Salicylic Acid Overview: Skin Care Uses, Side Effect & More – Great skin is simply a matter of DNA it depends on multiple factors like your daily habits. That’s why a skincare routine is important, it includes various kinds of products such as serums, lotions, moisturizers, etc. Salicylic Acid is also one of the most popular ingredients that helps to offer healthy and glowing skin. In this blog, we are going to discuss Salicylic Acid Overview: Skin Care Uses, Side Effect & more. Stay Tuned!
Generally, a skincare routine consists of three main steps: cleaning, toning, and moisturizing. Whether your concern is acne, sun damage, wrinkles, dry or oily skin, here you find the essential information you need for the best care of your skin.
What is Salicylic Acid?
It is a conjugate acid of a salicylate. Salicylic Acid is a beta Hydroxy acid, that occurs as a natural compound in plants. Due to its effectiveness in treating acne, pigmentation, and dandruff. It is produced from the bark of the white willow and the wintergreen leaves. keratolytic acid is another name for Salicylic Acid. It works by maintaining clear skin pores and exfoliating the skin resulting in reduced blackheads and acne. Salicylic Acid plays a crucial role as an anti-infective agent, anti-fluent agent, and anti-inflammatory because it can provide extensive exfoliation.
What are the uses of Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic Acid is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It may also used in combination with other acne products and treatments. It works as a peeling agent, causing the outer layer of the skin to shed. Salicylic Acid is one of the best solutions for treating acne and preventing future blackouts. It can penetrate the skin and remove dead cells from the pores. Salicylic Acid can also decrease the number of pimples that form and it helps to remove –
- Age Spots
- Scars
- Acne
- Pigmentation
- Wrinkles
Note - Before applying the gel place wet packs on the affected region for fifteen minutes. Then gently rub the gel on the affected area and after applying it use the pad to carefully wipe the affected area.
Side Effects of Salicylic Acid
Some of the common side effects of Salicylic Acid are:
- Skin Irritation
- Itching or redness
- Light-headedness
- Buzzing in the ears
- Severe head pain
Some of the serious side effects of Salicylic Acid are:
- Headache
- Redness of the skin
- Diarrhea
- Hives or itching
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss
- Severe drowsiness
- Tightness in the throat
- Unusually warm skin
Precautions are to be taken while using Salicylic Acid
The dosage is recommended depending on the skin type you have and also the skin condition. Doctors will advise you to use it for two or three days. Testing the reaction on the affected area or small part of the skin is highly recommended before properly using it. Start using this by applying less and then scaling up simultaneously.
Allergies – if you have experienced any allergic reaction to salicylic acid let your doctor know.
Use in Children – avoid using salicylic acid on children, children may be at more risk of skin irritation. Before using it on your child speak with a doctor first.
Drug interactions – let your doctor knows what medication you are taking because salicylic acid do not interact with certain medications.
Avoid using the medicines near heat or flame because they are flammable.
How does Salicylic Acid work on acne?
When your hair cavity gets plugged with dead cells, oil, blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples often appear. Salicylic acid dissolves the dead skin cells obstruct your pores and penetrate your skin Several weeks of use can be taken to see the full result, if you are not seeing any effects after 6 weeks you should inform your dermatologist.
Salicylic Acid Toxicity
It is rare but it can occur from the topical applications of salicylic acid. Follow these recommendations to reduce the risk:
- Avoid applying salicylic acid to large areas of body
- do not use it for long periods
- Avoid using salicylic acid products under tight dressings
if you experience any of these symptoms or signs immediately stop using salicylic acid and see your doctor:
- lethargy
- headache
- confusion
- ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- hearing loss
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- increase in breathing depth (hyperpnea)
Benefits of Salicylic Acid
Some of the major benefits of Salicylic Acid include:
- Acne
- Soothes inflammation
- Exfoliates dead skin
- Exfoliation
- Minimizes pores
- Whiteheads
- Clears excess oil
- Reduces sebum secretion
- Reduces blemishes
- Decreases oil secretion
- Astringent properties
- Blackheads
- Dandruff
- Melasma
- Reduces inflammation and redness
- Salicylic Acid
- Viral warts
People Also Ask for Salicylic Acid Overview: Skin Care Uses, Side Effect & More
Question 1. How fast will Salicylic Acid show results?
Ans. Salicylic Acid can take a few weeks or longer to see the effect. In the first few days of treatment, you might face problems and your condition may get worse as Salicylic Acid may cause your skin to purge. That’s why you should strictly follow the dosage instructions to prevent such complications.
Question 2. Can Salicylic Acid be used with other medications?
Ans. The harmful effects of Salicylic acid with other medicines are not known yet. Some medicines may have some interactions such as Adapalene, Alitretinoin, Bexarotene, Clascoterone, etc.
Question 3. What are the common side effects of Salicylic Acid?
Ans. Some of the common side effects of Salicylic Acid are Skin irritation, Diarrhea, Headache, Vomiting, Dizziness, Hives or itching, Confusion, Hearing loss, Severe drowsiness, Tightness in the throat, Unusual warm skin, and Peeling.
Question 4. What are the uses of Salicylic Acid?
Ans. Salicylic acid is used in medicated topical gel, lotions, cream, etc. It helps to treat and prevent acne and many other skin conditions like warts, corns, and calluses.
Question 5. What are the symptoms of Salicylic Acid overdose?
Ans. The symptoms of overdose are confusion, dizziness, extreme tiredness or weakness, headache, fast breathing, ringing or buzzing in the ears, hearing loss, and Nausea.
