What are the properties and benefits of salicylic acid?
- Renews and softens the skin: thanks to its exfoliating action that regulates sebum and helps to obtain a smoother touch of the epidermis and improve imperfections such as pimples, warts or scars.
- Deeply cleanses the skin: Unlike alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), salicylic acid penetrates to remove the dirt accumulated below the surface of the skin thanks to its antibacterial properties.
- Eliminates blackheads and pimples: of its comedolytic properties.
- Prevents the clogging of pores: by removing dead cells from the face due to its keratolytic effect.
- Helps to deflate pimples: so that they heal sooner since it has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fights stains: unifies the tone, provides a luminosity and whitens the skin thanks to its depigmenting action.
- Visibly reduces wrinkles: stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, helping to fill in wrinkles.
Contraindications and side effects of using salicylic acid
As it is an acid, it is important to exercise extreme caution and avoid, except for medical approval, in children, pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. On the other hand, moderate, gradual use is recommended and, preferably, supervised by a dermatologist to avoid possible side effects.
Keep in mind that it can cause irritation, dehydration, burns, and even skin peeling. It is essential to apply sun protection after use if your skin will be exposed to the sun’s rays.
How to use and how long is salicylic acid left on the face?
Simply choose a facial care product that has this active ingredient to learn how to utilise salicylic acid on the face. Then, using your fingertips, gently spread a pearl-sized amount over your face and neck in an upward and outward motion.
The amount of time salicylic acid is left on the skin varies based on the product and its intended usage. Below, we’ll go over each cosmetic that’s a component of your overall facial care routine:
- Allow one to three minutes for the foam to act on the skin as it refracts from white to translucent. After that, rinse with lukewarm water and towel dry.
- Before using your serum or moisturiser, use a facial toner and leave it on for 1-2 minutes.
- Face Serum – To incorporate a serum into your daily regimen, apply a small amount to your fingertips and gently spread over your face and neck in upward and outward motions. Apply the matching moisturiser, either day or night, without removing the serum.
- Allow the day moisturiser to work for the duration of the day until you begin your evening routine.
- Apply the night moisturising cream in the same manner as the day cream. In this scenario, apply it to your face overnight and then resume your morning routine the next day.
