Your complete guide to salicylic acid
If you haven’t already noticed, acids are now a major staple in loads of skincare products. But the thing is, it can be hard to know exactly what each acid does to help your skin. Whilst many acids are better for specific skin types, salicylic acid seems to be a major player when it comes to taking care of a specific concern - breakouts.
And the best thing about it? It's super easy to incorporate into your current skincare routine, yep there are a multitude of products on offer for different steps of your routine (and at different price points). Check out our complete guide to salicylic acid below…
What is salicylic acid then?
Essentially, to help demystify the variety of acids on the market, acids can be split into two categories; AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). Salicylic acid, which is derived from willow bark, falls into the BHA category. These acids are oil soluble so they can penetrate deep into the skin’s surface and unclogs pores effectively.
“[salicylic acid] is an active ingredient that is mainly used for acne. It has a large molecular size which doesn’t penetrate the skin as aggressively,” says Medical Aesthetician Bianca Estelle. “It’s ideal for addressing excess oil within the skin, including on areas of cystic and inflamed acne.” Using salicylic acid to unblock excess oil and dirt from your pores is key to helping to stop breakouts and blackheads before they have had time to wreak havoc with your skin.
So, do you need to add salicylic acid into your skincare routine?
In short, yes. Salicylic acid is your friend for a variety of skin concerns, especially if your biggest concerns are tied to acne, oily skin and congested pores. “It is good at penetrating deep into the pores, loosening dead skin cells and helping clear clogged pores and blackheads,” says Doctor Nitasha Buldeo, Founder of natural skincare brand, Organic Apoteke. “Salicylic acid is also good at breaking apart the top layer of skin cells. It is used as an acne treatment, because it can help break down pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.”
“This is a great ingredient for more congested skins, so it's a perfect option for a clients suffering with blackheads, it keeps the pores clean and clear” says Dermatologist Dr Howard Murad, Founder of Murad Skincare.
Although, heads up, if your skin is on the drier side or highly sensitive, this may not be the best acid for you. Whilst it's oh-so effective at clearing pores, it can leave dry skin feeling stripped of moisture.
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