Salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory substance that helps to protect the skin from inflammation and irritation caused by an allergy. It is also used to minimize acne scars.
Salicylic acid is the active component most commonly found in licorice seed extract which is known as a powerful moisturizing agent for dry and rough skin, especially when applied topically. Salicylic acid is derived from Salicinium which contains salicylic acid, glycol-phenol, and phenolic acids.
When salicylic acid is made into a paste, it becomes a pore-minable moisturizer for sensitive skin. This makes salicylic acid very effective for people with sensitive and dry skin. It gives a visible glow to the skin as it has scrubbing properties.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Skin
Skincare is very important to have beautiful and healthy skin. Many drugstore medicines and formulas are designed to improve our skin’s texture and are used to make it look healthy. Acids are one of the most important ingredients in skincare products nowadays. One of the most used acids in skincare products is salicylic acid. Out of many benefits of salicylic acid, some of the most important benefits of salicylic acid for the skin are:
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Salicylic acid reduces inflammation because it inhibits the enzymes that trigger tissue damage during allergic reactions which can lead to redness and pain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce swelling. It can be added on top of other creams or serums to improve their effectiveness. Salicylic acid may also help to control itching.
Antioxidant
Salicylic acid and its derivatives have been found to have antioxidant properties, so they are often used in topical applications for inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis. A study showed that salicylic acid could significantly relieve pain, itching, and inflammation after applying 100 g of salicylic acid ointment daily for three days. This treatment has been used to manage post-burn wounds, acne-scarred skin, and psoriasis.
Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Salicylic acid prevents the formation of dead cells which leads to an increase in cell turnover, resulting in an overall reduction in inflammation. Furthermore, salicylic acid acts as a moisturizer for dry skin. This protects your body from water loss, drying out and bacteria and fungi infections. So, this prevents irritation and itching without causing premature aging and scaling over time.
Healing Properties
Salicylic acid has a healing effect on the skin. Many dermatitis patients reported that the remedy helped to calm them down and gave them some relief. Some of them even managed to stop scratching and itching. Allergic Dermatitis is one of common dermatitis associated with allergic reactions and is particularly dangerous if left unchecked. Sustaining healthy skin is of critical importance and salicylic acid is believed to aid in that. It reduces inflammation, relieves symptoms, and controls the appearance of this condition.
Helps to Reduce Acne
It is very effective to cure acne, blemishes, and preventing breakouts. It keeps the skin pores unclogged and clean in this way, it reduces the production of blackheads and whiteheads. Acne-causing bacteria are present under the pores and they cause pore-clogging. Due to clogging, no fresh air can enter the skin. Salicylic acid is used to exfoliate these pores and, in this way, fresh air gets into the skin. Mild acne responds best to salicylic acid.
Promotes Anti-aging
Another main benefit of salicylic acid is that it is also used as an anti-aging product. Its composition is such that when applied to the skin (Mixed form) it sheds dead skin cells and tightens the new skin cells while removing the blemishes. Like this, skin appears fresh, somehow renewed, and younger than before.
Good for oily skin
It is useful for oily skin. It helps to remove excessive oil from the skin and also decreases the production of oil in the skin. It also treats papules, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation. It sheds dead cells from the top skin layer. It also helps to reduce sebum production from the skin.
Conclusion
The Food and Drug Administration has approved salicylic acid as a skincare ingredient. Salicylic acid is widely used in skin care products because of its enormous benefits. It not only helps to reduce acne but also slows down aging and gives you a natural look.
