexion.

**Benefits of salicylic acid for oily skin**

**Regulates sebum production** People with oily skin have overactive sebaceous glands, which leads to increased production of sebum on the surface of the skin. If this sebum continues to build up, it can cause blemishes or acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid helps improve the condition of oily skin by purifying the skin and clearing clogged pores that contribute to excess sebum production.

. **Reducing blemishes and breakouts** The benefits of salicylic acid are especially evident for skin prone to mild acne. In addition to controlling excess oil, salicylic acid is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. People with oily skin and those with mild acne are all too familiar with the appearance of blemishes. Surface spots form when oil and dead skin cells build up in pores or hair follicles. Salicylic acid works to penetrate deep into the pores, dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to restore healthier, clearer skin.

. **Improving skin texture**Salicylic acid is an effective skin rejuvenator, making it popular among people with mild acne-prone skin as well as those with mature skin.

In addition to targeting blemishes, salicylic acid helps to smooth the texture of the skin, which is important to many who suffer from the effects of mild acne-prone skin.

It also helps to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promotes skin cell renewal in the outer layer, giving the skin a plumper appearance.

. **Reducing the appearance of post-acne marks**Gentle chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid (BHA) can be used to help reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation.

Healthy skin cell turnover means that the skin can heal faster, and salicylic acid works to give your skin an extra glow by removing old, dead skin cells.

. **Soothes the skin**If your skin is prone to mild acne, then you may also be experiencing redness. Fortunately, in addition to its many benefits for acne-prone skin, salicylic acid also has soothing properties that help reduce redness and breakouts.

Although salicylic acid is a powerful ingredient, low concentrations of it help manage any redness associated with mild acne-prone skin.

**Soothe inflammation and redness**: Salicylic acid has soothing properties that help reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne and pimples, making the skin look calmer and healthier.

**Possible side effects and ways to avoid them**

Despite the many benefits of salicylic acid, it may lead to some side effects such as dryness or irritation, especially when overused. To avoid these problems:

- Start with a low concentration.

- Use a suitable moisturizer after applying the acid.

- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight after use, and it is preferable to use sunscreen.

How to incorporate salicylic acid into your daily skincare routine?

 

1- In cleansers: If you are using a cleanser containing salicylic acid, it is preferable to use it once a day, either in the morning or evening.

How to use: Wet your face, then apply the cleanser and massage gently for about 30 seconds, then rinse it well.

2- For toner: If you use toner or toner wipes, it is best to use it once a day, usually in the evening.

How to use: After cleansing the skin, apply the toner with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area. Allow the toner to absorb well before applying any other products, such as serums or moisturizers.

3- For serums: It is recommended to use the salicylic acid serum once a day after cleansing the skin and using toner.

How to use: Apply a few drops of the serum to your fingertips, then gently press it into your skin. Allow the serum to absorb completely before applying moisturizer.

**How ​​to use the serumSalicylic acid in your skincare routine for oily skin**

 

**Choosing the right product:**Salicylic acid is available in a variety of skincare products, including cleansers, toners, serums, and creams. When choosing a product that contains this acid, make sure it suits your skin type and does not contain ingredients that may cause irritation.

**Appropriate frequency of use:**Salicylic acid can be used daily or several times a week, depending on the concentration of the product and your skin type. If you are using the product for the first time, it is preferable to start with small doses weekly and gradually increase the frequency.

**Combine with other products:**Salicylic acid can be easily incorporated into your skincare routine, but it is recommended to avoid using it with products that contain other strong acids such as glycolic acid at the same time, to avoid irritation.