Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid used in acne treatments and chemical peels. In low concentrations, salicylic acid is applied to the surface of the skin to keep pores clean and prevent acne. Higher concentrations of the acid are used in chemical peels. Here are some of the benefits of a salicylic acid peel.
Salicylic Acid Helps Control and Prevent Acne
Salicylic acid has been found to be effective at keeping pores clean. Most acne occurs because dirt, debris, and skin oils accumulate in the pores and clog them. As we know, clogged pores lead to acne. Salicylic acid, whether applied topically or as a regular chemical peel, can help to keep pores clean and prevent or reduce acne and acne scarring.
Salicylic Acid Improves Skin’s Appearance
Salicylic acid chemical peels are known to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Salicylic acid can gently remove the upper layers of your surface skin. The skin left behind is tighter, firmer, brighter, and smoother.
The process by which salicylic acid removes the surface layers of your skin is an exfoliation process. It’s basically the same process by which your skin naturally sheds dead cells. The difference is that a salicylic acid peel speeds that process up. Rather than shedding dead cells slowly, you can remove them all at once with a salicylic acid peel. This can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to limit the appearance of sun damage as you age.
Salicylic Acid is Gentle and Safe
Salicylic acid is gentle enough for use on all skin types. Those with oily, dry, normal, and even combination skin types can enjoy the benefits of a salicylic acid peel. Salicylic acid is believed to be gentler than alphahydroxy or glycolic acids. Dermatologists can achieve the same chemical peel effects with salicylic acid as they do with glycolic or alphahydroxy acids, but they’re able to use lower concentrations of acid. This makes the skin peel safer, and lowers the risk of irritation, dryness, or other side effects.