What Does Salicylic Acid Do? Everything You Need To Know

Are you looking for a skincare superhero to treat acne-prone skin? Then, let us introduce you to salicylic acid, your new BFF! 

Salicylic acid is an all-times fave ingredient in skincare products. It can be found in cleansers, moisturizers, and other products. But what does salicylic acid do? How does it work? And what are the benefits of using it? 

Let us quickly unwrap that for you: If you find yourself breaking out in random areas of your face, have blackheads that just won't seem to disappear no matter what you do, or just struggle with a few pimples, chances are good that you could benefit from using salicylic acid. 

Ready to know more about salicylic acid benefits and to include it in your skincare routine? Here’s a quick and easy rundown of everything you need to know about this acne-fighting superhero!

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a type of Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that is derived from willow bark. Just like Alpha Hydroxy Acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, BHAs are chemical exfoliants that work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This allows the dead skin cells to be sloughed off, revealing the healthy skin underneath.

So, is salicylic acid an exfoliant? Yes, because it is a BHA!

In this sense, as one of the trendiest beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid has natural exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an ideal ingredient for acne treatments, including whiteheads and blackheads, cystic acne, and prevents future breakouts.

There are a number of over-the-counter salicylic acid products, including cleansers, toners, spot treatments, chemical peels, and gels. You can also find it in some makeup products, such as foundations and BB creams formulated for acne-prone and oily skin. 

How does salicylic acid work?

Salicylic acid works as a BHA that can remove dead skin cells. This process helps to loosen and shed the outer layer of dead skin cells clogging your pores, exposing the fresher, healthier skin underneath. This is not only beneficial as an acne treatment but also helps to exfoliate other skin types, like dry skin. 

In addition, a topical salicylic acid product also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help to soothe skin irritation, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of blemishes, clearing acne. 

7 Salicylic acid benefits for skin

Are you still doubting about adding salicylic acid products to your skincare routine? Are you wondering: is salicylic acid good for blackheads and acne? Let us make you fall in love with this skincare spotlight ingredient with our top 7 salicylic acid benefits for skin: 

#1 Unclogs pores

Pores are tiny openings on the skin that allow hair follicles to grow. They also release sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and protects the skin. Dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities can cause clogged pores and trap sebum inside. This can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne on the skin’s surface.

That’s where salicylic acid for acne comes in! This ingredient from the beta-hydroxy acid family works to dissolve the “glue” that is holding your skin cells and dirt together and helps to prevent future breakouts. 

Moreover, salicylic acid is a comedolytic, meaning that it helps to open up clogged pores. By clearing away the debris that can block pores, salicylic acid can help to reduce the formation of whiteheads and blackheads.

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#2 Reduces inflammation

If you are acne-prone, chances are you always end up with an inflamed, red pimple every time you try to pop it. 

For this, salicylic acid is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This means that it helps to reduce the swelling and redness associated with acne. It does this by interfering with the production of inflammatory cytokines. 

Sounds scary? Let us explain: Cytokines are molecules that are released by cells in response to infection or injury. They cause inflammation by increasing blood flow to the area and attracting white blood cells to the site of infection or injury. 

Using salicylic acid helps to reduce inflammation by preventing the release of these inflammatory cytokines.

#3 Exfoliates the skin

One of the many salicylic acid benefits is its ability to gently exfoliate the skin barrier. This means that it can help to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which can then help stimulate new cell growth and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Moreover, exfoliation is important because it helps to prevent build-up on the surface of the skin, which can lead to clogged pores and skin concerns. 

In this sense, being oil-soluble, this exfoliant can be a great option for people with acne-prone or oily skin. In fact, it is often recommended by any trained dermatologist because it is mild and removes excess oil by cleaning oil glands. 

There are a number of ways in which you can use salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin. You can find products that contain salicylic acid alone or with other exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid and glycolic acid. However, you should always do an exfoliation only once or twice a week because it can cause redness and irritation. 

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#4 Reduces oil production

Acne occurs when the oil glands in your skin produce too much oil which can clog pores and lead to inflammation. 

Salicylic acid penetrates the skin and works by removing dead skin cells, this means that it can also reduce excess oil by exfoliating your face and removing acne-causing bacteria. 

This benefit not only helps to treat existing acne but also helps to get rid of that shiny, greasy glow many people with oily skin types have. 

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#5 Fades dark spots and acne scars

Another benefit of salicylic acid for acne is that it can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars. This is possible because, when exfoliating the face, it promotes the production of brand new skin that is free from blemishes and spots.

#6 It has anti-aging properties

Beyond working to treat acne, using salicylic acid can stimulate collagen production! But how?

For one, it helps to stimulate the production of new collagen fibers. It also assists to increase the turnover of old collagen fibers, which allows for more fresh and youthful-looking skin. 

Finally, the right salicylic acid concentration has been shown to reduce the breakdown of existing collagen fibers when included regularly in a skin care routine. All of these effects together can lead to increased collagen production and firmer, younger-looking skin.

