If you ask me, it is a collective human experience to have a big zit break over your face the very night before an important day or event. How many times have we gone to bed wishing for a magical solution to clear up the annoying pimple before the sun rose? Well, this is it. Your wish has come true. One dab of salicylic acid smeared over the blemish and you might wake up with a dried-up and much less noticeable pimple! So,
Salicylic acid is extracted from willow bark and classified as a beta-hydroxy acid, meaning it is oil-soluble and can reach the deeper lipid layers of the skin as compared to water-soluble alpha-hydroxyls. As a result, Salicylic acid can sink into pores and unclog them. This acid also has anti-oxidizing properties, so it helps inflamed skin and pimples go away faster. It is also an excellent treatment for mild acne especially if used early on.
Salicylic acid can reach farther enough into the skin that the acid is able to loosen and break down the bonds keeping skin cells together in the topmost layer of the skin. This breakdown of skin cell connection promotes exfoliation. It softens and removes the top layer of dead cells, making it the ideal treatment to help prevent acne. Acne is primarily caused when old, dead skin cells break the skin cycle and instead of being shed off, start collecting on the skin and clogging the pores. The loosening of skin cells also aids in dissolving whiteheads and blackheads.
Using salicylic acid as a peel further aids the removal of dead skin which is one of the three main causes of acne namely: a collection of dead skin cells, excessive oil, and/or sebum production or bacteria. The salicylic acid peel treats all three concerns, first, it exfoliates and peels away the dead skin cells, then absorbs the excess oil and sebum. Lastly, the salicylic acid peel also has antibacterial properties that help remove acne causing bacteria.
Vitamin C has anti-oxidizing properties and helps with skin brightening and improving pigmentation and dark spots left after acne breakouts so it naturally complements the Salicylic acid peel. However, if you do decide to add it to your acne prone skin care routine, make sure to use both at different times of the day.
Salicylic acid is a strong ingredient and can, in fact, be overused. It can also cause skin drying and irritation if you use too much or have sensitive skin. So whenever getting your salicylic acid peels, make sure you start with diluted concentrations. The FDA approved range for the salicylic acid peel when being used in-office by a professional dermatologist for acne-spot treatment can be as high as 20%-30%. So visit a trusted doctor and have your skin examined beforehand to determine the correct amount appropriate for your skin type and concern.
Cutera Aesthetics is among the well-known and credibly acclaimed cosmetic laser and skin clinics. Cutera provides fully qualified trained professionals with exemplary repute and experience preceding them. The staff doesn’t just perform a service. Instead, they understand that it is their responsibility as caregivers to ensure that each customer enjoys their experience and is happy with the results. The Salicylic acid peel at Cutera is a trusted service and their first consultation is free!
