What Does Salicylic Acid Do for The Skin?

Topical salicylic acid treats acne by reducing swelling and redness and unplugging blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink. It treats other skin conditions by softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it falls off or can be removed easily. Salicylic acid has great benefits for our skin. So,what does salicylic acid do for the skin, and what are the best ways to reap its benefits? You may find the answer in this article.

First off, let's establish what salicylic acid is. Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark, says cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, and it belongs to a class of ingredients called salicylates.

When it comes to skin-care products, there are two classes of acids you'll see often: beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).

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.Salicylic acid is more soluble in oil thanks to its structure, which helps it enter the skin's pores. Both beta-hydroxy acids and alpha-hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin; however, BHAs are oil-soluble and AHAs are water-soluble.
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.

In conclusion, AHAs effectively remove old, dead skin from the skin's surface to expose younger, fresher skin. Salicylic acid can clear pores by working more deeply and penetrating them.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, once it enters the skin, dissolves skin debris that clogs pores, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and also aids in the quicker healing of red, inflamed pimples and pustules.

The exfoliant salicylic acid is also used. This skin cell breakdown encourages exfoliation. Salicylic acid is regarded as a keratolytic drug, making it ideal for thorough exfoliation.Desmosomes, which connect cells in the epidermis, are likewise loosened and dispersed by salicylic acid. This 'desmolytic' activity promotes skin exfoliation and pore unclogging.One theory for the cause of acne is that the skin cells do not act regularly; instead of shedding via a normal skin cell cycle, they clump together and block the pores, resulting in cysts and blackheads. Salicylic acid helps to eliminate blackheads by assisting in the removal and lubrication of these skin cells.

Salicylic acid-based products are safe to use daily if used as directed and tolerated by your skin. If your skin type is dry or sensitive, it's more likely that salicylic acid could cause some irritation, so be sure to test the product on your skin every other day before committing to it on a daily basis.