Salicylic Acid: an ally in skin care
18 January, 2018
Today we want to talk to you about an active ingredient, salicylic acid, that can become your great ally in skin care.
Especially after depilation and even after shaving for men.
Why acids are used in cosmetics
Acids are of natural and chemical origin. Their basic function is to help renew the skin through exfoliation and stimulate collagen production.
For this reason, hydroxy acids (salicylic acid among them) are an essential component in anti-aging cosmetic treatments. They improve wrinkles, skin hydration, elasticity and help combat photoaging.
What is salicylic acid
The salicylic acid is a colorless, crystalline beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), obtained from the bark of the white willowIt is now generally obtained synthetically from the amino acid phenylalanine.
Willow bark was already used in ancient Greece for curative purposes. But it is in the 20th century when it began to be used as a skin exfoliant.
Why is salicylic acid used to treat acne?
The salicylic acid peel
The salicylic acid is also one of the most widely used active ingredients in dermatology for superficial peelings.
When applied to the skin, it penetrates into the pores, eliminating the sebaceous material stagnant in the follicles and leaving the skin visibly softer and smoother.
It also has important exfoliating properties and is very effective in eliminating fine lines and shallow wrinkles.
Side effects of salicylic acid
Being an acid, it can produce some very mild side effects. These are due to the keratolytic effect of the active ingredient and are a consequence of dermocosmetic treatments containing it. It may cause itching, irritation, flaking and dryness of the skin.
For this reason it is very important to apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream after treatments and always use high sun protection.
This is because after the treatment our skin is photosensitive and spots may appear more easily.
Benefits of depilatory treatments
On the other hand, the benefits of salicylic acid are highly recommended in depilatory waxing treatments because it treats the folliculitis or ingrown hairs..
Salicylic acid treatments
Within our line Oil Balance Care you can find several products formulated with salicylic acid focused on the care of the skin. oily or acne-prone skin.
Cosmetics that help remove impurities and excess oil to avoid clogging pores, returning the skin to its natural matte tone, without drying and maintaining skin hydration.
Purifying Exfoliating GelSoapy, with micro-particles that remove impurities and eliminate excess keratin, cleansing and exfoliating in a single product!
And the Seboregulating Creama light, non-greasy treatment that moisturizes and mattifies the skin for fresh, shine-free skin.
Prevent ingrown hairs thanks to salicylic acid.
Folliculitis occurs during the process of hair growth, where the hair grows inside the hair follicle until it breaks through all the layers of the skin and reaches the surface.
Sometimes this path is blocked because the skin layers themselves act as a barrier by thickening. In these cases the hair remains inside and can become inflamed or even infected.
Salicylic acid is a great ally to prevent this problem. encystationWhen applied regularly, it allows us to keep the skin exfoliated, thus facilitating hair removal. It also helps to prevent infections thanks to its antibacterial action.
Folliculitis generally occurs on legs, groin, armpits, and even very commonly on men's beards after shaving.