Skin Health Magazine Issue #11 / Spring 2019 | Page 25

Ingredient Spotlight SALICYLIC ACID T hink back to your first teenage pimple. That large, sore and inflamed spot that seemed to spring from nowhere would have been your first introduction to Salicylic Acid, the go-to treatment for blemishes and breakouts that is still just as popular today. Of all the skin care ingredients out there, Salicylic Acid is probably one of the most widely-known. Derived from Willow Bark, this ingredient falls into the Beta- Hydroxy Acid (BHA) family and is mainly used in topical skin care to exfoliate problem skin. Not to be confused with an AHA, a BHA is slightly different in struc- ture and is oil-soluble meaning it has the ability to penetrate deep into the pores to remove dead cells and sebum. AHAs tend to do the majority of their cell-shifting on the surface, whereas a BHA like Salicylic Acid can exfoliate the skin on multiple levels. By keeping the pores clear of debris, break- outs are less likely to occur, but Salicylic Acid has others way of tackling breakouts. Most complexion issues concerning blem- ishes start with an overproduction of sebum that collects and gets stuck within the pores, mixing with dead cells and impurities to form a plug which, on the surface, presents as a blackhead or red bump depending on how severe the inflammation is. Salicylic Acid can help to minimise the amount of sebum secreted by the skin, essentially preventing the development of such bumps, and it can help to reduce inflammation. It also has the ability to brighten dark spots and discolouration, so it can still be an effective ingredient for acne sufferers even after a breakout has calmed and healed. The beauty of an ingredient like Salicylic Acid is that it can be utilised by everyone, in different ways. Those with problematic skin can use a routine based on the ingre- dient while those who only have to deal with the odd pimple every now and then can incorporate some key targeted treat- ments to address the swelling and discomfort associated with a painful pimple. To see the best skin-clearing results, look for products that contain between a 0.5-2% concentration of the ingredient and be sure to keep the skin hydrated when using them, as Salicylic Acid can make the skin a little dehydrated and flaky, especially when used heavily in your morning and evening routines. Now that’s what we call a throwback. ISSUE #11 | 2019 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 25