What is Salicylic Acid for Acne?
3 min read
Salicylic acid is extremely popular and widely used in the skincare realm, especially in products for acne-prone skin. The hype surrounding this ingredient is significant, so it’s important to understand how salicylic acid works an whether it’s well suited to your individual skin concerns.
What is salicylic acid good for? Read on to learn salicylic acid’s benefits for acne-prone skin and all about our Effaclar range formulated with this powerful beta hydroxy acid ingredient.
WHAT IS SALICYLIC ACID?
Aside from being one of the most well known acne fighting ingredients of all time, salicylic acid can also be defined as a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA). This acid is found in several plants, although it’s most commonly derived from willow bark. In terms of function on the skin, salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant.
WHAT DOES SALICYLIC ACID DO FOR SKIN?
Salicylic acid’s skin benefits are numerous. As with any chemical exfoliant, this acid can help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and facilitates a radiant looking complexion by sloughing away dull, dead skin cells. However, perhaps the most powerful benefits of salicylic acid occur in relation to acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid can effectively reduce the appearance of acne-prone skin, including minimising the number, frequency and severity of blemishes.
WHY USE SALICYLIC ACID FOR ACNE?
Salicylic acid’s benefits for acne-prone skin are highly effective, making it one of the best ingredients available to target blemishes. Unlike some other ingredients, salicylic acid is suitable even for sensitive skin types due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This remarkable dual functionality means salicylic acid can simultaneously help exfoliate the skin while also soothing.
HOW DOES SALICYLIC ACID WORK ON ACNE-PRONE SKIN?
Salicylic acid works by breaking up dead skin cells that have stuck together to form pimple-causing plugs within the pores. The reason salicylic acid is so powerful is because it can penetrate deep into the pore lining, meaning it is able to exfoliate inside the pore as well as the surface of the skin. In essence, salicylic acid can target all aspects of acne-prone skin.
HOW DOES SALICYLIC ACID WORK ON BLACKHEADS AND WHITEHEADS?
Salicylic acid for blackheads and whiteheads works particularly well, because its exfoliating action can effectively target these surface level blemishes, revealing a fresh layer of skin underneath. Because it is a chemical exfoliant, it can be effective on typically hard to reach places like blackheads on the nose.
WHAT PRODUCTS FEATURE SALICYLIC ACID?
Salicylic acid is a powerful and incredibly versatile ingredient that can be found in a wide range of skincare products, from cleansers to moisturisers, creams and serums. Read on for a breakdown of where to find salicylic acid across our La Roche-Posay ranges.
EFFACLAR MICRO-PEELING GEL CLEANSER
Our Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser targets excess sebum and congestion in a micro-exfoliating cleanser formula. Salicylic acid, LHA and zinc combine forces to create a gel cleanser for acne-prone skin that can help visibly reduce blemishes on the face, neck and back. This scientifically proven formula has anti-recurrence efficacy while also leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.
EFFACLAR DUO (+) ANTI-ACNE MOISTURISER
Our Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Imperfections Moisturiser is a corrective moisturiser for oily acne-prone skin that hydrates without clogging your pores. Target blemishes via every step in your skincare routine with this moisturiser formulated with salicylic acid, soothing niacinamide and procerad to help visibly reduce marks. With consistent use, this highly effective moisturiser targets the key causes of oily acne-prone skin.
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EFFACLAR SALICYLIC ACID SERUM
Our Effaclar Salicylic Acid Serum has an ultra-concentrated formula to help achieve multi-tasking skin benefits for adult acne-prone skin and those looking to minimise visible fine lines and wrinkles . This expertly formulated facial serum also features two other complimentary peeling acids to unclog pores and resurface your complexion. Glycolic acid adds anti-bacterial and anti-redness properties, while LHA provides micro-exfoliation and further refines the pores.
PURE VITAMIN C10 SERUM
Our Pure Vitamin C10 Serum sees Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C's benefits working work together for enhanced overall brightening benefits.. This innovative formula features l-ascorbic acid (the most biologically active form of vitamin C), a powerful antioxidant known to help improve uneven pigmentation, boost radiance and minimise fine lines and wrinkles. Within this brightening serum, salicylic acid facilitates in the elimination of dull, dead skin cells for healthier looking skin.
OTHER SALICYLIC ACID BENEFITS
Aside from salicylic acid’s impressive benefits for acne-prone skin, it’s worth noting that this powerhouse ingredient is also highly beneficial for several other skin concerns. Because salicylic acid is able to deeply exfoliate the skin, it’s also well suited to help manage skin pigmentation on the surface. In fact, if you have acne scars, age spots or unwanted pigmentation, La Roche-Posay recommends integrating a product containing salicylic acid into your skincare routine to help minimise the appearance of these concerns over time.
