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Can Salicylic Acid Help Treat Acne?

Everything you wanted to know about how Salicylic Acid helps fight acne

By Dermalogica IndiaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Just when you have a party around the corner, you notice that a nasty pimple has erupted on your face and you have to scramble to find ways to conceal it.

Now, if you have the occasional pimple, you can manage the show using your arsenal of makeup products or with a trip to the drugstore. But what if you have a case of a more serious skin condition called acne?

What is Acne?

Acne is a condition where the hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, causing whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Blackheads are tiny, black bumps that form on your skin because the hair follicles are clogged. When oil and bacteria clog your follicles, you have a case of whiteheads. When left untreated, it can lead to dark spots on the skin that take an eternity to fade.

How to prevent acne?

The thing with acne is that some people are more prone to it than others. Those who are prone to it must wash their face at least twice a day with an oil-free cleanser, avoid oil-based products in their makeup kit and eat a healthy diet with minimal refined sugars. Acne often strikes during puberty and can cause acute stress, as it can leave scars. In fact, it is believed that in 80% of the cases, it is genetic. In severe cases, it can be a long-term concern that affects a person’s self-confidence.

What is sebum?

A sebaceous gland is a microscopic gland in the skin that opens into a hair follicle to secrete an oily or waxy matter, called sebum, which lubricates the hair and skin. Acne primarily affects the skin with a relatively high number of oil glands, including the face, upper part of the chest, and back.

How is acne ideally treated?

Acne is best cured by treatments that control sebum production, limit bacterial growth, and unclog pores gently. Several gentle home remedies ranging from herbal remedies to soap-and-water treatment have been suggested, but their effectiveness is not proven or lasting enough.

How does Salicylic Acid help fight acne?

Thankfully, scientific advancements have kept pace with this skin condition and the skin care industry now has a remedy for acne in the form of Salicylic Acid. This potion is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and doubles as a gentle exfoliator. No wonder it is used in face serums that are all the rage these days.

The Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) present in Salicylic Acid make it an oil-soluble emollient, which means it dissolves the oil present in the clogged pores and cleanses them from deep within. The Dermalogica Breakout Clearing All Over Toner is a good option to fight those pesky pimples, or you could also try the Daily Microfoliant as a regular part of your skin care routine.

However, the only way Salicylic Acid is effective is when it is used regularly, for as long as the skin condition persists. Also, it works better to cure blackheads and whiteheads on your skin rather than cystic acne which might be because of your hormonal fluctuations and genetic makeup. So, in case Salicylic Acid is not able to cure your acne in a few weeks, you must visit a dermatologist.

Keep in mind...

Now, before you choose a treatment, you need to be careful not to aggravate the condition. Skin care is an art and science that takes time to master. Apply the treatment on a part of your skin that is not so prominent and watch out for any allergic reaction. As Salicylic Acid acts as a gentle exfoliator, those with very dry and hypersensitive skin or with an existing infection or inflammation should avoid it. Remember that too much exfoliation can also cause redness and irritation.

skincare
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About the Creator

Dermalogica India

We create highly customized regimens and services for every individual, because we know that no two skin conditions are the same. Our products work best when they are recommended by a professional skin therapist for your unique skin.

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