Salicylic Acid – Miracle Ingredient for Clear Skin?
Salicylic acid is an excellent ingredient for those who struggle with blemish-prone skin. Can you really finally say: "Goodbye acne and large pores?" Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of salicylic acid for the skin.
Fast Facts
Salicylic acid is a synthetic derivative of salicin, which is found in willow bark, meadowsweet and various other plants. Thanks to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, it can also be found in oral medicines in the form of acetylsalicylic acid. It also offers great benefits when topically applied to the skin, for example as an analgesic in ointments for rheumatic disorders.
Additionally, salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent) that exfoliates dead skin cells and accelerates skin renewal. For this reason, it is also often used as a treatment for acne, warts, dandruff, cornification disorders, psoriasis and horny eczema, and it is an ingredient in many cosmetic products as well.
For Different Skin Needs
- Blemish-prone and acne-prone skin
- Blackheads
- Oily skin
- Large pores
- Cornification disorders (keratosis pilaris and psoriasis)
- Redness caused by inflammation (couperose, rosacea)
For Different Skin Needs
- Blemish-prone and acne-prone skin
- Blackheads
- Oily skin
- Large pores
- Cornification disorders (keratosis pilaris and psoriasis)
- Redness caused by inflammation (couperose, rosacea)
How Salicylic Acid Works
In over-the-counter cosmetics, you are only permitted to use salicylic acid at a maximum concentration of 2%. But don’t worry. That is enough to guarantee effective results. Salicylic acid is very potent, even at relatively "low concentrations". Salicylic acid preparations with a concentration of more than 2% are used to treat various skin disorders and require a prescription:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Fat-dissolving
- Pore-refining
- Keratolytic
Salicylic acid has keratolytic properties. What does that mean? In simple terms, it breaks down keratin and thus removes dry, hard skin in the uppermost skin layer. This can be especially helpful if you suffer from a keratinization disorder (keratosis pilaris), where the skin tends to overproduce keratin. As a result, dead skin cells clog the pores, preventing sebum from draining properly – which creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and inflammation. Salicylic acid dissolves these blockages and unclogs the pores.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Fat-dissolving
- Pore-refining
- Keratolytic
Salicylic acid has keratolytic properties. What does that mean? In simple terms, it breaks down keratin and thus removes dry, hard skin in the uppermost skin layer. This can be especially helpful if you suffer from a keratinization disorder (keratosis pilaris), where the skin tends to overproduce keratin. As a result, dead skin cells clog the pores, preventing sebum from draining properly – which creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and inflammation. Salicylic acid dissolves these blockages and unclogs the pores.
Our BHA Exfoliant contains the maximum concentration of 2%. In combination with allantoin, which boosts skin regeneration, and anti-inflammatory spirulina, this lightweight fluid is perfect for blemish-prone skin.
Our BHA Exfoliant contains the maximum concentration of 2%. In combination with allantoin, which boosts skin regeneration, and anti-inflammatory spirulina, this lightweight fluid is perfect for blemish-prone skin.
Caution!
For safety reasons, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid products containing salicylic acid (BHA).
The Difference Between AHA and BHA
AHA (Alpha hydroxy acids) and BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) peels are both classified as chemical peels. While AHAs are basically fruit acids, salicylic acid is the most common BHA. The difference: BHA peels penetrate deeper into the skin to unclog pores, while AHAs are used specifically for mature skin or dry skin. They can boost collagen production and ensure a balanced moisture level.
Salicylic Acid Products
Due to its wide range of applications, salicylic acid can be found in countless creams, serums, cleansers, toners, anti-dandruff shampoos and medical products. That makes it very easy to include this ingredient in your skincare routine. How you use it can vary depending on the product type. Our BHA Exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid – the maximum permissible concentration in cosmetics – which makes it extremely powerful and effective.
We have taken advantage of a natural alternative to salicylic acid, namely the extract from willow bark. Which DALTON products contain this miracle ingredient? Both the Mattifying Gel and the Anti-Blemish Moisturizing Cream from our Derma Control collection for blemish-prone skin.
Salicylic Acid Products
Due to its wide range of applications, salicylic acid can be found in countless creams, serums, cleansers, toners, anti-dandruff shampoos and medical products. That makes it very easy to include this ingredient in your skincare routine. How you use it can vary depending on the product type. Our BHA Exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid – the maximum permissible concentration in cosmetics – which makes it extremely powerful and effective.
We have taken advantage of a natural alternative to salicylic acid, namely the extract from willow bark. Which DALTON products contain this miracle ingredient? Both the Mattifying Gel and the Anti-Blemish Moisturizing Cream from our Derma Control collection for blemish-prone skin.
