{"id":3859,"date":"2019-02-13T08:37:16","date_gmt":"2019-02-13T08:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3859"},"modified":"2021-03-26T14:40:41","modified_gmt":"2021-03-26T14:40:41","slug":"15-things-to-know-before-using-salicylic-acid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-things-to-know-before-using-salicylic-acid\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Things to Know Before Using Salicylic Acid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Salicylic acid is perhaps best known as the option for those who aren\u2019t helped by regular acne treatment. This for many a last chance saloon to get the kind of perfect skin that they\u2019ve always wanted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the problem is that it won\u2019t always be effective. This is not necessarily to say that the substance doesn\u2019t work in itself, but rather that it might not be suitable for the specific individual, or that the particular product itself has been poorly formulated and is not effective as a result. As with any treatment, it is highly important that you understand the way it works, its potential complications, its side effects, and more before you start using it. This way, you can be sure to get the very best experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we will explore the 8 things you absolutely need to know before you begin using Salicylic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.  What it Is<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This seems like a pretty good place to start \u2013 knowing just what salicylic acid<\/a> actually is. To answer that question, this is technically referred to as BHA \u2013 or Beta Hydroxy Acid \u2013 and is a hormone that is produced naturally by plants. The purpose of said hormone is to help combat stress from the environment and from pathogens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several plants that do this, but salicylic acid is most often synthesized from willow trees and brush. It is this fact that gives it the alternative name \u2018Willowbank extract\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also find this in a host of things you eat, including spices, tea, fruit juice, ketchup, wine and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.  pH Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salicylic acid is what is known as \u2018pH dependent\u2019. That means that its effectiveness is dependent on the pH level of its environment. Specifically, it requires a minimum acidity of 4 \u2013 with anything over 7 rendering it inert. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is important to consider when thinking about formulations. If the pH level of the formula is too low, then it\u2019s not going to be able to do its job properly \u2013 in fact, it will act just like water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can also be a bad thing though. Applying strongly acidic or alkaline <\/a>substances to the face can actually damage the natural \u2018skin barrier\u2019 that helps to keep bacteria out and those all-important oils in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind then, what is the answer? Look \u2013 we never said we\u2019d be providing you with all the answers! The decisions you need to make yourself. At least now you are fully informed as to what you are using, and at least you know not to use too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3.  It is Oil Soluble<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salicylic acid is an oil soluble. This means that it is able to penetrate into the pores that line the face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this doesn\u2019t immediately make sense to you, then think about it this way: when you go to wash up the dishes, if you have anything that is covered in a lot of fat, then you will find that it doesn\u2019t easily wash. Rather, the fat gets stuck in the bristles of your washing up brush, and it coats the rough side of your sponge. This is because fat is not easily broken down by the water \u2013 in fact, it can be used to create a kind of seal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that your skin<\/a> is also <\/em>covered in a thin layer of fat (oil). This also fills up your pores. So when you wash, you are washing just the surface of that fat, and you\u2019re not able to completely remove the dirt and grime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping all of that in mind, it follows that water alone isn\u2019t going to be very effective at cleaning the inside of fat-filled pores. And the same goes for any other product that isn\u2019t fat-soluble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s why it\u2019s a really good thing that salicylic acid is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4.  How it Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So how precisely does salicylic acid work? Simply put, this is an exfoliator<\/a>. That means that the acidic nature of the substance allows it to gently dissolve the outer layers of the skin \u2013 and specifically the dead skin cells that normally sit on top of the surface of the skin and which are responsible for causing infection, clogged pores, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This might sound a little harsh, but it\u2019s something that we\u2019ve been doing for centuries \u2013 it\u2019s how all exfoliators work. Not only that, but it also helps to improve the general look of your skin, by removing the dead and slightly discolored skin cells from the surface in order to reveal the healthy, new, rejuvenated skin cells that lie underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5.  It\u2019s Anti-Inflammatory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that there are a ton of other things that salicylic acid can do as well. For one, it is anti-inflammatory. You already know what that means \u2013 it means that it combats inflammation and helps to swell to dissipate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is very good news, as very angry and severe acne can actually cause a little swelling <\/a>around the face, leading to the appearance of lumpy skin and even an engorged nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This also means that it can treat other <\/em>types of skin conditions. For instance, the particularly unpopular rosacea which causes the skin to look generally red, patchy, hardened, flaky, and swollen can also be treated using salicylic acid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.  It\u2019s Anti-Bacterial<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s more too. Salicylic acid is also anti-bacterial, which means that it can kill unwanted germs and bacteria from the skin. This is another very useful strategy when it comes to treating any kind of acne, seeing as this is one of the other big causes of spots. Here, the bacteria can get inside pores and then cause infection or simply cause the area to become red, angry, and inflamed as the body tries to fight and drive out the invaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people have acne because their skin is too oily. Some people have acne because they have bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But either <\/em>of these problems will be addressed by this treatment<\/a>, making it a perfect all-round solution that will help a large number of people suffering from bad skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7.  It\u2019s Back by Science<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best part of all this is that unlike many other treatments, salicylic acid is backed by science. There are numerous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of this particular treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several studies have confirmed that the use of 0.5% to 2.0% salicylic acid pads will help to reduce the severity of acne. Some also demonstrate that it might be more effective than other treatments, including the ever-popular benzoyl peroxide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s not to say that it is going to make your acne completely disappear, however! And nor does it mean that every single person is going to find that it works for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there are many other <\/em>complications that can cause or exacerbate acne which this treatment may not be effective for. As mentioned already, it\u2019s also true that you can cause damage by damaging the \u2018skin barrier\u2019 using acidic treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note too that the studies say that the substance can improve the appearance of acne \u2013 not completely remove it. Moderate your expectations and you should come away pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8.  Not All Salicylic Acid is Made Equal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The other thing to consider is that not all of these products are made equally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some factors to keep in mind are the acidity and the other ingredients that have been added. Consider too the strength \u2013 0.5% to 2.0% has been found effective, while formulas that don\u2019t have the same potency might not work as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to keep these factors in mind when shopping for the product and to read reviews and generally do your own research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And consider too that it\u2019s also not a free license to then forget all your other \u2018good hygiene\u2019 tips. Try to avoid bad food, make sure to wash your face thoroughly, follow the directions on the packaging, and give it time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for acne<\/a>. But if you are willing to use the right products, then you can come close to it. Salicylic acid might be one of those.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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