Salicylic Acid, The Active Radiance Booster
As well used in cosmetics for skin care as in medicine, salicylic acid is renowned for its global anti-blemish actions well as its properties in bringing radiance and purifying the skin. Discover the benefits of this active ingredient, active radiance booster suitable for all skin types.
What is Salicylic acid ?
Salicylic acid is an acid from the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) family that is used in certain pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations. Like other acids of this type (glycolic acid, etc.) it has both an exfoliating and anti-inflammatory action under certain conditions. There are several scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of this acid. It is the raw material of aspirin, in particular.
Where does salicylic acid come from ?
This acid originally comes from willow bark (salix). However it is actually naturally synthesized by several plants (such as meadowsweet or willow). It is also found in particular in fruits, in the esterified form of methyl salicylate. An extract of black willow bark, for example, can be sold as natural salicylic acid. It is also synthesized in the chemical industry. Its principle of synthesis is as follows: the hydroxyl function of SA is esterified with acetic anhydride, in an acid medium. This produces acetylsalicylic acid and acetic acid as a by-product. Its synthesis then takes place by an organic reaction.
The benefits of salicylic acid
Whether it is a natural extract, or naturally synthesized, salicylic acid is an asset to the cosmetic community. It is appreciable in a cosmetic formula when the product is intended to be exfoliating (enzymatically), balancing (sebum regulator), or quite simply when its presence improves the preservation of a product.
–A skin exfoliator
SA is known for its ability to “remove dead skin cells” by simple contact with the skin. This is called chemical or enzymatic exfoliation. No need for small exfoliating grains: the presence of the acid would be enough to “eat” the dead cells to eliminate them.
But beware, this acid can give the skin a beautiful and radiant appearance if the concentration is high enough (0.5 to 2%) and if the pH of the product is acidic (around 4 or 5). If the active ingredient is dosed too low, it will not be able to enzymatically exfoliate the skin. If the pH of the finished product is too high, the acid will be neutralized.
– An effective treatment to soothe acne
It is for its exfoliating and purifying action that it is found in products for acne or oily skin. Its keratolytic character frees the skin from accumulated cells in case of pimples, clogged pores, etc. It will be found in purifying masks or purifying lotions most often.
– An active ingredient for luminous skin
Research shows that salicylic acid is very suitable as a cosmetic active for acne-prone skin, and may even reduce acne.
If you suffer from sensitive skin, you can also try a salicylic acid exfoliant, as this is often better than a grain scrub. In general, this acid is well tolerated by all skin types and the risk of irritation is less than with glycolic acid, for example.
How to use salicylic acid on the skin ?
As an ingredient in a mask or in a daily face care. If it is used in a product adapted to the face, and if it is left on long enough (at least 10 minutes for a mask, or regularly in a day care), then it can make the skin smoother, more supple and more luminous in the complexion.
Salicylic acid has the same chemical structure as the well-known painkiller aspirin, and because of this, it also has an anti-inflammatory function. This means that if you are allergic to aspirin, you should be careful with salicylic acid.
Which salicylic acid to use ?
– Lotion
A purifying lotion can be interesting to clean the skin of the face daily and free it from dead skin.
– Cream
A day or night care with salicylic acid can be used by oily or acne-prone skin to regulate skin functions and sebum production.
– Scrub
An exfoliating mask with salicylic acid can be used as a deep treatment for acne-prone or combination skin with pimples, or for very sensitive skin that can no longer tolerate grain scrubs.
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I hope you now know all about the benefits of Salicylic Acid. Comment down below what you think, do you agree, or share with us your own experience if you use it in your skin care routine .
Looking forward o reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!
