Acne is a major skin problem that affects many people. It is most common during the teen years, but can occur in adults and adolescents of all ages. Salicylic acid is a common treatment for the condition, and is popular because it often considered a more “natural” remedy, a natural acne treatment, than some other options, while still being effective.
The problems that combine to create acne are excessive skin oils, and excessive dead skin cells. The cells block up follicles in the skin, and the oil can provide a source of food for the bacteria that are naturally present. The result is a whitehead or pimple when the bacteria grow and pus is created, or a blackhead when the follicle remains blocked but uninfected.
Treatments for the disorder can focus on any part of the problem, and multiple types of treatments in combination may be required in certain cases. Removal of the excess oil on a regular basis is important, and can be accomplished by regular washing with any kind of gentle cleanser. Some medications can be used to target the bacteria that are most often responsible for the condition, and try to prevent pimples that way.
Salicylic acid works by encouraging skin cells to shed. This sounds like it would increase the problem, but actually, the shed skin cells can be washed away and then are not present to block up the follicles. Many of the skin cells are shed from the inside of the follicle, so it is important that this active ingredient can penetrate the follicle and help encourage shedding of these cells so that they can be washed away, too.
For the same reason, the treatment of dandruff with medicated shampoos is sometimes accomplished with this substance. Improved shedding of the skin cells helps prevent a build up of dead cells on the scalp, which can flake off and be unsightly. It is important to know if you are using a shampoo containing the substance, because you should not over-expose any part of your skin to the acid. Read the labels to figure it out.
Gels, creams, and washes for your face often contain this active ingredient. The concentration varies, but is typically from one-half a percent to two percent. Choose one item and use it regularly according to directions, which is usually once a day. Excessive face washing can actually worsen acne by making the skin produce more oil, but if you choose to wash more than once a day (twice is generally fine) use a cleanser that does not contain this active ingredient.
Normal side effects include stinging, burning, or peeling. Try using the treatment every other day or less if you experience problems. Flaking and dryness are also common, and can be controlled with the use of an oil-free moisturizer in most cases. Do not use treatments with this active ingredient at the same time as certain other acne medications– check with your doctor to see if the treatments can be safely combined.
Continue using salicylic acid-containing washes, creams, or gels until your skin begins to clear up. The effects do not remain if the treatment is halted, and all the previous symptoms will return. Most teenagers find that they no longer need to use it daily beginning some time in their late teens, but some people continue use for longer.
