What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic Acid is a highly popular ingredient, derived from salicin and found naturally in willow bark. Salicylic Acid in skincare is classified as a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which is oil-soluble and can therefore penetrate through the skin cells lipid layers more quickly and easily than AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids).
BHA’s are also commonly praised for being gentler on the skin as they enter the skin cell to help unclog pores. Once Salicylic has worked on unclogging and cleaning pores, it has an anti-inflammatory effect and can help clear up spots, breakouts, whiteheads and blackheads quickly by acting as an exfoliant to remove the old, dead skin.
It is a powerhouse ingredient for treating problem skin and uneven skin textures.
Skin benefits of Salicylic Acid
Oil-Soluble
Salicylic Acid is a very stable ingredient that can easily penetrate through the lipid layers between the skin cell to effectively do its job
Anti-Inflammatory
As a salicylate, Salicylic Acid has been proven to reduce redness and swelling, similar to that of aspirin.
Exfoliant
Salicylic Acid dissolves dead skin cells on the surface and within the skin cell to decongest, clear pores and treat acne, whiteheads and blackheads. As a gentle exfoliant it will also help promote new skin cells.
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid is known to inhibit bacterial growth and therefore help prevent future breakouts
It's a Lipophilic Keratolytic acid
This means that Salicylic Acid is attracted to oil and can remove sebum from the cell due to the exfoliating effect it provides
Why We Use Salicylic Acid
“Salicylic Acid skincare is widely known to be a gentle but very effective exfoliant and anti-inflammatory. We believe it has a host of benefits that are effective in most skin routines. We decided to incorporate a BHA and AHA’s into our professional treatments to ensure the skin can be treated on different levels by getting to the root of the problem.” - Shelley Martin, Co-Founder & New Product Development Lead
Salicylic Acid Skincare Products
SKINICIAN Glycolic Peel (professional treatment)
A hybrid formulation, Intensive Glycolic Peel Plus has been formulated to promote the skin's own healing process, encourage the removal of dead skin cells and decongest the pores.
It is suitable for: Ageing skin, dry skin, oily skin, acne & pigmentation.
The Glycolic Peel treatment will also increase firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dryness, and promote cell regeneration for a smoother, more evenly toned, luminous complexion.
The Glycolic Peel is formulated with an advanced blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's), Beta Hydroxy Acids (salicylic acid) and Allantoin that encourage the removal of damaged, ageing cells, whilst soothing inflammation.
SKINICIAN Lactic Acid Peel (professional treatment)
This corrective treatment is our strongest formulation that not only targets and treats the visible signs of ageing, but the active ingredients used have also been proven to REVERSE it!
This treatment is perfect for anyone that experiences lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, dull dry skin or for someone with mild acne scarring.
Ingredients to compliment Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid in our treatment includes Retinol and Encapsulated Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) for boosting absorption into skin for an immediate brightening effect and long term anti-ageing effect, as well as maximising skin hydration for healthy, glowing skin.
Salicylic Acid skincare will help treat and prevent breakouts on all skin types.
Before and After Using Salicylic Acid SKINICIAN Products
Take a look at some of our real before and afters taken of real customers following their professional Glycolic Peel (first image) and Lactic Peel (second image):
Who Salicylic Acid is best for
Salicylic Acid can be used on a daily basis and is particularly beneficial for those with acne and oily skin. However as a more gentle exfoliator to that of AHA’s, Salicylic Acid is also great for dry, dull and ageing skin or those seeking general skin radiance.
We recommend visiting your local SKINICIAN facialist for an indepth skin consultation. They can recommend which facial would best treat your concerns, together with recommending your bespoke home treatment plan.
Professional treatments and homecare combined will speed up results and ensure you are not over compromising the skin's barrier. Remember, we believe in a less is more approach with our multifunctional products.
Things to Consider Before Using Salicylic Acid
Overuse of Salicylic Acid can cause irritation and damage to the skin. Side effects could be seen as dry flaky skin or redness and general irritation or tingling. Some skins that are particularly sensitive may not be able to tolerate Salicylic Acid, we recommend introducing it into your routine slowly and at low levels, to enable you to discover if your skin likes BHA. A reminder to yourself that everyone's skin is different and you should always take an individual approach to your skincare routine.
We highly recommend using one of our SPF’s after Salicylic Acid skin treatments, during the day to ensure protection from free radicals and UV rays.