Most people who have ever had a problem with acne have heard of salicylic acid. As a matter of fact, many know all too well of this powerful acid, as 17 million Americans struggle with a mild to severe form of acne. This beta hydroxy acid is one of several chief ingredients used to treat non-inflamed acne pimples, as well as other skin-related conditions.
Salicylic Acid Acne Products
Salicylic acid is found in many of the leading acne treatments on the market today, and it is found in many forms. Some types of products work better than others, so acne sufferers are encouraged to try any of a number of these various forms of treatment. Cleansing pads, anti-acne gel and acne soaps all contain salicylic acid and are used to quickly cleanse the face and remove it of the oils and dead skin cells that can cause acne.
How it Works
Acne affects some people more than it does others. Those who do suffer from the condition do so because their skin does not shed and replace skin cells in a normal manner. This can lead to clogging of the pores, which leads to inflammation of the skin in the form of acne pimples.
Salicylic acid treats acne by correcting this problem and allowing the skin to shed and replace dead skin cells in a more normal fashion. It penetrates deep into the hair follicles and promotes this shedding outside of the pores, so that it doesn't result in pimples. This directly leads to a lessening of blocked pores, leading to fewer and less severe acne breakouts.
Considerations
As it is with most acne treatments, there are some considerations when using salicylic acid to treat acne pimples. Beta hydroxy acid does not come without its side effects. It can cause redness of the face and peeling of the skin, as well as excessive dryness. For this reason, it is best to slowly ramp up the use of salicylic acid-containing ingredients. Start out with once a day use and slowly move up to using these products two to three times per day.
Pregnant and nursing women are encouraged to talk to their doctors before beginning a regimen of skin care involving this ingredient.
Common Uses
Salicylic acid is most commonly used to treat acne pimples, but it has other uses as well. Warts, calluses, corns and even psoriasis can be treated with salicylic acid, and it is also found in some anti-dandruff shampoos. Salicylic acid is also used in producing topical treatments for aches and pains.
Benzoyl Peroxide as an Alternative
Salicylic acid is not for everyone. For those who are looking for an alternative to salicylic acid for their acne problems, benzoyl peroxide may be the best solution. It works a bit differently than salicylic acid by killing the different types of bacteria that can contribute to acne problems as well.
