Salicylic acid is classified as a beta hydroxy acid. It is well-known for its ability to reduce acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear. Salicylic acid penetrates your skin and dissolves dead skin cells that clog your pores.

Best for Treating: Acne, Blemishes, Oiliness

Best for Skin Type: Combination, Normal, and Oily

NOTE: Results take 6-8 weeks of consistent topical use

Salicylic acid is safe to use on a daily basis, especially if you're trying to clear up existing acne. If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to continue using salicylic acid after your acne has cleared up. Using salicylic acid on a regular basis will keep your pores clean and prevent future breakouts.

Benefits

Cleanse Excess Oil From Pores: Salicylic acid is an important ingredient in cleaning up excess oil today and reducing oil levels in the future. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it exfoliates the pore lining and reduces oil buildup. breakouts. Salicylic acid not only cleans deeply, but it also prevents sebocytes from producing excess oil (sebocytes are cells that produce your skin's sebum/natural oil).

Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells: Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that exfoliates dead skin cells while also speeding up skin cell renewal. Salicylic acid is a desmolytic, which means it breaks down the bonds between corneocytes (the cells in the skin's outermost layer). Salicylic acid, as a desmolytic, is a gentler exfoliant than keratolytics azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Keratolytics provide deeper exfoliation but may be more irritating to sensitive skin. All three ingredients are comedolytic, which means they unclog pores and prevent the formation of future whiteheads and blackheads.

Soothes Inflammation: Salicylic acid is found naturally in willow bark and contains a chemical known as salicin. Salicin, like aspirin, has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated, inflamed skin. In terms of acne, this means less redness, soreness, and puffiness. Furthermore, salicylic acid is a popular topical treatment for psoriasis inflammation.

Prevents Future Acne: Salicylic acid is a comedolytic, which means it prevents the formation of new whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads and blackheads will not form as a result of excess oil or dead skin cells nesting in your pores if you keep your pores clean. Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two other comedolytics.

Weakens Acne Bacteria: Acne bacteria dislikes oxygen (the reason why it thrives under clogged pores where no fresh air blows). Since salicylic acid unclogs and exfoliates pores, fresh air enters the skin, creating a more oxygen-rich environment that is less welcoming to acne bacteria. It's important to note, though, that while salicylic acid can weaken acne bacteria, it won't completely kill them.

A toner and a targeted treatment with salicylic acid - can apply 2 times a day

1. Cleanser

2. Toner (use salicylic acid here - salicylic acid toner)

3. Treatment (use salicylic acid here - salicylic cream, gel, serum)

4. Moisturizer

5. Sunscreen