Some components of skincare have been used for ages. And some of those prominent components include Vitamin C, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. Cosmetic production today tries to work on those helpful components in skin care. 

But today, we’ll speak about salicylic acid and how face cleansers containing it can aid a variety of consumers. But first, what exactly is salicylic acid, why has it been around for so long, and how does it work so effectively? Let us find out.

Foundations of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA, as it is more often known nowadays. It’s an almost-crystalline organic acid. Salicylic acid comes from natural plant components. The term salicylic acid is derived from the scientific name of the plant that produces it, the white willow tree. The scientific name is “Salix Alba.” It is derived from tree bark, which is subsequently ground into powder form.

Before your face cleansers, foams, milk, lotions, creams, gels, and serums contain salicylic acid, it is filtered with oxidants to create a skin-friendly form.

Other plants from which it is collected include nut trees and shrubs, and:

• Sweet potato.
• Olive oil.
• Plants, such as tea and coffee.
• Beer contains salicylic acid.

Why use a salicylic acid face cleanser?

• Salicylic acid is prescribed to treat acne. A salicylic acid face cleanser is an excellent drying agent. It absorbs all of an acne pustule’s pus, water, and oil, causing the pimple to shrink and dry up. It penetrates the skin’s lipid layers, extracting the oil from the deeper levels.

• It is also used to soothe sunburns. The UVB radiation from the sun that causes sunburn, can be prevented by applying Salicylic acid facewash. Applying facewash that contains this acid stops the process of melanin synthesis in excess quantity. However, it solely refers to UVB rays. That is why it is often advised to mix sunscreen and salicylic acid to protect you from the harmful radiation of the sun.

• It treats ichthyosis. As a genetic condition, it is unfortunately incurable. Face wash, as well as other face products containing salicylic acid, are beneficial because they exfoliate the initial skin layer, making the top layer appear smoother. It also helps to relieve other symptoms of ichthyosis. 

• Salicylic acid acts as a wonderful exfoliant. The salicylic acid face wash is classified as a keratolytic drug, which means that when it breaks down the oil mass-binding dead skin cells, it increases the cell turnover ratio. This is when external agents come into action, causing our skin to exfoliate. Additionally, salicylic acid causes sloughing of the skin’s top layers. 

• It’s used to reduce inflammation. The irritation caused by persistent acne usually subsides. Especially where the bacteria infestation and pus make the skin red and painful to touch. The binding of dead skin cells is eliminated as the oil dries. When this occurs, the germs that had infested the skin lose their breeding ground and perish. This helps to flatten the skin and reduces irritation.

• It’s used to prevent acne. Face wash with salicylic acid penetrates the skin’s deeper layers, effectively removing excess oil. It prevents the production of dead skin cells and oil, which become a breeding ground for bacteria that cause acne. This is how it prevents pimple growth on the skin.

What you should know before using a salicylic acid facewash

Fortunately, you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) include pure salicylic acid in your everyday skincare routine. Instead, you can use other cleansing products, that can be regularly used. This means it’s acceptable to use whenever you need a break from oily skin, and as often as you want to avoid outbreaks but not regularly. Follow the below steps to learn how to use a salicylic acid facewash:

Use sparingly at first

It is always advised to start with a patch test. It not only applies to salicylic acid face wash, but any other skincare product as everyone has a different type of skin and the reaction to the ingredients will differ from person to person. You can dilute the solutions with water or try them in a discreet location before using them more heavily or regularly.

Apply to the entire face

Once you’re confident that you won’t have a negative reaction to a salicylic acid product, apply it evenly across your entire complexion or anywhere you experience breakouts or greasy skin. As previously stated, salicylic acid exfoliates and protects the skin; nevertheless, if acne bacteria gain a foothold in one portion of the treated region, they can spread to other areas.

Less is more

For the greatest results, follow the directions and apply a pea-sized amount of product to a wet face. For example, you can try a cleanser that should be used no more than twice each day.

Don’t scrub your face

The washing products are not the same as exfoliants, which should not be vigorously applied or removed. Gently apply salicylic acid in circular motions, then rinse with lukewarm water after you’ve covered all of the necessary areas.

Use a moisturizer

If you use an exfoliator like salicylic acid, you should moisturize afterwards. This and other detergents can remove the “good oils” from the skin, thereby removing hydration, nutrients, and essential oils. 

For instance, you can choose any cleanser and any blemish remover both containing Aloe and salicylic acid, providing a moisturizing and relaxing sensation. After applying salicylic acid products (and any other products you may have used during your routine), apply a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.

Using a Sunscreen

Finally, whenever you plan to go outside throughout the day (even if it’s cloudy), wear sunscreen. This shields your delicate skin from the damaging effects of frequent salicylic acid use in addition to helping to delay the onset of visible signs of aging.

Wrapping Up

A fash wash having salicylic acid is a tried-and-true acne treatment, that works well in face cleansers. However, for those who have skin that breaks out as a result of cystic ovaries, no substance or product can assist cure the condition unless the cyst is fixed and treated.

That being said, if you’re still unsure what to do about your acne, begin with face wash which contains salicylic acid, as this will undoubtedly be a good start.