Beauty
Your guide to acnes over-the-counter kryptonite.
Salicylic acid is effective, relatively non-irritating, and doesn’t bleach or stain your fabrics, saysDr.
Joshua Zeichner, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology atMount Sinai.
Its [also]recognized by the FDAas safe and effective, and included in itsacne treatmentmonograph.
Hence: salicylic acids well-earned VIP status in the battle against breakouts.
Want to learn more about the beauty staple?
Read on for everything you gotta know about using salicylic acid for skin, according to experts.
We at Bustle only include products that have been independently selected by our editors.
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
What Is Salicylic Acid & How Does It Work?
Salicylic acid is achemical exfoliant, meaning it helpsslough dead skin cells off the surface of the skin.
But what separates salicylic from other acids is its ability to clarify pores whileoffering anti-inflammatory properties.
Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist atMDCS Dermatology, tells Bustle.
The BHA is also renowned for itsanti-inflammatoryeffects, saysDr.
This is why salicylic acid is more tolerable than many other acne medications, Nazarian explains.
In fact, it can be used on an active breakout despite its exfoliating properties.
Salicylic acid helps those marks fade faster, says Nazarian.
Thats because its light exfoliation essentially mimics a minichemical peelon the surface of your skin.
Is Salicylic Acid Safe For All Skin Types?
All of that being said, much of this has to do with how a product is formulated.
If your skin is sensitive, stick to the lower end of the percentage spectrum.
This can help minimize potential irritation, but shouldnt prevent the salicylic acid from working, Zeichner explains.
Unsure which key in of moisturizer to use?
Zeichner recommends light lotions orgel-based formulasfor people withacne-prone or oily skin.
Lastly, Nazarian strongly suggests you dont use salicylic acid in several products at once.
Plus, its formulated with oil-absorbinghectorite clayto help reduce clogged pores, as well as hydratinghyaluronic acidand calmingniacinamideandceramides.
So it wont leave the skin feeling dry or irritated, Garshick says.
This formula is also suitable for all skin types and deemed safe to use daily.
(Plus, they prevent you frompicking at your pimples!)
Studies referenced:
Arif T. (2015).
Evaluation of the pharmacological properties of salicylic acid-derivative organoselenium: 2-hydroxy-5-selenocyanatobenzoic acid as an anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive compound.
Hydroxy Acids, the Most Widely Used Anti-aging Agents.
