Written by OSEA Staff | Published September 12, 2024
We’ve all been there. A tiny blemish appears, followed by one after the other. If you frequently experience breakouts, hormones, genetics,¹ or a buildup of pore-clogging skin cells and excess oil² could contribute to acne issues. Choosing skin care products with ingredients that target blemishes is one effective solution to treat your pimply complexion.
Salicylic acid is one ingredient to look for in skin care products that alleviate acne. If you’re having difficulty clearing acne-prone skin, read on to understand what salicylic acid is, its role in skin care products, and how to incorporate it into your routine for maximum results.
What Are Chemical Exfoliants?
First, let’s talk about acids in general. The word “acid” might sound scary, but numerous acids are chemical exfoliants in skin care products. Physical exfoliants manually scrub away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants dissolve the grime that keeps dead skin cells stuck to the surface.
These acids fit into three categories. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) exfoliate the skin while tackling fine lines and wrinkles.³Polyhydroxy acids are similar to AHAs, but the larger molecule is less likely to irritate sensitive skin.⁴ Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are ideal for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. These acids penetrate the deeper skin layers to remove pore-clogging debris.⁵
What Does Salicylic Acid Do?
You guessed it; salicylic acid often falls into the BHA category. Although, technically, it breaks apart dead skin cell bonds for a smoother skin surface⁶. Salicylic acid is derived naturally from wintergreen shrub leaves and white willow tree bark.
Is salicylic acid good for acne? Yes! The power of salicylic acid is far-reaching. Think of your skin as a construction site; salicylic acid is the top-of-the-line dozer or excavator used to break ground. It can reach areas of the skin that numerous other skin care ingredients can’t. This territory includes hair follicles, which means salicylic acid can tackle blemishes at the source.
Imagine hair follicles as tiny tubes and pores as the openings. When you think about clogged pores, don’t forget about hair follicles. The follicles, or tubes, can trap all sorts of gunk—from excess oil to dead skin cells, sweat and keratin. Skin care products with salicylic acid are excellent at treating acne-prone skin because they can dissolve the gunk in hair follicles and oil glands.⁷
Salicylic acid not only reduces acne but also aids in preventing future breakouts. It breaks down keratin, the protein that ensures dead skin cells stay put. Skin care products with salicylic acid loosen the grip, preventing dead skin cells from accumulating and clogging hair follicles and pores. It can reduce oil production to avoid the excess accumulation that causes clogs⁸.
Incorporating Salicylic Acid In Your Skincare Regimen
The concentration of salicylic acid in an over-the-counter skin care product ranges from 0.5% to 2%.⁹ Perform a patch test to determine how your skin will react to a new skin care product introduced into your routine.
Salicylic acid is commonly found in targeted acne treatments. Generally, skin care products with mild concentrations of salicylic acid might be a good fit for your daily routine. It can be safely layered with a Vitamin C product.
Additionally, you can layer salicylic acid with a hyaluronic acid serum to help hydrate the skin, as salicylic acid can become drying depending on the skin type and environmental factors such as living in a dry climate.
OSEA’s Blemish Solution
Our Blemish Balm with Plant Based Salicylic Acid contains 100% plant-based BHA derived from wintergreen. The plant’s leaves contain an essential oil rich in salicylic acid. Our Blemish Balm helps clear acne pimples, prevents new pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads from forming, and helps the skin stay moisturized by providing plenty of nourishing hydration. It’s a lightweight formula with an invigorating scent, including hints of mint, rosemary, and thyme. We’ve upgraded the formula to include a powerful punch of plant-based salicylic acid. Specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin, this balm is meant for acne treatment, as it contains 1% salicylic acid.
Other vital ingredients in this balm include brown seaweed and green microalgae, which reduce shine and keep the skin balanced. Australian lemon myrtle controls shine and promotes healthy-looking skin, while thyme and camelina oil minimize pores. This formula also uses three types of sustainably sourced red seaweed to keep the skin hydrated.
Our Blemish Balm is non-comedogenic, helping keep pores clear and clean. We think you’ll love our upgraded formula!
Sources
1. Kern, D (April 4, 2024). The Genetics of Acne. Acne.org. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from The Genetics of Acne - Acne.org
2. Sharkey, L (May 19, 2023). Acne-Prone Skin? Here’s How to Identify and Create the Right Routine. Healthline. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from Acne-Prone Skin: What is it, Causes, What to Do, and Prevention (healthline.com)
3. Cherney, K (April 18, 2023). Everything You Need to Know About Using Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Healthline. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from Alpha Hydroxy Acid: 8 Skincare Benefits and How to Use it (healthline.com)
4. Peter, S (December 7, 2022). Everything You Need to Know About Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA). Byrdie. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from Everything You Need to Know About PHA for Skin (byrdie.com)
5. Cohen, D (October 2, 2023). BHA Is a Gentle and Effective Chemical Exfoliant, According to Dermatologists. Byrdie. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from The Benefits of BHAs in Skincare, According to Dermatologists (byrdie.com)
6. Goodless, D (October 13, 2022). Keratolytics: Everything You Need to Know. Verywell Health. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from Keratolytic Agents: Types, Uses, and Side Effects (verywellhealth.com)
7. Welsh, J (May 30, 2023). What’s the Truth About Salicylic Acid Skin Benefits? Verywell Health. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from Salicylic Acid: Uses for Skin, in Medicine, and More (verywellhealth.com)
8. Villett, M (January 19, 2024). Salicylic Acid: What It Is, How It Can Help Your Skin and the Best Way to Use It in Your Routine. The Skincare Edit. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from Salicylic Acid for Skin: What It Does and How to Use It - The Skincare Edit
9. Sissons, B (March 30, 2021). Is salicylic acid good for acne? Medical News Today. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from Salicylic acid for acne: Efficacy, how to use, and more (medicalnewstoday.com)
