If you struggle with problematic skin, you’ve probably used all the products you could get your hands on, tried home remedies and taken tips from health gurus, but you still can’t seem to find a solution. Skincare can be tricky if you’re unsure of what your skin needs, and you could end up with products that aren’t designed for your skin concerns. Understanding the ingredients and what they’re used for will help you when shopping for a new skincare regimen. Those with problematic skin, such as acne, have a particularly hard time finding the right fit for their skin due to the skin’s sensitivity, but there are specific ingredients that have been found to have healing properties for this concern. One of those ingredients is salicylic acid. It’s been proven to have a beneficial impact on skin health and the appearance of your complexion. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and which skin types will benefit the most from it?
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is extracted from willow bark and belongs to the salicylates class of ingredients. It is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which means that the structure of the hydroxy part of the molecule is separated from the acid part by two carbon atoms. This structure makes the salicylic acid more oil-soluble which increases the depth of penetration in the skin pores, thus providing a deep exfoliation that unclogs pores filled with dead skin cells and oils.
How Does it Work?
The main benefit of salicylic acid is that it penetrates deep into the skin and dissolves skin debris that clogs your pores. Clogged pores are the main culprit of problematic skin as it causes blemishes, irritation, and inflammation. Salicylic acid clears away the blockages to promote healthy, glowing skin free of blackheads and whiteheads.
What are the Benefits?
It is an ideal ingredient in skincare solutions targeting blackheads and whiteheads with its penetrative properties, loosening the attachments between cells in the outer layer of the skin.
Why it’s Good for Your Skin:
Great Exfoliation
The accumulation of dead skin cells is often the culprit behind many skin problems. A good exfoliator reduces the build-up of these dead skin cells and gently removes dirt and impurities. Salicylic acid has remarkable exfoliating properties as it penetrates the layers of the skin to unclog pores. It also removes dirt, bacteria, and grime build-up that can lead to inflammation.
Controls Oily Skin
Salicylic acid is one of the few ingredients that can treat oily skin and unclogg pores since it penetrates the layers of skin providing a deep clean. Oily skin is often prone to breakouts and blemishes as it prevents the natural process of skin shedding by trapping dirt and dead skin cells in pores. Salicylic acid lessens the oiliness of your skin by reducing and regulating sebum secretion, which prevents your pores from clogging up.
Effective Astringent
Salicylic acid is also an effective astringent working to tighten the skin and minimise the size of your pores which reduces the chances of oil and dirt getting trapped in them. Minimised pores and tightened skin can give the skin a youthful glow and smooth appearance.
Reduces Blemishes
If your skin is prone to blemishes and hyperpigmentation, salicylic acid can help even out the skin tone and reduce discolouration, avoiding blemishes and giving you clear, smooth skin.
Explore our range of acne, breakouts, and oiliness products to help you fight blemishes and acne.
At Nimue Skin, we aim to educate people about their skin and what products they should use and provide a wide range of professional skin treatments. Find out more about us here or Get in contact with us today!
