Can Salicylic Acid Damage Skin?

Salicylic acid is one of the most important substances you should be aware of in the over-the-counter fight against breakouts. Simply put, salicylic acid is one of the main causes of acne. But what does salicylic acid do to the skin, and how can you use it to your advantage? Please keep reading.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is made from willow bark and is one of a group of substances known as salicylates. Although its structure is a little complex, knowing it is crucial to understanding why and how it functions so successfully.

Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are two families of acids that are often used in skin-care products. A beta-hydroxy acid is salicylic acid.This indicates that, in contrast to an alpha-hydroxy acid, where they are separated by one carbon atom, the hydroxy half of the molecule is separated from the acid part by two carbon atoms.

In general, oil-soluble substances are easier to absorb via the lipid layers between skin cells. In other words, substances that are oil-soluble can permeate the skin more deeply than those that are water-soluble. AHAs effectively remove old, dead skin from the skin's surface to reveal younger, fresher skin. Salicylic acid can clear pores by working more deeply and penetrating them.

What does salicylic acid do for the skin?

Salicylic acid can work deep inside your skin. This characteristic makes it a very effective component for treating acne, especially blackheads and whiteheads.Salicylic acid serves as an anti-inflammatory, dissolves skin debris that clogs pores after penetrating the skin, and speeds up the healing of red, irritated pimples and pustules.

The exfoliant salicylic acid is also used. Salicylic acid is regarded as a keratolytic drug, making it ideal for thorough exfoliation. The top layer of skin cells softens and sheds as a result of keratolytic drugs. Desmosomes, which connect cells in the epidermis, are likewise loosened and dispersed by salicylic acid. This 'desmolytic' activity promotes skin exfoliation and pore unclogging.

Can salicylic acid damage skin?

Salicylic acid has a tendency to dry up and irritate the skin in people who are extremely sensitive to it or who use it excessively.

Some people may notice dryness, peeling, redness, and minor skin irritation, depending on the concentration and the number of applications. Because of this, those with sensitive or already extremely dry skin may want to avoid using it. Additionally, it's not the ideal option if you're expecting or on medication, especially blood thinners.What may be grave: Salicylate poisoning can result when applying salicylic acid or any salicylate to very large areas of your body. Simply apply a thin coating only where acne is likely to occur, rather than all over.

Can you use salicylic acid with vitamin C?

It's crucial to think about how a new skin-care item will work with the others in your regimen before including it. Fortunately, when administered properly, salicylic acid and vitamin C may be combined. For instance, you may scrub your face with salicylic acid, which is highly effective if you have acne, and then use topical vitamin C as an antioxidant at two different points during the day.

Vitamin C may lighten skin and lessen dark spots, including hyperpigmentation from acne scars, so the two components go together naturally in a face-care regimen for those who are prone to acne.