Acne Treatment Options
Acne Treatment Options
Blog Article
Advantages of Salicylic Acid For Acne
Salicylic acid is a crucial active ingredient in many nonprescription acne treatments. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads in addition to lowering excess oil. It can also help fading acne scars, although it may take a while.
Like benzoyl peroxide, it functions by disconnecting skin pores. But it does so in a different way.
1. Breaks Down Dead Skin Cells
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble and therefore able to sink deep into the skin, liquifying excess oil as well as dead skin cells. This is what makes it such a reliable anti-acne treatment. It softens keratin, the healthy protein that creates part of our skin structure, to ensure that completely dry, flaky skin easily drops, and it loosens up blackheads and whiteheads so they can be gotten rid of.
The problem with blocked pores is that microorganisms, dust and dead skin cells are trapped, producing the best setting for acne to thrive in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which only scrub the skin's surface, salicylic acid passes through much deeper right into the pores to get rid of the build-up, developing an oxygen-rich setting that's hostile to bacteria.
Search for a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or greater, specifically for oily skin types. If you have sensitive or dry skin, start with a reduced dosage and utilize it much less often. Always check out the label very carefully to adhere to application instructions.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This enables the dead skin cells to drop even more easily, which in turn can aid unclog pores. This is what makes it such an effective ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads, specifically when used together with various other therapies that work to minimize sebum production.
Along with being an exfoliant, salicylic acid additionally has comedolytic residential properties that aid break down sebum. This is what makes it so reliable at treating blackheads and whiteheads, as well as other non-inflammatory acne.
Similar to any kind of treatment, it is necessary to always adhere to the directions on your item's product packaging. Start with a percentage and slowly enhance your use as your skin accustoms to the ingredient. This will certainly help prevent any dry skin or level of sensitivity that might happen. Remember, it can take up to 6-8 weeks to notice a difference in your acne.
3. Clears Pores
When you make use of an acne product with salicylic acid, it passes through deep into your pores and loosens up the "glue" that creates dead skin cells to amalgamate with each other. This makes it simpler for them to fall away and lowers pore obstructions that bring about shallow acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and small red pimples (acnes).
Because of its capability to permeate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor suggests utilizing it in a lotion, as opposed to a cleanser or body wash, to maximize its performance. Be sure to check out the ingredient tag meticulously and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription medicines you take or organic products you're utilizing, as some can connect with salicylic acid.
To discover an excellent product, search for one which contains salicylic acid in a greater focus-- 2 percent or greater-- or that combines it with an additional anti-inflammatory and exfoliating active ingredient, such as salt PCA and salt hyaluronate, which helps stop the drying effects of the salicylic acid. A fave of many reviewers with sensitive skin, this Paula's Selection 2% salicylic acid product contains maltobionic acid to exfoliate without aggravating the skin.
4. Lowers Redness
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce inflammation & irritability related to acne imperfections. It additionally softens & loosens completely dry, scaly skin, which can aid eliminate dead skin cells, flakes & debris beverly hills walk in clinic that clog pores.
While over the counter focus of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will certainly be left on your face), it's readily available in higher concentrations through a prescription. A skin specialist can recommend the correct concentration to treat your acne, based on your skin type and your experience with treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
If you're new to skincare items with this component or have oily skin, try making use of a reduced focus initially. You can gradually develop to a stronger concentration, but it is essential to use your product as directed, i.e., once a day. Otherwise, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & irritated. It's also recommended to utilize your products only at night, given that salicylic acid can transfer onto fabrics & stain them.