Salicylic acid (BHA) exfoliates and reduces inflammation, treating acne but increasing sun sensitivity and potential for irritation.
Salicylic acid (BHA) is a synthetic beta-hydroxy acid widely used topically for its exfoliating, comedolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects. It works by penetrating pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cells, making it effective for treating acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. It is also used in the management of psoriasis and warts due to its ability to soften and shed skin cells. While generally safe when used as directed, potential side effects include skin irritation, increased sun sensitivity, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions or salicylate toxicity with excessive use. Sunscreen use is crucial when using salicylic acid.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
0.5-2% in topical formulations
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
Salicylic acid is typically synthesized through the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction, involving the reaction of sodium phenolate with carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature, followed by acidification.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Acne treatment reduces or eliminates acne lesions by addressing underlying causes like excess sebum, bacterial infection, inflammation, and clogged follicles. Treatment options include topical applications, oral medications, and lifestyle modifications.
Pore refinement minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores by clearing debris and promoting cell turnover, resulting in smoother skin texture. Key ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid regulate sebum production and exfoliate the skin.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells to improve skin texture, tone, and radiance. It also unclogs pores, prevents acne, and boosts collagen production.
This benefit reduces inflammation by modulating inflammatory pathways and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in reduced pain, swelling, and improved function. It is beneficial for conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, and skin conditions.
Salicylic acid exfoliates pore linings to dislodge and remove blackheads and whiteheads. This process promotes clearer skin by reducing pore blockages and blemishes.
Salicylic acid softens and removes psoriatic scales, improving the effectiveness of other topical psoriasis treatments. By reducing scale thickness, it allows medications to better reach the affected skin.
Salicylic acid breaks down wart tissue by dissolving keratin. This leads to gradual wart removal.
Possible Side Effects
Skin irritation involves symptoms like redness, itching, and rashes due to contact with irritants, allergens, or environmental factors. Severity varies based on the cause, individual sensitivity, and affected area; persistent cases may lead to secondary infections.
Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity responses to allergens, ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms vary widely and are caused by an immune response.
Dryness refers to a reduction in moisture content in tissues or organs, leading to symptoms like dry skin, mouth, or eyes. It can be caused by various factors, including environmental conditions, medical conditions, or medications.
Sun sensitivity is an increased susceptibility to UV radiation, leading to exaggerated sunburn reactions and potential long-term skin damage. It can be triggered by medications, medical conditions, or topical products.
Allergic reactions are adverse immune responses to normally harmless substances, ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include skin issues, swelling, breathing difficulties, and anaphylaxis requires immediate epinephrine injection.
Photosensitivity is an increased sensitivity to UV radiation, leading to sunburn, rash, or blistering. Reactions can be phototoxic or photoallergic, with symptoms ranging from mild redness to severe blistering and potentially increasing skin cancer risk with prolonged exposure.
Excessive topical salicylate application, especially on damaged skin, can lead to salicylate toxicity (salicylism). Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and tinnitus and can progress to more severe outcomes.
Lactic acid use can increase sun sensitivity due to exfoliation, raising the risk of sunburn and sun damage. Protect skin from the sun when using products with lactic acid.
Scientific Evidence
Kraft, J. N., & Lynde, C. W. (2005). Moisturizers: What they are and a practical approach to product selection. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 53(1), 1-17. / Arif, T. (2015). Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 8, 455. / Draelos, Z. D. (2008). The effect of salicylic acid on acne. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 59(3 Suppl 1), S70-S72.
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