Salicylic acid: all the benefits for the skin

Achieving healthy skin is possible if the right ingredients are used. Salicylic acid is known as one of the main enemies of acne and is used specifically for topical treatment.

It is the only beta hydroxy acid used as a skincare product. Ideal for oily skin, salicylic acid deeply cleanses and removes excess oil from the pores, reducing its buildup over time.

It is often paired with Niacinamide which restores cellular energy helping cells perform their functions.

Furthermore, salicylic acid is an effective treatment but it can excessively dry the skin. For this reason, the synergistic use of the two products can help you take care of your skin.

There is a substantial amount of research supporting salicylic acid as an effective treatment for combating acne. However, since acne is a very complicated topic, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to effectively addressing it.

Despite this, salicylic acid is one of the most effective aids for skin care regarding acne. To discover how salicylic acid works and how it can be used on your skin type or your type of acne, you must first understand what it specifically is.

Let's see together what salicylic acid is, how it is used, and what the main benefits for the skin are.

What is salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is an inorganic chemical compound belonging to the family of carboxylic acids. It is used in various industrial sectors, including the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In particular, salicylic acid is employed as an active ingredient in numerous cosmetic products aimed at skin care.

In dermatology, salicylic acid is used for the treatment of acne and other skin disorders. Additionally, salicylic acid has exfoliating properties that make it effective in the treatment of psoriasis and hyperkeratosis.

The main use of salicylic acid is as an ingredient in skincare products, especially those for the treatment of acne. The main property of salicylic acid is to help remove dead skin cells and thus reduce inflammation.

It can also be used for the treatment of other skin problems, such as psoriasis and eczema. Although it is a specific treatment for acne, salicylic acid can be found in many other forms, such as cleansers, toners, serums, and peels, which can be very beneficial for the skin.

Difference between BHA and AHA

When it comes to acids for skin exfoliation and peeling, there are two main classes of acids when it comes to skincare products: beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

The salicylic acid in question is a beta hydroxy acid, which means that the hydroxyl part of the molecule is separated from the acid part by two carbon atoms, unlike an alpha hydroxy acid where they are separated by one carbon atom. In practice, when bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells mix together, a blockage forms inside the pores.

Unlike chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids that are water-soluble and ideal for superficial exfoliation, salicylic acid is oil-soluble and this allows it to remove excess oil and exfoliate deeply within the pores, removing blockages.

The BHA family also includes salicylic acid betaine and willow bark extract, which are gentler alternatives.

The main benefits of salicylic acid

The function of salicylic acid is to exfoliate the skin and in this sense it brings several benefits:

• Deeply cleanses pores: the fundamental difference between alpha and beta hydroxy acids is that BHAs are oil-soluble. This means that salicylic acid can penetrate deep into the pores to exfoliate the lining, remove excess oil, and dissolve clogged sebum.
• Prevents the formation of future acne: by keeping pores clean and free of oil and dead cells, salicylic acid acts as a comedolytic, preventing the formation of comedones that lead to skin breakouts.
• Exfoliates and smooths: on the surface, salicylic acid removes skin cells and intercellular cement, improving the overall texture and smoothness of the skin.
• Minimizes pore size: there are two ways in which salicylic acid reduces pores. Like all acid exfoliants, it creates a smooth surface appearance and feel, giving a clean sensation. On the other hand, its ability to deeply cleanse the pores helps them appear smaller and less noticeable.
• Control excess sebum: it has been shown that salicylic acid reduces oily skin and suppresses sebum-secreting cells from producing excess sebum.
• Reduces inflammation and bacteria: even at low concentrations, salicylic acid is bacteriostatic and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Fades post-acne marks and pigmentation: in this sense, it can safely treat both red and brown post-acne marks even on darker skin tones, as well as hyperpigmentation, melasma, and photo-damage.
• Firming the skin: at higher concentrations, it can thicken the epidermis and increase the density of collagen and elastin fibers for firmer, younger-looking skin.

How to use salicylic acid

The recommended concentration of salicylic acid varies from person to person, and it is often advisable to consult a dermatologist or an experienced pharmacist before starting a salicylic acid treatment.

In general, it is good to use it in moderation but apply it consistently. The key to everything is listening to your skin and if you notice a slight irritation, it is best to take a day or two off and hydrate well. Follow the product instructions and do not use it excessively.

Usually, it is enough to apply a necessary amount to cover the affected area and gently rub it on the skin. Salicylic acid is a common and easily accessible ingredient found in pharmacies.

The main negative effect of salicylic acid is its ability to irritate and dry the skin of those who are particularly sensitive or use it excessively. Depending on the applications, some people may indeed experience peeling, feel dryness, and have redness.

However, the concentration of most salicylic acid creams and cleansers is quite low, but despite this, when you start using a salicylic acid product it's better to do it every other day or start using it slowly to see how the skin reacts.

Salicylic Acid Cleansing Mousse: Cleansing Active

At LeLang, we specialize in creating products that meet the needs of all skin types, ideal for sensitive skin and tested for effectiveness. Cleansing Active Mousse is the first purifying mousse with active anti-imperfection action that respects the skin's balance and does not damage the skin. 

Contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid capable of deeply cleansing the skin, removing impurities and dead cells. Thanks to ingredients like Burdock, Tea Tree Oil, and Betaine that enhance the purifying power of the mousse, Cleansign Active remains gentle and soothing at the same time, due to the presence of anti-inflammatory agents. 

The synergistic action of the ingredients allows for intense exfoliation and purification without altering the health of the skin. This mousse is ideal for incorporating a salicylic acid cleanser into your skincare routine as it remains effective yet gentle at the same time. Ideal for those suffering from acne-prone, oily, combination, and problematic skin, especially if you want to brighten dull and asphyxiated skin and stimulate cell turnover. Prolonged use on dry or very dry skin is not recommended.