Benefits of Salicylic Acid

What can salicylic acid do for you? Plenty! I love this serum to really deep clean my complexion and help to hydrate it too. It doesn't matter if you have dry, oily, or normal skin, this double duty lotion helps to gently remove excess dead cells that can wind up clogging your pores.

And it does all of this while increasing hydration too. Perfect! Who would or couldn't use both?

How does it work? Simply put, it helps to "unglue" skin cells within the tiny hair follicles - which makes them easier to shed. This helps keep pores open and reduces the chance of whiteheads, blackheads, and breakouts.

It also leaves your complexion smooth and super clean and able to absorb favorite moisturizer or anti-aging cream........thus giving you better results.

If the name of this mild acid sounds familiar, it is because it is from the same root plant, the white willow (Salix Alba) as aspirin originated from. Additionally a good salicylic acid cleanser makes an amazing ally against acne.

Because salicylic acid comes from white willow bark, like aspirin, it has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which work topically, or on the skin, which makes it a great help for acne and blemishes.

It works to help the skin shed the dead cells in the correct manner, so that the skin can get rid of them without the dead skin clogging the pores, which is what causes many pimples. This exfoliation helps to lower the incidences of break outs. Many times you can find salicylic acid solutions in creams, lotions, and other “user friendly” forms.

It is also anti-microbial, which helps to keep bacteria and other impurities out of your skin. It is also said to help thicken your skin, and aid in collagen production.

In addition, the exfoliating benefits make this a good cure for psoriasis itching and symptoms. Well, not really a "cure" - this no cure for psoriasis - but a very helpful way to reduce those nasty white crusty patches because it helps to exfoliate excess cells.

Salicylic Acid Solubility

It also helps to open clogged pores and ease minor pimples on the skin. It is often found in dandruff shampoos to reduce flaking and itching.

Anti-Aging Benefits of Salicylic Acid - This acid is usually found in mild over-the-counter chemical peels, anti-wrinkle serums, creams, and exfoliants because it helps shed dead damaged cells, encourage cell turnover for smoother complexion, stimulate collagen, and reduce the depth of wrinkles and mild signs of aging.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology".

And the benefits of salicylic acid cleanser goes beyond the face......it makes an excellent acne body wash. There are cleansers out there specifically designed for the shower that combine a spot treatment and body wash that is proving effective in dealing with body acne and providing smoother skin all over the body.

Like with all chemical peels and exfolitants, test a small area if you have sensitive skin. Also remember that you want to moisturize, wear a sun block of no less than an SPF 15 each and every time you go out in the sun. You want to make sure that your skin is clean before you do any of the above.

There are other benefits of Salicylic acid beyond cosmetic purposes. It is commonly used for reducing fevers and for pain relief on a topical basis. The acid proves beneficial to getting rid of warts, corns and calluses too.

Of course as always, with any kind of medicinal application, consult your doctor. There are some prescriptions that may interact adversely with salicylic acid, and some people find their skin is sensitive to it.