What is Salicylic Acid?

‍

But before we begin diving deep into salicylic acid benefits, it’s best if we break down what it actually is.

Because, let’s be real, you probably heard the word “acid” and thought, “acid on my skin…? Yikes”

‍

Despite the harshness of the word, salicylic acid is quite the gentle ingredient. It’s a naturally occuring acid found in willow bark, fruit, and vegetables (but the ones used in skincare are extracted from willow bark). The ingredient is part of a group known as “beta-hydroxy acids”, or BHA for short. 

‍

BHAs are known for being soluble in oil, meaning they can get deep into your oil glands to work their magic.

There’s another ingredient group known as “alpha-hydroxy acids” or AHAs, but they are water soluble- meaning they can only stay on the surface of your skin. 

‍

Okay, great. Salicylic acid is a natural ingredient that can penetrate through your oil glands on your skin.

But what does that actually benefit when it comes to skincare? 

‍

Salicylic Acid Benefits

‍

Well, thanks to salicylic acid’s BHA properties, it can actually do wonders for the skin. Let’s break down the salicylic acid benefits, shall we?

‍

1. Salicylic Acid for Acne

‍

There are many different causes of acne, but the primary physical cause has to do with blocked pores due to a buildup of oil, dead skin, and debris.

As a result, your skin may become inflamed and covered with pimples (ugh).

‍

Luckily, because salicylic acid has the ability to unclog pores (the same clogged pores that are causing your acne), it’s a great ingredient to add to your acne-fighting skincare routine. It also has antibacterial properties which can help eliminate some of the bacteria that might be causing your acne. 

‍

We would recommend using a face wash or a 3-in-1 gel cleanser with salicylic acid to get deep into those pores and get rid of that annoying acne. 

‍

2. Salicylic Acid for Blackheads

‍

So we know that salicylic acid can unclog pores, and now you’re probably asking, “can it get rid of blackheads!?” The answer is… drumroll please… yes! 

‍

Salicylic acid dissolves the build-up of dead skin and oil that lead to blackheads. It’s actually a wonderful blackhead-fighter! 

‍

To get rid of blackheads, we would recommend using a daily cleanser with salicylic acid, and an exfoliator containing the ingredient once a week. 

‍

3. Salicylic Acid for Oily Skin

‍

Blackheads, acne, and oily skin share a couple of things in common. 1. They are all super annoying. 2. They can all be treated with salicylic acid. 

‍

If you’re dealing with excess oil on your skin, salicylic acid is definitely the ingredient to look out for.

Not only does the acid reduce the oily skin that’s clogging your pores, but experts also claim that it reduces oil production if used consistently. 

‍

We would recommend using a 3-in-1 gel that contains salicylic acid to ensure that all the oil is wiped out of your face. For best results, use daily!

‍

4. Salicylic Acid for Skin Texture

‍

Do you ever find that makeup just doesn’t sit well on your skin? This might be due to a buildup of dead skin, making your face feel rather bumpy.

‍

If you’re longing for smooth skin, salicylic acid is a great ingredient to consider. It acts as a mild exfoliant, meaning it gently removes the dead skin cells to reveal a much smoother complexion. 

‍

To get that soft, smooth, skin, we would recommend using an exfoliator which contains salicylic acid. You’ll get the perfect base for makeup!

‍

5. Salicylic Acid for Inflammation

‍

Salicylic acid also contains anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can soothe and calm puffy, red, and irritated skin.

So if you’re struggling with swelling and irritation, you might be in luck!

And here’s a fun fact: salicylic acid is actually used in the drug aspirin, and is the main reason why aspirin reduces inflammation!

This goes to show how great this ingredient can be to fight inflammation.

‍

We would recommend using a gentle cleansing face wash that contains salicylic acid to soothe your irritated skin.

Use in the morning and night, and you may begin to see a reduction in both the swelling and redness. 

‍

Is Salicylic Acid Good for Skin?

‍

So what’s the verdict? Is salicylic acid actually a great ingredient to add to your skincare routine? 

‍

After our thorough research, our answer is: absolutely! As shown above, salicylic acid is a natural ingredient that comes with a wide range of skincare benefits. 

‍

It’s no wonder that it’s becoming so popular in the skincare community- it actually works. The most important thing to note is that, because it’s a gentle and natural ingredient, it can’t create miracles overnight. Salicylic acid works best when it is used consistently, preferably on a daily basis if you’re trying to treat acne or blackheads. If you stick to it, you’ll definitely see results! 

‍