Should You Moisturize Acne Prone Skin
Should You Moisturize Acne Prone Skin
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Advantages of Salicylic Acid For Acne
Salicylic acid is a key active ingredient in several nonprescription acne therapies. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads in addition to decreasing excess oil. It can likewise help fading acne marks, although it may take a while.
Like benzoyl peroxide, it works by unplugging skin pores. Yet it does so differently.
1. Breaks Down Dead Skin Cells
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble and for that reason able to sink deep into the skin, liquifying excess oil in addition to dead skin cells. This is what makes it such an effective anti-acne therapy. It softens keratin, the protein that forms part of our skin framework, so that dry, scaly skin easily loses, and it loosens blackheads and whiteheads so they can be gotten rid of.
The problem with stopped up pores is that microorganisms, dirt and dead skin cells are entraped, creating the best environment for acne to grow in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which only scrub the skin's surface area, salicylic acid penetrates deeper right into the pores to get rid of the accumulation, producing an oxygen-rich setting that's aggressive to germs.
Look for a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% concentration or greater, specifically for oily skin kinds. If you have delicate or completely dry skin, begin with a reduced dosage and utilize it much less typically. Always review the label very carefully to follow application guidelines.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid aids scrub the skin by liquifying the bonds that hold dead skin cells with each other. This allows the dead skin cells to shed more easily, which consequently can aid unclog pores. This is what makes it such an effective active ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads, especially when utilized along with various other treatments that work to minimize sebum production.
In addition to being an exfoliant, salicylic acid additionally has comedolytic residential properties that help break down sebum. This is what makes it so effective at treating blackheads and whiteheads, as well as other non-inflammatory acne.
As with any type of treatment, it is very important to constantly comply with the instructions on your product's packaging. Start with a percentage and slowly boost your use as your skin adapts to the ingredient. This will aid prevent any dryness or level of sensitivity that may happen. Bear in mind, it can occupy to 6-8 weeks to discover a distinction in your acne.
3. Removes Pores
When you make use of an acne product with salicylic acid, it permeates deep right into your pores and loosens up the "glue" that causes dead skin cells to amalgamate together. This makes it much easier for them to fall away and minimizes pore clogs that bring about surface acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and little red pimples (pimples).
Because of its capacity to permeate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor suggests using it in a lotion, instead of a cleanser or body wash, to optimize its efficiency. Be sure to review the component tag very carefully and make note of any other prescription or nonprescription medications you take or organic products you're making use of, as some can communicate with salicylic acid.
To locate a great product, try to find one that contains salicylic acid in a higher focus-- 2 percent or greater-- or that integrates it with another anti-inflammatory and exfoliating component, such as salt PCA and salt hyaluronate, which helps stop the drying out effects of the salicylic acid. A fave of several reviewers with sensitive skin, this Paula's Option 2% salicylic acid product includes maltobionic acid to scrub without aggravating the skin.
4. Lowers Inflammation
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps in reducing redness & medical spa irritation associated with acne imperfections. It also softens & loosens up completely dry, flaky skin, which can help eliminate dead skin cells, flakes & particles that clog pores.
While over the counter concentrations of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will certainly be left on your face), it's readily available in higher concentrations with a prescription. A skin doctor can advise the proper focus to treat your acne, based on your skin type and your experience with treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
If you're new to skincare products with this active ingredient or have oily skin, try utilizing a reduced focus first. You can slowly work up to a stronger focus, however it's important to use your item as routed, i.e., once a day. Or else, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & inflamed. It's also recommended to use your items only at night, because salicylic acid can move onto materials & stain them.