Source: Flickr.com user dead redhead
Salicylic acid is one of the very first skin care ingredients I remember paying attention to as a teenager. I would make sure to look for it in my acne skin care products. At the time, all I knew was that it was pretty good at soaking up oil. It wasn’t until I was older that I learned what a special ingredient it is.
A naturally occurring beta hydroxy acid derived from willow bark, salicylic acid is definitely an effective oil reducer, but it’s also a highly effective skin resurfacer and pore cleanser. It has a larger molecule size than alpha hydroxy acids, which allows it to sit on top of the skin longer, exfoliating the surface skin cells as well as removing dirt and oil.
By removing these superficial skin cells, it stimulates new cell growth and allows younger, healthier skin to show through. And it does so without irritating the skin like some AHAs can.
Salicylic acid is especially helpful in treating oily, acne-prone skin because of its ability to break through oil and get into the follicle or pore. By clearing out the pores of dead skin and oil, it reduces the number of blockages and prevents breakouts.
There are also a number of other uses for salicylic acid, such as: reducing the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmenation; exfoliating warts, calluses and corns; and even treating dandruff. Look for this skin wonder in your products. You’ll be amazed what it can do for you.
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8 Comments
I totally agree with you. I have been using SalAc for 30 years from Medicis Dermatologics
who recently discontinued the product. Totally bummed. Any suggestions for equivalent product? Have tried all products over the counter, had adverse side effects, and none compared. I am a blonde with the fairest, sensitive skin. I did call MD and they gave no explanation why they discontinued the product and have no plans for replacement for SalAc.
Salicylic acid always made my pimples ooze and crust over. I have to use the 10% benzoyl peroxide face wash by pan oxyl.. it’s the only brand that works. Strange how different brands with the same ingredients work differently.
Marie, thanks for your comment. I understand your frustration. We too were sad to see SalAc go. As far as a comparable product, I would suggest Murad’s Clarifying Cleanser. It contains 1.5% Salicylic Acid plus Triclosan to kill acne-causing bacteria. And, most importantly for you, it contains soothing botanical oils to prevent irritation. Good luck!
Courtney, I’m glad you’ve found something that works for you. That’s interesting what you say about salicylic acid. It shouldn’t cause oozing or crusting, unless you had broken skin when you applied it. If you’re ever up for trying something new, the Murad Cleanser I mentioned above is a great one.
I too have been happily using SalAc for many years and am searching for a replacement. The Murad Cleanser recommended by Jacqueline is only 1.5% salicylic acid (versus 2% in SalAc) and it has Triclosan, which I’d like to avoid (there are reports that it may be carcinogenic, plus the bacteria can become resistant to it).
I’m puzzled by Courtney’s comment that 10% benzoyl peroxide is the “same ingredient” as 2% salicylic acid, because to my understanding these are very different drugs.
Randall,
I understand your concern with the triclosan. Here are a couple of alternatives. Obagi Clenziderm MD Daily Care Foaming Cleanser: contains 2% salicylic acid. La Roche-Posay Biomedic Antibac Acne Wash: contains 1.8% salicylic acid as well as lactic acid and is very effective at clearing pores, controlling oil and exfoliation. You are correct about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid being different ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. However, it also controls oil and encourages skin shedding. Hope that helps.
Thanks, Jacqueline. I’ve ordered one of the suggested products from this website (as well as a couple others I stumbled on). Only problem now is I went from a $10 bottle of SalAc to a $40 bottle
I am trying to find the perfect product for my chronic adult acne. My skin pumps out oil all day long and my pores are huge! I believe this combination causes my cystic acne and the small pimples all over my face. From what I am reading, I should use a salicylic acne wash to reduce oil and clear pores and a benzoyl peroxide product to dry up acne. Any suggestions? My doctor recently prescribed Tretinoin for me as well yet doesn’t seem to be helping. Any suggestions on what skincare routine I should use to clear my skin, reduce oil and minimize pore size?