How Often Should You Exfoliate Acne Prone Skin
How Often Should You Exfoliate Acne Prone Skin
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Benefits of Salicylic Acid For Acne
Salicylic acid is a key active ingredient in numerous nonprescription acne therapies. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads along with decreasing excess oil. It can additionally assist fading acne scars, although it might take a while.
Like benzoyl peroxide, it works by unplugging skin pores. But it does so differently.
1. Breaks Down Dead Skin Cells
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble and therefore able to sink deep into the skin, liquifying excess oil along with dead skin cells. This is what makes it such an efficient anti-acne therapy. It softens keratin, the protein that forms part of our skin structure, so that completely dry, flaky skin quickly drops, and it loosens blackheads and whiteheads so they can be removed.
The issue with blocked pores is that bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells are entraped, developing the ideal environment for acne to thrive in. Unlike water-based exfoliants, which just scrub the skin's surface area, salicylic acid passes through much deeper into the pores to eliminate the accumulation, developing an oxygen-rich atmosphere that's hostile to bacteria.
Seek a salicylic acid cleanser with 2% focus or higher, especially for oily skin types. If you have delicate or dry skin, start with a reduced dosage and use it much less commonly. Always read the tag very carefully to follow application guidelines.
2. Breaks Down Sebum
As a keratolytic, Salicylic acid aids exfoliate the skin by liquifying the bonds that hold dead skin cells with each other. This enables the dead skin cells to shed even more quickly, which in turn can aid unblock pores. This is what makes it such a powerful active ingredient for dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, particularly when used in conjunction with various other treatments that function to minimize sebum production.
In addition to being an exfoliant, salicylic acid additionally has comedolytic residential properties that assist break down sebum. This is what makes it so effective at dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, in addition to other non-inflammatory acne.
Similar to any therapy, it is very important to always adhere to the directions on your item's packaging. Beginning with a small amount and gradually boost your usage as your skin accommodates to the component. This will aid avoid any kind of dry skin or sensitivity that might occur. Bear in mind, it can use up to 6-8 weeks to notice a distinction in your acne.
3. Clears Pores
When you make use of an acne product with salicylic acid, it passes through deep into your pores and loosens up the "glue" that causes dead skin cells to integrate together. This makes it less complicated for them to fall away and decreases pore clogs that result in surface acne, like blackheads, whiteheads, and little red acnes (pimples).
As a result of its capability to penetrate the pores, Dr. Negbenebor suggests using it in a lotion, rather than a cleanser or body laundry, to maximize its performance. Be sure to review the ingredient tag thoroughly and how long does botox last make note of any other prescription or nonprescription drugs you take or herbal items you're using, as some can engage with salicylic acid.
To locate a great item, look for one which contains salicylic acid in a higher concentration-- 2 percent or greater-- or that combines it with one more anti-inflammatory and exfoliating ingredient, such as sodium PCA and salt hyaluronate, which helps stop the drying impacts of the salicylic acid. A fave of numerous customers with sensitive skin, this Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid product includes maltobionic acid to scrub without aggravating the skin.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce inflammation & irritability associated with acne blemishes. It additionally softens & loosens dry, flaky skin, which can aid remove dead skin cells, flakes & debris that obstruct pores.
While over-the-counter focus of salicylic acid cap at 2% (for items that will be left on your face), it's offered in greater concentrations with a prescription. A skin doctor can recommend the appropriate focus to treat your acne, based on your skin type and your experience with therapies such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
If you're brand-new to skincare products with this component or have oily skin, attempt using a lower focus initially. You can gradually work up to a more powerful concentration, but it is very important to utilize your item as directed, i.e., once daily. Or else, overuse can leave your skin super-dry & aggravated. It's also recommended to utilize your items just in the evening, because salicylic acid can move onto textiles & stain them.