Guide to salicylic acid for acne sufferers Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid derived from willow bark, which has a wide variety of uses related to skin care. Beta hydroxy acids are better treat diseases of the skin surface and their relationship to alpha hydroxy acid, as they have larger molecules that do not penetrate the layers of the skin so easily. Because alpha hydroxy acids passes deep into the skin, they can cause irritation, making skin conditions worse.
The main use of salicylic acid is to reduce symptoms of mild acne. Acne is caused by the production of excess sebum and skin cells pour into the hair follicles. This blocks the follicle and provides a place for the growth of bacteria, causing inflammation and a button. This treatment of OTC works by slowing the rate at which skin cells shed, and decomposes the material that creates the place.
You can combine salicylic acid with a variety of other substances to increase its "fight against acne properties; A good example is retinol. However, you must not associate this acid with sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol or it will be too irritating to the skin. It will stimulate oil production, which makes your condition worse.
You'll often find the salicylic acid used in chemical peels used to reduce the appearance of mild acne scars, and purify the skin in general. The concentration of this acid will have an impact on the effectiveness of the skin. Up to 20% may be used, but it can cause extensive skin peeling for about three days, and may be too strong to be used in the peel of the week.
Salicylic acid can be used as a remedy for various other skin conditions. It is often an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and is used to treat skin disorders like psoriasis. He also stimulate collagen properties that make it ideal for slowing the development of wrinkles.
The application of this topical treatment in gel form for warts and warts has two advantages. First, it softens the skin layers that make up the wart, allowing the removal with a pumice stone. Then, it irritates the wart or Verucci, which stimulates the immune system to fight harder to get rid of.
So what are the negative effects of salicylic acid? The first time you've probably heard - it can cause birth defects when taken by pregnant women. The truth is that women need to take high doses of this acid orally for their baby to be in danger. Even so, it is advisable for pregnant women to avoid using it, as it does penetrate the skin and enter the blood to a degree. Another potential side effect of salicylic acid is that it can cause hyper-pigmentation, when used at high concentrations on the skin darker.
Overall, it is a relatively safe and inexpensive to treat mild skin conditions. In general, you should always start with a low concentration of acid and put in place if it is not the desired effect. You must also ensure that it comes into contact with the affected skin, not healthy skin when used in higher concentrations.
Posted on January 30, 2010.