Introduction
Salicylic acid is Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA. Studies prove that salicylic acid is as effective as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) but has higher skin tolerability and fewer side effects1.
Because salicylic acid is a fat soluble hydroxy acid it is useful for people with oily skin and commonly used for the treatment of acne2. Being fat soluble also means that salicylic acid is better able to penetrate the skin barrier and provide deeper peeling action.
Benefits for Your Skin
“Salicylic acid as a facial chemical peeling agent provides high tolerability, safety and efficacy for treatment of photoaged skin”.3
The skincare benefits provided by Salicylic Acid treatment are well established and well supported by much scientific research4. Salicylic Acid offers the following skincare benefits:
1. Antimicrobial Action
The antibacterial action of SA has been known for many decades. Studies show that salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory, anti-comedogenic and antifungal effects and these partly explain the success in acne treatment2.
2. Peeling Agent
Salicylic acid as a facial chemical peeling agent provides high tolerability, safety and efficacy for treatment of photoaged skin3. Treatment efficacy is concentration dependent in the range of 0.05% to 5%. Compared to AHAs, salicylic is a effective but has fewer initial side effects and sustained effectiveness1.
3. Sensitive Skin and Rosacea
Salicylic Acid is as effective as AHAs in the treatment of many skin conditions but is better tolerated by the skin. Therefore is more compatible with sensitive skin types than AHAs as they are more skin irritating.
4. Hyperpigmentation Treatment
With sustained treatment by salicylic acid, lightening and even complete fading of hyperpigmentation can be achieved.
5. Anti-aging, Photoaging Treatment
Antiaging benefits to photoaged skin of reduced wrinkles of reduced wrinkles and fine lines, the skin can be achieved with the daily application of salicylic acid. This can result in increase in dermal thickness and firmness that persists after application ceases. As well as providing antiaging benefits, salicylic acid is also photoprotective. It can provide UV protection for the skin and UV radiation.
6. Acne and Acne Scar Treatment
Salicylic Acid is one of the best peeling agents for treatment of acne and acne scars1,5.
Discussion
“The “physiological” desquamation provided by salicylic acid provides smoother texture and appearance to the skin and can give the illusion of decreased pore sizes.”1
Because of its many antiaging skin benefits and mild action, Salicylic Acid has been skincare favourite for many years. It provides the same effective hydroxy acid benefits but with higher skin tolerance and less skin irritation than AHAs..
References
- 1.Decker A, Graber E. Over-the-counter Acne Treatments: A Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(5):32-40. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22808307
- 2.Kornhauser A, Coelho S, Hearing V. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142. doi:10.2147/CCID.S9042
- 3.Kligman A, Kligman G. Salicylic Acid Peels for the Treatment of Photoaging. Dermatologic Surgery. 2021;24(3):325-328. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.1998.tb04162.x
- 4.Green B, Yu R, Van S. Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids. Clin Dermatol. 2009;27(5):495-501. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2009.06.023
- 5.Fabbrocini G, Annunziata M, D’Arco V, et al. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi:10.1155/2010/893080
