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Acne and Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid mainly is a “fruit acid” and is naturally derived from fruits and plants. Salicylic acid comes from the family of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). Salicylic acid is a key ingredient in manufacturing of several over-the-counter acne products.

Salicylic acid loosens up the binding substance on the skin surface and peels off dead skin cells. It gels well with the oil and can go deep inside the clogged pores and by doing this it hastens the development of new skin cells and keeps the pores clear and prevents future acne outbreaks.

How Salicylic Acid Works On Acne?

Over-the-counter acne treatment products that uses Salicylic acid as their primary ingredient are not that effective in treating non-inflammatory acne like whiteheads and blackheads. Though it can’t control excessive oil production which causes acne but works well in removing oil on the skin’s surface to give it a smoother feel.

Several non-prescription low strength formulations having Salicylic acid in them are not that effective in treating acne, however it works synergistically when combined with other chemicals and absorbs benzoyl peroxide and several essential acne-fighting chemicals in the skin.

Several skin specialists recommends formulations having higher concentration of Salicylic acid for skin rejuvenation, age lines removal and for acne treatments. The results with stronger formulations are much better than the weaker over-the-counter treatments when it comes to blackhead and whitehead removal.

Salicylic acid is present is several reputed brands including PanOxyl, Neutrogena, and Clearasil, but you also can get it in cheaper brands as well.

The strength of salicylic acid might vary from 0.5% to 2%, and generally is available in the form of lotions, astringents, cleansers face washes and creams. Salicylic acid is sold as a singular component as well as in combination of other ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and sulfur. Creams and lotions having salicylic acid delivers best results than any other form.

Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

Several cosmetics manufacturers lists benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid as two separate products in their merchandising lines, to boost sales and the two components combines to form one “complete acne solution” package. The combination of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide gives much better results than separately.

Many of the products you see being marketed in TV infomercials often don’t live upto the expectation of the consumers even hence when you consider getting of such product try and get a more affordable version from the local pharmacy or supermarket then going for the expensive one.

How To Use Salicylic Acid For Acne Treatment?

Salicylic acid-based formulations are quite effective in curing blackheads and whiteheads and hence are more suitable for pre-teens and teenagers who are more prone to mild acne. Whereas if you are dealing with moderate or advanced acne then you will be needing a much stronger formulation than salicylic acid alone.

You should apply a small portion of Salicylic acid on acne-affected area of your skin sparingly, and if you find not working well for you then its better to use a benzoyl peroxide-based formulation in addition to the present regimen.

Skin dryness and irritation can be experienced after the application of Salicylic acid, and if you are using it in combination with benzoyl peroxide products, then these effects can be even severe. So its better to apply non-oil based moisturizing cream on the dry area of the skin.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Retinols are two chemicals, which constantly have been under scanner regarding their ability to cure acne. Despite the entire if’s and but’s and criticism the acne treatment developed from these chemicals are total sell out even at, quite high price in the market.

Acne and Retinols

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative and is prominently associated with cosmetics used for skin rejuvenating like for reducing aging lines and wrinkles by enhancing the growth of new skin cells. Even dermatologists have accepted the fact that it has the ability to decrease wrinkles and increasing the collagen for skin elasticity. Though it yet has to be established as an efficient acne treatment.

Retinols basically are standalone components that can be utilized in combination with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs and Retinols are two diverse components with one singular cosmetic purpose of peeling of old skin and encouraging the growth of new skin.

Acne and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Retinol is a Vitamin A forerunner, where the alpha Hydroxy acids (AHAs) are derived from common everyday foods. The most common used AHA is Glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar, whereas citrus fruits are used for extracting citric acids and grapes are the source of tartaric acids, similarly lactic acid, is an milk derivative. Mainly the AHAs and Retinols are used as topical applications for hastening the development of new skin cells and the best thing is that no adverse effect has been reported till date for their combined use.

As the Alpha Hydroxy acids are mostly obtained from fruits, sometimes they are referred as “fruit acids”. Most commonly used AHA for facial treatment is Glycolic acid, also lactic and citric acid has been used extensively. As mentioned above lactic acid is not a fruit derivative and is a milk derivative.

Cheap over-the-counter acne treatments use very low amount of alpha hydroxy acids. Earlier AHAs and Retinols were sold as mild skin exfoliates for reducing the aging signs, but now they have been marketed as an effective way of treating acne. Though this claim of being an efficient acne treatment doesn’t have any conclusive clinical test to support.

How To Use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) And Retinols Safely?

The best way to restore youth and battle the aging signs in modern times are chemical peels, Although they also are used extensively for removing unsighty acne scars and to remove acne. Now a days acne preparations includes firm acid components such as AHAs or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), that can be used for shedding off old skin by acting as exfoliates and encourages re-emergence of younger-looking skin.

The use of AHAs and Retinols for acne treatment largely depends on the skin type you have and the extent of acne. The treatment involving higher dosage of these chemicals must be taken under physician’s prescription because they are comparatively more potent than the one that has being sold over the counter.

AHAs and Retinols are comparatively safer to use if taken as per manufacturer’s instructions. It should always be taken into consideration that alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are acids and must be taken with extreme caution so as to avoid any reactions due to its acidic nature. Higher strength of AHAs must be taken only after physician’s consultant.

Though the AHAs and Retinols might not be the same but still they posses the same side effects. The main side affects includes skin irritation and sensitivity to sun exposure. To prevent all these side effects like skin irritation during the usage of AHAs its better to use AHAs having a lower strength and gradually proceed towards higher concentration after you have developed some tolerance for it. To do so you must start with using the product every other day till you get back to your daily regimen. Also don’t forget to use liberal amount of moisturizer after each treatment.