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Our skin needs constant care and attention, thanks also to the use of specific and effective products in daily skincare. But it is not only the natural ingredients present on our tables such as mushrooms or vitamins contained in citrus fruits that are fundamental in this case.
But also substances such as salicylic acid which, due to its exfoliating properties, gives cleansing and freshness to the skin. Let’s see below what salicylic acid is and what it is used for.
Salicylic acid: what is it and what is it used for?
Starting from the more technical definition, the term “salicylic acid”, also called 2-hydroxybenzioic acid, refers to a class of chemical compounds formed by silicon, hydrogen and oxygen.
To put it in simpler words, however, this substance was once completely natural and originally it was extracted from plants such as willow and meadowsweet. Today, however, it is easier to obtain it through a synthesization process in the laboratory. We can find it in foods such as apricots, oranges, grapes and blueberries.
But specifically what is salicylic acid used for? In the cosmetic field it is very useful and used because of its exfoliating properties, thanks to which it is able to dissolve the most superficial layer of the epidermis.
By doing so, it does not damage the deeper layers of the skin and in a sense, allows you to prepare it to absorb the essential nutrients of the subsequent skincare steps.
Salicylic acid: what is it for?
We can therefore summarize the uses and the functions of salicylic acid below:
- has an exfoliating action on the skin
- prepares the skin for the next steps
- helps to soothe and fight imperfections
- lightens dark spots on the skin
- promotes cell renewal
- fights acne
- makes the skin healthier and brighter
- lends itself to perform a chemical peel.
Salicylic acid: what is it for and how to use it?
There are many products for the body and in particular for the skin of the face that contain salicylic acid and with an exfoliating and nourishing action. Depending on the specific needs, in fact, you can choose the most suitable formulas, also varying at the level of products. You can start from cleansers to move on to tonics up to serums, face creams and masks.
Obviously, even in this case one should not exaggerate in the doses. The percentage required varies 1 to 3% because in case of excessive use of salicylic acid or any other component, you risk getting the exact opposite, that is a damaged skin full of imperfections.
Only in a specific case, the doses of salicylic acid can increase up to 25% -30% and this happens for products and cosmetics for medical use only. But it will be the aesthetic doctor who will use the product and direct the entire operation.
Salicylic acid: what it is for and contraindications
In addition to the above, salicylic acid has no particular contraindications. The important thing is to use it in the times and in the ways indicated by the cosmetics. The only caveat is, before taking it, to understand if it could conflict with certain drugs and their active ingredients that you usually take. Finally, it is not recommended for pregnant women.