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#7 Hydrates the skin

Salicylic acid is a great choice for those with dry skin as it can help to hydrate the skin. This makes it an ideal option for those who are looking to improve their appearance since it can even the skin texture and remove dead cells that cause dryness and dull skin. 

Salicylic acid for face: Can you mix it with other skin care ingredients?

If you're looking to get the most out of your salicylic acid product, it's important to know how to properly mix it with other ingredients and which ones you should avoid.

Here are our ingredients do’s and don’ts when it comes to combining salicylic acid:

Glycolic acid

There's no definitive answer, as each person's skin will react differently. However, it's generally not recommended to mix the two acids together. 

Both acids are powerful exfoliants, so using them together can irritate and dry out your skin. If you do mix them, be sure to use a lower one acid portion and apply sunscreen afterward.

However, if you find a formulated product that contains both of them, you can certainly use it. With this, we mean that you shouldn’t mix it by yourself, but go for it if you find this skin cocktail in one product. 

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Lactic acid

The same thing happens with lactic acid! It depends on your skin and how it reacts to the skincare cocktail. 

As oil-soluble ingredients, salicylic acid can unclog pores and prevent future breakouts, while lactic acid exfoliates the skin and brightens its appearance. However, even though this may sound like a power duo for acne treatments, it can also end up dehydrating your skin if you use it constantly and never wear moisturizer. 

We recommend you choose one of these exfoliants and use the other one in any other step in your skin care routine. For example, you could exfoliate your skin with lactic acid and use a spot treatment with salicylic acid next. 

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that cause acne, while salicylic acid, as a beta-hydroxy acid, helps to clean clog pores and prevent new breakouts from forming. When used in the same day, these two ingredients can help to clear up even the most stubborn cases of acne

This means that you can apply them on the same day but not in the same skin care routine, just like other medications when it comes to treating acne. 

Sounds confusing? Okay, so, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are excellent for the acne-prone skin type because both help to treat blemishes, however, this doesn’t mean you can use them in the same routine because they can generate an allergic reaction and other skin conditions like dryness and redness. 

So, if you're looking for a one-two punch to fight acne, you can use both of these over-the-counter products separately. For example, you could use salicylic acid during your morning routine and benzoyl peroxide during your nighttime routine. 

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is not good with beta-hydroxy acids, so mixing them is not a good idea. 

As a general rule of thumb, it's always best to err on the side of caution and mix them one at a time into your skin care routine. That way, you can better gauge how your skin reacts and adjust accordingly.

Sodium hyaluronate

This type of sodium is a natural, clear substance that's already found in your skin. It works by helping your skin retain moisture so it can stay hydrated and plump. 

You can definitely mix this ingredient with salicylic acid. In fact, mixing these two ingredients together can help to create a more effective acne-fighting product. When used together, they can help to clear pores, reduce inflammation, and heal blemishes.

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Sodium PCA

This sodium may be unknown now, but we are sure it will be the next skin care must-have!

This ingredient is a natural humectant that can be found in the outer layer of your skin, so it's what helps your skin retain moisture.

When used together, PCA and salicylic acid can help to exfoliate the skin, clear pores, and control excess oil production. This combination can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you're looking for a way to improve the overall appearance of your skin, consider giving this duo a try!

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B that helps to brighten the skin and even out skin tone. It's an ingredient that's often found in skincare products that are marketed as being "brightening" or "glowing."

This active ingredient can help to stabilize the pH of salicylic acid, which can make it even more effective for treating acne and breakouts.

It is not common to find salicylic acid and niacinamide in one product, however, you can always apply them in different steps in your skincare routine. 

How to use salicylic acid in your skincare routine

If you're looking to add salicylic acid to your skincare routine, there are a few things you should keep in mind: 

• First, salicylic acid is a powerful ingredient, so it's important to start slowly. We recommend using it once or twice a week, and gradually increasing frequency as your skin adjusts.
• Second, be sure to use a light hand when applying products with salicylic acid. A little goes a long way!
• When using a leave-on product like a serum or gel, apply it before your moisturizer. This will help the salicylic acid penetrate your skin more effectively.
• If you're using a wash-off product like a cleanser or toner, make sure to follow up with a hydrating product later. Salicylic acid can be drying, so it's important to replenish your skin's moisture levels afterward.
• Finally, many products with salicylic acid have severe allergic reaction warnings, so, if you experience any problem, suspend its use and seek immediate medical attention. 

Where to find salicylic acid-rich products?

Now that you know all about salicylic acid and how to use it, it is time to put it to good use in your skincare routine! 

Salicylic acid is an amazing skincare ingredient that can do wonders for your complexion. So, if you’re looking to try out some products with salicylic acid, be sure to check out Asian Beauty Essentials shop collection. We have a variety of items that will help you get the best results from this powerful ingredient.