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Actives in cosmetics are no longer just a trend. They're essential skincare secrets we must share because #BehenCode. I will never let my fellow girlies live with acne and inflamed skin when the solution to all their woes can be fixed with just one ingredient – Salicylic Acid. From deep exfoliation magic to cleansing your pores, there’s so much it can do to make your skin clear and blemish-free.
Especially with this festive season coming up, it’s time to take care of our skin and improve our skincare routines to nail those festival day pics. The amount of makeup your skin comes in contact with is also going to go up with the festive and wedding season. So, let’s explore the many (we mean many) benefits of Salicylic Acid and how it can leave you with smooth, clear, acne-free skin.
What Is Salicylic Acid
This is a quick science lesson – we promise. So you may have heard of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) in skincare. They’re both exfoliating acids that remove dead skin cells and help improve the overall texture of your skin. While AHAs merely remove dead skin from the surface, BHAs provide deep exfoliation and are highly effective against acne. The most commonly found BHA in skincare today? You guessed it – Salicylic Acid. It is oil-soluble and can easily dissolve debris trapped in pores so you can say goodbye to blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.
Benefits Of Salicylic Acid
So now that we’ve established that Salicylic Acid can help you achieve clear skin. Let’s get into exactly how it can transform your skin and Salicylic Acid benefits for fighting acne.
- No More Pimples: Salicylic Acid helps prevent acne by keeping the pores squeaky clean. Breakouts occur when oil and impurities build up in the pores. So clean pores equal clear, acne-free skin.
- Hello Smooth Skin: Dead skin cells on the surface of the skin make the skin feel rough. Salicylic Acid breaks the bond between dead skin cells and effectively removes them to leave your skin feeling smooth. Bonus point? No dead skin means your skin absorbs skincare products better.
- Soothing Feel: Acne breakouts bring along inflammation and redness that not only looks bad but also causes pain. Salicylic Acid has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and can even be beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
- Black Heads Begone: With its deep cleansing benefits, Salicylic Acid products stop the build-up of blackheads and whiteheads in their tracks. So no more pesky black bumps on the skin.
- Goodbye Grease: Salicylic Acid regulates sebum production which means your skin’s glands are not producing excess oils that lead to shiny spots. This is especially beneficial for those with oily or combination skin.
How To Add Salicylic Acid In Your Skincare Routine
There are several Salicylic Acid products you can add to your skincare routine but like most things, it’s best to start small. Allowing your skin to get accustomed to active ingredients is quite important to get the desired results.
- Begin with a salicylic acid-based cleanser and use it 2-3 times a week as facial cleanser formulations are not intense.
- You can use a salicylic acid body wash every morning to get rid of body or back acne.
- Next, use a toner or serum with salicylic acid once or twice a week and increase the frequency depending on your skin’s reaction.
- You can also use Salicylic Acid as a spot treatment for active pimples and blemishes.
- Like all chemical exfoliants, Salicylic Acid can dry the skin and increase sun sensitivity. So, it’s crucial to follow it up with a moisturiser and always use sunscreen.
Our Favourite Salicylic Acid Products
1. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
This water-based serum is a boon for those with oily skin. With 2% Salicylic Acid, this solution from The Ordinary is formulated for blemish-prone skin. It is also suitable for teenagers with acne and can help anyone achieve clear, smoother skin.
2. Nykaa Skin Secrets Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid Spot Patch
Don’t know what to do about active acne the night before important events? The Nykaa Skin Secrets Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid Spot Patch comes in clutch in such emergencies. All you need to do is cleanse your skin, apply it, and get that much-needed beauty sleep. The best part? It can be worn with makeup.
3. Be Bodywise 1% Salicylic Acid Body Wash
Be it back or body acne, strawberry skin, or enlarged pores, the Be Bodywise 1% Salicylic Acid Body Wash can treat it all. The shower gel is sulphate and paraben-free, so you know you’re only applying safe ingredients to your body. It also has Chamomile Extract for long-lasting freshness.
4. Chemist At Play Exfoliating Body Wash 4% Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid Shower Gel
As someone with combination skin, I can promise you the Chemist At Play Exfoliating Body Wash should be high on your wishlist. Along with exfoliation, this shower gel protects from cell damage, increases cell turnover, and calms irritation.
Key Takeaways
Your goals to achieve the festive glow can be achieved with one simple action – search Salicylic Acid on Nykaa for clear, acne-free skin. Salicylic Acid cleans your skin by deeply penetrating the pores and stopping pimples at the root. Clear pores also mean regulated oil production, so no more greasy skin. It also makes the skin feel silky smooth by getting rid of dead skin cells. You just have to remember that moisturisers and SPF are best friends with Salicylic Acid and they all should be used together.
FAQs On Salicylic Acid
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What does Salicylic Acid do for skin?
Salicylic Acid deeply cleanses your pores, regulates oil production, prevents acne breakouts, and soothes inflammation to help you achieve clear skin. Explore the wide range of salicylic acid products available at Nykaa from top brands.
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Is it okay to use Salicylic Acid every day?
You can use a Salicylic Acid facial cleanser every day as the concentration is less intense. With Salicylic Acid serums, begin using 2-3 times a week and increase frequency depending on your skin’s tolerance.
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Does Salicylic Acid remove pimples?
Yes! Salicylic Acid removes active pimples, prevents breakouts, and inhibits blackheads and whiteheads.
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Does Salicylic Acid brighten the skin?
Salicylic Acid is a chemical exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and minimises acne scars, leaving behind bright skin.