Salicylic acid is an acid that is used to treat acne, blackheads and pimples. There are several methods to use, check them out below.
Acne is an existing problem for many people. Starting an anti acne treatment is essential to improve results. However, the treatment will not work in all cases. And the pimples may end up coming back. There are some treatments, including salicylic acid.
When acne treatment is carried out properly, there is a greater chance of success, but there is also a risk of worsening. At the beginning of therapy, some medications can worsen the condition, as there is a change in the functioning pattern of the sebaceous gland, which is stimulated by the medication.
In other words, this treatment may be being used incorrectly, or even using the wrong medications. So, before using any type of product, always consult a dermatologist for advice on which medicine to start using.
Salicylic acid
If you did all the treatment correctly, but the acne returned. It may be due to genetic characteristics or unfavorable eating habits.
One solution to control the appearance of new lesions would be to start using products with salicylic acid in your skin care routine. It can be used in the morning, together with sunscreen with an SPF above 50. Salicylic acid has keratolytic, anti-inflammatory and astringent effects, making it a great active ingredient.
The majority of the population has oily or acne-prone skin, so there are several types of medications to treat it, which are increasingly diverse. Salicylic acid is an active ingredient used to control the disease.
What is salicylic acid
It is a beta hydroxy acid with exfoliating and sebum-regulating properties. Helping to reduce skin thickening in parts of the body, such as the sides of the arms and thighs, for example. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory action, also preventing contamination by fungi and bacteria.
Finally, it is exfoliating, renewing the skin of the face, removing dead cells and excess oil. It acts on the pillars of staff formation. It has a comedolytic effect, which means it inhibits the formation of blackheads, controlling sebum production.
It can be found in pharmacies in the form of soaps, ointments, moisturizers, creams and serums, with lower concentrations. If you want higher concentrations, you need a prescription from a dermatologist. Soaps can be used every 12 hours, while creams should only be used at night.
What is it for
It is attracted to fats and is located between surface layer cells. Thus, it controls oiliness, exfoliating the surface layer of the skin. Which improves the appearance of blackheads and pimples, as well as inflammatory diseases.
It is indicated for diseases that make the skin thicker, such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, callus, ichthyosis and pityriasis versicolor, for example.
The acid removes the surface layer of the skin, also having anti-inflammatory, anti-bactericidal and anti-fungal action, which improves the penetration of active ingredients into the skin. So, in other words, combining salicylic acid with an antibiotic or antifungal will work better.
Benefits
Then follow the benefits of using the acid:
It exfoliates: Destroys cells in the surface layer of the skin, renewing them.
Fights acne: It reduces sebum production, also removing comedones.
Reduces scars and blemishes caused by acne: When the surface layer of the skin is removed, the acid can reduce and lighten skin blemishes and scars.
Improves porous appearance and reduces oiliness: This occurs due to the reduction in sebum production and the reduction of skin oiliness.
It has anti-aging action: It helps in the production of new cells.
Reduces the appearance of new blackheads: It reduces the production of sebum, which directly reduces the production of blackheads and pimples.
It is anti-inflammatory: It improves the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin, when combined.
Improves warts: The acid removes the surface layer of the wart, which has a very thick cornea.
How to use
There are several soaps that can be used in different concentrations. If the concentration is high, it is ideal to use it at night, as prescribed by the dermatologist. It can be used every day, from simple daily uses of a soap to an acidic compound.
Many believe that acids peel the skin, but this is unlikely to happen with salicylic acid. However, the skin may experience light peeling two to three times after use, depending on the concentration. It is better known as sebum regulator.
In the peeling format, the acid has to be used less often, once every two weeks or even once a month. Since in this format, it is more aggressive. It is applied after cleansing the face to increase the layer of superficial skin to be exfoliated. Therefore, in addition to reducing inflammation, it inhibits sebum production and removes fungi and bacteria. The peeling is applied by the doctor in the office.
Contraindications
If any type of allergy or intense sun exposure occurs, such as long trips to the beach, the person should stop using it immediately. Furthermore, people who have very sensitive skin due to inflammation or infections, pregnant women and people allergic to aspirin should not use the acid.
And then? Did you like the article? Also check out: Contraceptive for acne – How the medicine really works
Sources: Dermaclub, Dermaclub, Minha vida
Featured image: UOL
