BENEFITS OF SALICYLIC ACID FOR SKIN

Perfect skin isn’t easy to accomplish - and while there’s an array of skincare products to help you get there, it can be difficult to make sense of every ingredient. That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you make sense of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that can help you achieve a balanced and refreshed look by going deep into the pores to clean out excess oils and debris. It’s touted as a hero skincare ingredient suitable for a variety of skin concerns, but you might be wondering, what does salicylic acid do to skin? Read on for all the answers.

What is salicylic acid?

Sourced from the bark of white willow trees, salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid or BHA, and it’s renowned for its skin supporting abilities – so, what does salicylic acid do for skin? BHAs are oil soluble chemical exfoliants, meaning they can go deep into pores to target excess sebum (skin oil) production. Salicylic acid can also help to encourage an even skin tone and a refreshed look by supporting skin cell turnover. If you’re in need of a new skincare bestie, it might be time to introduce salicylic acid into your routine.

How to use salicylic acid

Skincare products like facial cleanser and moisturiser can be formulated with salicylic acid, but to supercharge the benefits, we love a salicylic acid serum. Skin serumsand oils usually have the highest concentration of their star ingredients, so they can be an efficacious way to address specific skin concerns. You can use multiple serums in your skin care routine, but the order of application matters: to target numerous skin concerns, learn how to apply and layer skincare serums.

After cleansing, apply 3-4 drops of the Bye Bye Breakout Salicylic Acid Acne Serum to your entire face, gently pressing the serum into your skin and avoiding the eye area. Follow up with moisturiserand protect your skin in the morning with a broad-spectrum SPF. Now let’s dive into the benefits of salicylic acid.

Removing excess oil from skin

If you have an oily skin type, exfoliation is a useful tool to help unclog and purify the pores. Our skin’s natural oils are produced in sebum glands that sit underneath pores - these oils aren’t necessarily bad for skin, but an excessive amount can build up over time and lead to acne breakouts. Salicylic acid supports oil control by helping to unclog debris and oil from the pores, leaving you with a refreshed skin surface. To really crack down on excess oil flow, follow up with an oil-free moisturiser like the Confidence in a Gel Lotion Moisturiser.

Salicylic acid for chemical exfoliation

Exfoliation is an important step in maintaining healthy looking skin. It can be achieved in many forms, from chemical to physical, and helps to remove dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover. Physical exfoliants can be rough on sensitive skin, so for regular use, a gentle chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid may be a better option.

• Dry or sensitive skin:Using a salicylic acid serum once a week can help refresh the skin by making way for refreshed skin.
• Combination skin:Without exfoliation, sebum build up can occur and lead to breakouts, so we recommend using a salicylic acid serum 1-2 times per week.
• Oily skin:Regular exfoliation can help to control and manage oil production by purifying and unclogging pores. Start by using a salicylic acid serum once per week and gradually build up to your ideal frequency.

Salicylic acid benefits for mild acne-prone skin

Salicylic acid might be your new favourite ingredient for supporting mild acne-prone skin. By keeping pores cleansed, salicylic acid can help to stop whiteheads and blackheads from forming. Better yet, our Bye-Bye Breakout Serum goes beyond your typical product for supporting acne-prone skin as the salicylic acid formula is boosted with skin comforting postbiotic ferment to help reduce visible skin redness. In an 8-week clinical study using the Bye Bye Breakout Serum, visible improvement in the appearance of acne began on day 3*. Learn more about how salicylic acid can support acne prone skin.

^{*Visible improvement began at Day 3 and improved throughout 8-week clinical study. Individual results may vary.}

Loved this article? Take your skincare routine to new levels by learning all about the skincare benefits of hyaluronic acid.