Acne is a complicated skin problem to have and is caused by many different factors such as genetics and hormones. Anyone suffering from it will agree that it is extremely embarrassing and a long, frustrating process to get rid of completely. It occurs when your pores become clogged with bacteria and oil. It begins as an internal problem, but can also be treated with topical creams and gels such as salicylic acid.
Acne and Salicylic Acid
You renew your skin by sloughing off the dead skin cells, and when they are not sloughed off as quickly as your body is producing oil, acne occurs. Salicylic acid works by helping your body to slough off those dead skin cells quickly. It is an agent of Keratolic therapy is used to help the skin shed cells more rapidly.
Don’t be scared off by the word acid, as it is just a mild acid to treat mild acne. People suffering from severe acne may find this moderately helpful in improving their skin, but will not completely get rid of blemishes, only reduce the amount at best.
Salicylic acid works by removing the top layer of the skin, a very thin layer, so don’t worry, and helps to open up your follicles. Your follicles bring oil to the surface of your skin and by opening them up and will help to renew fresh skin that is not clogged with bacteria and oil. The important thing to remember about salicylic acid is that acne begins from beneath the layers of the skin, therefore salicylic acid does not do anything to stop oil production. For many people, treatment from the skins surface does not do them any good as they need additional help internally to help prevent acne.
Once you are on this treatment, you need to use it on a regular basis. Using it every now and then will slow down the process of your skin sloughing off cells and then you return to your original problem. This treatment is only acne prevention, not a long term cure.
If you are interested in salicylic acid as treatment for your acne, you can purchase products over the counter. These products are gels, creams and pads, you just have to look at the ingredients on the packaging. When it is sold as stores, it is a very mild dose of salicylic acid. You might also want to talk to your doctor about obtaining a prescription medication for a higher dose.
The side effects include dryness and irritation. If this is the case, you can just use a mild moisturizer that does not contain any oil or just apply it every other day rather than every day.
When on this treatment, use mild soaps and alcohol-free products. Talk to your doctor about using additional topical creams such as benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin. Always be careful about the type of makeup you use, but the best makeup products will be oil free, alcohol free and non-comedogenic.
Acne and Salicylic Acid
Ask your doctor if salicylic acid is the right treatment for you.