acne

What Is Salicylic Acid: Benefits, Uses, And Side Effects?

If you are scouring the market for a sureshot acne remedy or something to treat general skin oiliness – Salicylic Acid is the ingredient for you. A derivative of Beta Hydroxy Acid (a.k.a.), Salicylic Acid is obtained from the bark of willow trees. The active ingredient seeps deep into the pores to dissolve dead cells and unclog the pores. Moreover, the topical application of Salicylic Acid helps kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation, resulting in clear, radiant skin – not a pimple in sight.

This blog focuses on many such benefits of Salicylic Acid, it uses, and the side effects (if any). So, keep reading -

The Many Uses Of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is best known for its acne control prowess. But the active ingredient is far from a single trick pony. Here are some concerns you can treat with Salicylic Acid

1. Salicylic Acid For Acne

As discussed earlier, Salicylic Acid is acne’s biggest nemesis. It blots excess oil, dissolves buildup, and unclogs pores to reduce/prevent acne. The skincare workhorse reduces inflammation and redness that goes hand-in-hand with pimples.

Additionally, you can employ Salicylic Acid to combat non-inflammatory acne like whiteheads and blackheads.

2. Salicylic Acid For Exfoliation

Regular exfoliation is indispensable to your skin health. The process removes dead cells, debris, and dirt to reveal a smooth, radiant surface sitting underneath. Skincare acid Salicylic Acid aids exfoliation, helping shed buildup. Results? Improved skin texture and tone.

3. Salicylic Acid For Dandruff

A lesser-known fact about Salicylic Acid – it’s a neat way to bid farewell to dandruff. The exfoliant buffs away the scalp’s outermost layer to reduce flakiness. It also regulates sebum production and soothes inflammation to ensure a healthy microbiome for your scalp.

4. Salicylic Acid for Warts And Corns

Grappling with warts or corns? Summon Salicylic Acid to your rescue. The exfoliant breaks the thick top layer containing the wart or corn, ensuring its easy removal.

5. Salicylic Acid For Psoriasis Treatment

Salicylic Acid also helps alleviate episodes of Psoriasis. The ingredient dissolves the scales while soothing inflammation – providing relief to your skin.

Other Benefits Of Salicylic Acid

Apart from the above uses, you can use Salicylic Acid (in the serum or moisturizer form) and reap its following benefits -

1. Unclogs pores: Salicylic Acid percolates deep into the pores to expel gunk, dead cells, and excess sebum. Use it to unclog pores, minimize their appearance, and prevent whiteheads or blackheads.

2. Reduces oiliness: Due to its oil-soluble properties, Salicylic Acid effectively cuts excess shine from the face. It is a must-have with folks with oily and combination skin.

3. Soothes inflammation: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, Salicylic Acid reduces redness and inflammation often accompanied with acne. Use it topically and see the results for yourself.

4. Improves skin texture: Exfoliants like Salicylic Acid help shed dead cells to reveal a smoother, brighter surface sitting underneath. The active ingredient is also the perfect remedy for rough, flaky patches on the skin.

5. Prevents future breakouts: Salicylic Acid regulates sebum production, unclogs pores, and dissolves dead cells, preventing future breakouts. If you struggle with oily or acne-prone skin, this ingredient is a must-have for your vanity.

Side Effects Of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is safe for most skin types and pairs exceptionally with other active ingredients like Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and more. Having said that, some individuals may experience side effects like

1. Skin irritation: Folks with dry or sensitive skin may observe flakiness, redness, and peeling.

2. Burning Sensation: If your skin is damaged or impaired, topical application of Salicylic Acid may lead to a burning or stinging sensation. Discontinue the product if this sensation persists for a prolonged period.

3. Allergic Reaction: Allergic reaction to Salicylic Acid may manifest in the form of severe redness, itching and burning. We recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist if these symptoms refuse to abate.

4. Impaired barrier: Overuse of Salicylic Acid can hamper the lipid barrier leading to extreme dryness, flakiness, breakouts, inflammation and more.

