 Salicylic Acid is usually called beta hydroxy acid. It is made of the bark of the willow tree. Beta hydroxy acids have a bigger molecule than alpha hydroxy acids. The bigger molecule preserves the beta hydroxy acid on the skin surface, allowing it to penetrate in the pores more effective. That’s why Salicylic Acid is an ideal substance for acne-prone skin and acne.
The larger molecule size of salicylic acid produces less irritation than alpha hydroxy acids, making it a welcome alternative for those with sensitive skin.
Who Should Use Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic Acid is the best substance for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. The pore-cleansing properties of salicylic acid make it benefit comedone-prone skin. People, who cannot permit alpha hydroxy acids, may try to use salicylic acid and have good results even if your skin is rather sensitive. However, alpha hydroxy acid's penetration into deeper layers of the skin produces better anti-wrinkle and anti-aging benefits.
Look for concentrations of 1-2% in any salicylic acid product to assure on effective concentration. A 1% concentration would be better or sensitive skin types and a 2% concentration would be useful for stubborn acne.
What is Salicylic Acid?
As an exfoliant, salicylic acid can actually increase the benefits of other therapies used in combination with it. However, care should be taken to observe for signs of irritation. If irritation appears, then you need to continue to combine preparations. For acne prone skin, retinol makes a good adjunct therapy for salicylic acid.
Is Salicylic Acid Safe to Use While Pregnant?
Salicylic acid wasn’t tested on pregnant women, so its effect during pregnancy is unknown. It is always recommended to check with your doctor before going on any medication while pregnant. Some doctors allow using it in small amounts on the face and some have expressly forbidden it.
Salicylic acid may be absorbed through the skin. Studies in animals have shown that this substance causes birth defects when given orally in doses that are 6 times higher than dose recommended for using by people. Make certain your doctor knows that you are pregnant before using salicylic acid, especially if you have to use salicylic acid on large areas of the skin.
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