What is Salicylic Acid
This is the chemical formula for Salicylic Acid. Now, hold on to a beat! I know what you’re wondering: you’re browsing for that best skincare routine or the most organic approach to having that glowy skin for yourself and here I am sounding somewhat like a chemistry lab assistant. Well, worry not! What might look like a mere chemical agent has dominating effects of brilliance onto our skin, a best salicylic acid cleanser or a facewash can fit your perfect skincare routine.
Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is derived from the willow tree, sweet birch, or wintergreen and it even occurs naturally in fruits like raspberries. Well known for its properties of reducing acne, acting as the exfoliating agent to the skin, and keeping the pores clean from within – the salicylic acid tends to be doing more than what is visible to the naked eye, and trust you me – it does give some promisingly visible results in a mere matter of weeks of regular and regulated usage.
Available in many varieties throughout the over-the-counter products, salicylic acid is also available in prescription-strength formulas. While it does work best for mild acne (blackheads or whiteheads), it has also been observed that regulated usage of salicylic acid can prevent the future breakout of acne.
Understanding more about Salicylic Acid
Before we move on to understand how the salicylic acid makes the way in the top beneficial ingredients to choose from – for treating acne and having that smooth skin, here is a quick look at the different dosage cycles of salicylic acid as recommended by top dermatologists and skin specialists. Though it will certainly differ for every skin type and condition, salicylic acid usage through OTC products can be well-referred to from the below-shared chart –
| Available in Form | Percent of salicylic acid | How often to use |
| Gel | 0.5–5% | once per day |
| Lotion | 1–2% | 1 to 3 times per day |
| Ointment | 3–6% | as needed |
| Pads | 0.5–5% | 1 to 3 times per day |
| Soap | 0.5–5% | as needed |
| Solution | 0.5–2% | 1 to 3 times per day |
The flipside of using salicylic acid is something that can’t go unnoticed. It is for this reason that the dosage of use needs to be well under the controlled limits to ensure that some of the side effects do not find their way crawling beneath the skin:
- Skin tingling – the tingling sensation can be an alarming cause of something more serious when overdosing salicylic acid.
- Itching – not keeping the wild spirit under control and going all bonkers with its visible gains, one might find themself scratching those itches
- Peeling skin – overdosing on salicylic acid has also been observed to have effects on peeling away the skin.
- Hives – with itches and peeling comes rashes – the red scrawny patches that may leave more irritated than before!
The Benefits of Salicylic Acid
To almost all flipsides there is a brighter one, and the one of salicylic acid not only is bright but also an interesting one to know! Did you know, products with higher concentrations of salicylic acid may even act as exfoliating agents? Apart from its regular acne curing abilities and the multiple benefits it brings with its use, salicylic acid is even used to cure age spots, scars, and melasma skin darkening. While the effects of its use may take up to several weeks to settle in and start showing results – the process of penetration in the skin to work towards dissolving dead skin cells by clogging pores begins much earlier – rather than almost immediately after you begin the use of salicylic acid.
It is imperative to know of the ill effects that may add on by the use of salicylic acid in either of its form or dosage, as they say, “better safe than sorry” makes more sense here! So, why here is a quick peek into the precautions before embarking on that perfect skin routine of yours:
- Allergies – if you are aware of your allergies, it is advisable to check with your doctor before beginning the use of salicylic acid in any form
- Use in children – it is due to the higher the risk of irritation in children, due to the fact that skin absorbs salicylic acid at a higher rate in children, that many advise against it for use in the early days of childhood.
- Drug interactions – mixing it with your other medications without proper knowledge about it! Could be relentless and risky, we recommend you check with your doctor before doing so!
Salicylic Acid Cleanser / Face Wash is the Preferred Choice
Talking about, what might be the best manner to administer salicylic acid cleanser is the most preferred choice by far! It is in the form of a cleanser, that salicylic acid promises to do wonders as it clears up the dead skin cells from within, scrubbing the cleanser – exfoliates through the pores and opens them for faster absorption. The anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid prove to be at the best when used in the cleansing of skin: getting rid of impurities. Glance through the easy stepwise guide on applying salicylic acid for beginners:
- Wet your face before applying, to create a better lather
- Massage the cleanser onto your skin using circular motions
- Rinse thoroughly to make sure you leave behind any residue
It is now a matter of time – before you try it out yourself, so what are you waiting for!
Checkout the best salicylic acid cleanser / face wash for your skin
Misumi Clear Skin Cleanser
From the line of luxury beauty care by Misumi, this skin cleanser has to offer more than the regular ones at the shelf. With its deep pore penetrating power to remove impurities, dead cells, and excel oil, the Misumi clear skin salicylic cleanser also boosts collagen in the system. The collagen in turn helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promotes healing, and soothes the calm angry breakouts. Eventually promising that youthful glow back to the skin. The brand upholds its reliability factor by offering a 30-day money-back guarantee on the purchase of the product.
At first, many users of the cleanser pointed out the gradual effect but with consistent use and over little time – the effects exponentially found growth. The salicylic acid, as the key ingredient of the cleanser, works predominantly to subside the acne-prone skin, at the same time brighten the tone of the skin. The active agent Salicylic acid is also known for its healing properties and bringing much-needed smoothness to the skin by reducing swelling and redness around rash or an injury.
Simply wet your face with warm water and massage the clear skin cleanser onto your face in a circular motion. Leave for a while and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Remain cautious of contact with the eye area, as it may cause irritation.
Zenmed AHA/BHA Complex
Possibly one of the most promising cleansers over the shelf today is the Zenmed AHA/BHA Complex. This facial cleansing gel acts on the dead skin cells and throws them out of our skin. With the scientific action of cell turnover and glycolic acid & salicylic acid as its key ingredients – the cleansing gel makes it to the top categories of the skincare routine. The Zenmed AHA/BHA complex also takes into account the oil strip which unlike other toners in the market is meant to do, this sets it apart from the rest as it counters the rebound effect.
Much suited for all skin types in removing flaky skin, brightening the complexion, and preventing the clogged pores – the Zenmed complex is also great for blackheads removal. Advocates of the Zenmed toner already love using the product and do not shy away from appreciating the highlights that it offers: deep skin cleansing for face and neck, no damp patches after use, skin brightening, and skin smoothening.
Just cleanse your skin thoroughly with fresh water and pat dry it. Apply the product onto a cotton pad and then apply to the face and neck avoiding eyes, nostrils, lips, and earlobes. It is recommended to use the product up to two times a day for optimum results. Avoid using it on skin that is broken or has irritation.
Murad AHA/BHA Cleanser
Looking to revitalize your skin, try the Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser today. Its triple-action formula offers a highly active cleanser with exfoliating acids and jojoba skin polishing beads. Formulated for best use by gently exfoliating and polishing away the dullness from the skin, the Murad cleanser is a must addition to your skincare cosmetic routine. With its three key agents – salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid – the cleanser is a great blend to be used for purposes of skin brightening, moisturizing, anti dullness, and debris healing.
Using it up to several times a week the cleanser adds up to the healing properties of the skin by encoring the barrier with its scientific water retention techniques. This also makes the skin a tad plumper and induces the strong elasticity that supports the longevity of the skin. Backed by the expertise of renowned dermatologist -Dr. Murad himself, the product is in line with his whole-person wellness programs and is an addition to the innovative clinically proven, cruelty-free formulas so far.
- Massage gently over the dampened face and neck
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry
- Recommended following the routine with Murad step two treatment, for prominent results.