What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is known as one of the best active agents for fighting acne. You can even place it on a pimple or blackhead at night and the chances of it disappearing or diminishing the next day are high. But the question is: what exactly does salicylic acid do and what is it used for?

Salicylic Acid: What is it?

Salicylic acid is used to clear and prevent acne. It is a beta-hydroxy acid, which means it can easily penetrate the pores of the skin. Often used as an ingredient in facial skin care products, it is a formidable ally for eliminating pimples, spots, and blackheads.

Once this ingredient penetrates the skin, the acidic part of the molecule begins to act as a solvent exfoliant from the inside out. In other words, it allows you to regain clear, radiant skin and, above all, free of imperfections. In addition, salicylic acid allows you to have a regular and refined skin texture with tightened pores.

Salicylic acid: what is it used for?

Salicylic acid is primarily used to restore beautiful skin when you suffer from acne. But that's not all, here's everything it can do for you.

A deep exfoliation

Salicylic acid is considered a keratolytic element. It causes softening and peeling of the top layer of skin cells, providing a complete facial exfoliation. It therefore helps to remove dead skin cells and of course dissolve pimples and blackheads while tightening pores.

Cellular renewal

Salicylic acid therefore causes stimulation by exfoliation of the skin. By eliminating dead cells, it facilitates cell renewal. This allows you to enjoy more beautiful skin while delaying skin aging and the appearance of wrinkles.

Deep elimination of imperfections

Salicylic acid helps dissolve skin residues that clog pores and cause acne. It promotes antibacterial activity and dissolves excess accumulated sebum. If you have oily or combination skin, a serum with salicylic acid is a good option to add this ingredient to your skincare routine.

Salicylic acid: what precautions should be taken?

Be careful, salicylic acid can become a problem if used in excess. In fact, it can irritate and dry out the facial skin of people who have sensitive or reactive skin or who use it in excess. Depending on the concentration of the product used and the number of applications, some people may experience dryness, peeling, redness and irritation of the skin.

Keeping skin hydrated

In order to avoid having dry skin due to salicylic acid, it is important to keep your skin hydrated. To do this, you must use products that moisturize and respect the skin, especially when you remove your makeup.

Indeed, if you want to gently cleanse and remove makeup from your skin before applying your salicylic acid treatment serum, you should use a hydrating makeup remover water like Collosol Eau de Lait. If you prefer foamier textures, you can use Collosol Chantilly Cleansing Foam .

Salicylic Acid: Who Can't Use It?

This type of acid can be used by people of any age, but its use by pregnant or lactating women is not recommended. This ingredient is also not suitable for sensitive or dry skin. Such skin is characterized by its sensitivity to irritation when applying such a product. If you do not know exactly what your skin type is, it is best to consult a dermatologist about how you should care for it.

Salicylic Acid: How Should It Be Used?

Salicylic acid is found in a wide variety of cosmetics, especially those intended for facial cleansing and exfoliation (creams, lotions, and gels). It is also present in some moisturizers and several facial serums. Products that contain salicylic acid and are available without a prescription generally have a concentration of 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid.

All you have to do, depending on the product you have in your hands, is apply the amount recommended by the manufacturer and let it act. For example, if it is a gel with salicylic acid, after applying the product, rub with your fingertips avoiding the eye area. After spreading the product and letting it act, rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry your face gently by patting it with a towel.

Remember to always think abouthydrating your face before and after using salicylic acid. We recommend using Collosol cleansing and makeup remover products to prepare your skin before applying the acid. Once you have rinsed your face after applying the salicylic acid product, don't forget to apply a moisturizer or hydrating fluid that is suitable for your skin type.