Salicylic acid is found in anti-acne products, psoriasis treatments, and other products for certain skin disorders. According to the Food and Drug Administration, salicylic acid has been approved for use in 2000 by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. The CIR suggests that all products which contain salicylic acid should either contain sunscreen or suggest those who use it wear additional sunscreen due to increased sun sensitivity.
Exfoliation
Salicylic acid is part of a group of cosmetic ingredients also known as hydroxy acids. Hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin by getting rid of the outer layer of dead skin cells. The aging process slows the naturally occurring disruption of bonds between skin cells. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the benefits of exfoliation produced by salicylic acid are softer, smoother skin. Products containing salicylic acid for exfoliating purposes include daily skin moisturizers and chemical peels.
Warts
Salicylic acid is used by dermatologists and as part of in home treatments for the eradication of warts. A daily application of salicylic acid gel promotes the healing process of common warts. Foot warts, which are found under the skin's surface, can be treated with a salicylic acid plaster by a dermatologist due to the location and difficult nature of treatment. Flat warts can develop several at a time requiring a daily salicylic acid peel.
Acne
Non-inflammatory acne can be treated at home with over the counter products containing salicylic acid. Similar to the benefits of salicylic acid for exfoliation, salicylic acid promotes shedding of skin cells, which also benefits as acne treatment. This happens through the shedding of pore clogging skin cells to treat and prevent future breakouts. The American Academy of Dermatology affirms that salicylic acid must be used continuously to see the acne reducing benefits. Once use of salicylic acid is stopped, acne will return.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is the build-up of cells on the surface of the skin. While the use of salicylic acid does not cure psoriasis, it does help symptoms by removing built-up dead skin caused by psoriasis. Lesions formed by psoriasis which are caused by bacteria or fungal growths can benefit by the antiseptic properties of salicylic acid. According to the FDA, salicylic acid has been approved for over-the-counter use for the treatment of psoriasis symptoms.
Corns and Calluses
Salicylic acid is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use in the treatment of corns and calluses. Corns and calluses are formed when the skin is protecting itself from friction or pressure. Skin becomes thick and hardened in these areas. Salicylic acid is usually applied in a patch containing 40 percent salicylic acid to help exfoliate these rough patches generally found on the feet. A combination of avoiding ill-fitting shoes or other sources of pressure, along with salicylic acid treatment can aid in relieving corns and calluses.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Cosmeceutical Facts and Your Skin (http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/general_cosmeceutical.html]
- American Acadamy of Dermatology: Warts [http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_warts.html]
- Mayo Clinic: Corns and Calluses [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/corns-and-calluses/DS00033/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs]
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Psoriasis [http://www.psoriasis.org/netcommunity/sublearn03_mild_otc]