5. Sun sensitivity: Using active ingredients like Salicylic Acid can make your skin photosensitive, leading to concerns like burns, rashes, and pigmentation.

How To Use Salicylic Acid Safely?

To help minimize the side effects of Salicylic Acid while reaping its maximum benefits, here are a few steps that you can follow -

1. Choose the right product: Salicylic Acid is found in cleansers, serums, and spot treatments. Pick a product based on the type and severity of your skin concern. Case in point, if you have oily skin that is prone to occasional breakouts, try using a face wash with Salicylic Acid twice daily. For stubborn zits use a Salicylic Acid spot treatment and so forth.

2. Start with a low concentration: If your skin type is dry or sensitive, start with a low concentration of Salicylic Acid to minimize the risk of flare-ups. We recommend using anywhere between 0.5% to 2%.

3. Pair with moisturizer: To seal this Salicylic Acid into the skin,ensure to apply a generous layer of moisturizer. Results? Better, faster results. Moreover, a moisturizing formula prevents dryness and inflammation that may be caused due to Salicylic Acid.

4. Avoid mixing with specific active ingredients: Never layer Salicylic Acid with Retinol and other exfoliants. An overload of these actives may lead to inexplicable episodes of inflammation or irritation.

5. Always Use Sunscreen: Since Salicylic Acid can lead to photosensitivity, use a generous amount of sunscreen before stepping outdoors. This little step in your routine also shields the new layer of skin cells from the sun’s wrath.

Who Should Avoid Using Salicylic Acid?

People who should avoid Salicylic Acid in their routine at all costs -

Individuals with extremely dry or sensitive skin.
Expecting mothers
Folks prone to allergic reaction

Conclusion

Salicylic Acid is not a single trick pony. You can use the active ingredient for acne, inflammation, dandruff, psoriasis, warts, corn and more. Available in cleansers, serums, and spot treatments – your pick of treatment should depend on the severity of the problem.

Srishty Singh

Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her k...

Srishty Singh

Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid and Know How to Avoid them!

June 28, 2023

Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Prevent Skin Reactions

By Srishty Singh

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that extends several benefits to the skin. From ensuring long-lasting and multi-level skin hydration to soothing inflammation to fighting signs of ageing a.k.a. fine lines or wrinkles – you name it. This undeniable versatility of Hyaluronic Acid across skin types makes it a popular ingredient in skincare aisles. Having said that, a handful of users observe painful redness, breakouts, and inflammation upon using Hyaluronic Acid regularly. If you too are in the same boat, this blog is for you. We attempt to understand all the reasons for flare-ups due to Hyaluronic Acid use. Is it just an allergic reaction, a grave oversight in application technique or due to underlying skin sensitivity? Scroll ahead to know! Before we delve deeper into the possible side effects, here’s a quick refresher on Hyaluronic Acid. What Is Hyaluronic Acid? For the uninitiated, Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in the skin cells– to boost elasticity and suppleness. However, as you age, this level of Hyaluronic Acid depletes, demanding skincare products to replenish hydration. The humectant HA holds approximately X1000 its weight in water. Moreover, due to its lightweight and non-greasy texture, Hyaluronic Acid is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. It doesn’t clog pores, helps regulate sebum production, and substantially improves the skin's texture. Common Side Effects Of Hyaluronic Acid And How To Avoid Them? Hyaluronic Acid is generally safe for regular use and doesn’t cause any extreme reactions. However, we understand that everyone’s skin journey is different. So, let delve into the possible side effects of Hyaluronic Acid. 1. Can Hyaluronic Acid cause redness or irritation on the skin? Rarely. Hyaluronic Acid is one of the safest active ingredients with little to no side effects. Some people can experience skin irritation, redness, or itchiness after using hyaluronic acid products. This is usually a mild reaction that can be resolved by discontinuing the product. 2. Will Hyaluronic Acid trigger any allergic reaction on the skin? One seldom develops an allergic reaction to Hyaluronic Acid. Symptoms can include hives, swelling of the face or tongue, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, stop using the product and seek medical attention immediately. 3. Will Hyaluronic Acid lead to acne or breakouts on the skin? Generally, Hyaluronic acid is not known to cause acne. It is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and non-greasy. But some people may experience breakouts after using products that contain it. This may be due to the increased moisture in the skin, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. If you experience acne after using a Hyaluronic Acid serum, try reducing the frequency of use or switching to a different product. 4. Does Hyaluronic Acid Cause Dryness Or Itchy Skin? In rare cases, topical application of Hyaluronic Acid causes dryness and itchiness. This happens due to Hyaluronic Acid drawing moisture molecules from the deeper layer of the skin. To circumvent this problem, apply a coin-sized of your favorite moisturizer after the serum sinks in. 5. Does Hyaluronic Acid burn skin? Hyaluronic Acid is unlikely to cause burns. However, certain individuals may experience a stinging sensation triggered by allergies. You can avert this problem by starting with a lower concentration of Hyaluronic Acid. What Are The Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction To Hyaluronic Acid An allergic reaction to Hyaluronic Acid may look different for different indiviuals. However, based on experts and studies, here are some common symptoms 1. Hives 2. Redness 3. Uncontrollable itching 4. Inflammation on the face 5. Localized discoloration 6. Age Spots 7. Heavy breathing 8. Chest tightness How To Treat An Allergic Reaction To Hyaluronic Acid The treatment of a Hyaluronic Acid allergic reaction should depend on the severity. If you’re facing swelling in the mouth, shortness of breath or inflammation that doesn’t budge – seek medical help immediately. For mild rash or reaction episodes, follow the steps Discontinue the product with immediate effect 1. Lather a soothing, cooling moisturizer on the problem area(s) 2. Apply a cold compress on the concern areas 3. Don’t touch, rub or scratch the affected areas 4. Take an antihistamine if the reaction persists for too long Hyaluronic Acid For Sensitive Skin: Benefits And Risks Should one use Hyaluronic Acid for underlying skin sensitivities? The answer is a resounding yes. The mostly non-irritating skincare acid benefits sensitive skin in the following ways - 1. Topical application of Hyaluronic Acid ensures prolonged hydration. It reduces flakiness, dryness, and rough texture on the skin. 2. Regular hydration with Hyaluronic Acid bolsters the lipid barrier. This barrier or acid mantle prevents TEWL and averts harmful pathogens, and pollutants from the skin. 3. Hyaluronic Acid application also accelerates skin healing – making it a good fit for folks with sensitive skin. 4. You can use Hyaluronic Acid to soothe unwarranted inflammation and irritation on the skin. If you have extremely dehydrated or sensitive skin, using Hyaluronic Acid can cause 1. Temporary redness or inflammation 2. Random breakouts 3. Flakiness, rough texture 4. Other flareups like discoloration Tips for Minimizing Hyaluronic Acid Sensitivity If you are/or anticipate sensitivity to Hyaluronic Acid, here’s how to minimize the risk of flare-ups. All while reaping the many benefits of the powerful humectant for your skin type 1. Do a patch test: Before adding Hyaluronic Acid to your daily routine, conduct a patch test on your neck. Go ahead with the product only if your skin responds well to this experiment. 2. Start with a low concentration of the active: If your skin is highly sensitive, we recommend starting with a low concentration of Hyaluronic Acid Serum. 3. Introduce the active slowly into your routine: Start by using Hyaluronic Acid 1 to 2 times a week. Once your skin gets accustomed to the active ingredient, you may increase the frequency. 4. Always follow up with moisturizer: Once the Hyaluronic Acid serum sinks in, seal in the treatment with a moisturizer. A potent formula also prevents any inflammation or flare-ups. 5. Don’t skimp on sunscreen: The application of Hyaluronic Acid may cause photosensitivity in some individuals. To avoid this, remember to apply 2 fingers’ worth of sunscreen before stepping outdoors. Conclusion Overall, Hyaluronic Acid is a safe and effective ingredient that provides a range of benefits to the skin. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects and to discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions. It is always best to consult a dermatologist or other healthcare professional to determine the best treatment for your skin’s needs.