Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is used in many blackhead removal products. Salicylic acid, which is derived from the bark of a willow tree, works by exfoliating the skin and helping to dislodge blackheads and whiteheads.
Salicylic acid can be effective in treating acne because of its ability to help skin cells shed properly and to unclog pores. The most effective over-the-counter treatment containing salicylic acid is a 2% solution. Products containing higher concentrations require a prescription.
If you use a product with salicylic acid for your blackheads, it’s important to use it as directed on the label. Overuse or misuse can cause irritation and inflammation.
Side effects: Salicylic acid may cause side effects such as redness, dryness, stinging and peeling. If you experience any of these side effects when using salicylic acid, stop using this ingredient immediately and try another treatment option.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin. This can help with blackheads since salicylic acid penetrates into the pore lining and causes the cells to shed more readily, opening up clogged pores.
However, salicylic acid may not be effective for everyone. It all comes down to how your skin reacts to it. Some people find that it irritates the skin, causing inflammation and redness. If this is the case for you, avoid it in favor of gentler alternatives like benzoyl peroxide or alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic acid).
Blackheads are open comedones and can be removed easily by self care at home. They are very common on the nose and responds well to over-the-counter creams, gels or lotions that contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent). It works by causing the outer layer of skin to shed. Salicylic acid helps to clear pores and prevent new blackheads from forming. When used regularly, salicylic acid helps reduce the number of blackheads.
Most of us have experienced the disappointment of a blackhead extraction gone wrong. You know what I’m talking about: you squeeze and squeeze, and while you do extract the stubborn little bugger, you are left with an angry red mark that can take days or even weeks to go away. This post will hopefully tell you why that happens and how to avoid it in the future.
First, let’s talk about why blackheads form in the first place. Blackheads are formed when sebum and dead skin cells plug up your pores. When this mixture is exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns black, thus forming a “blackhead”. That’s how they get their name.
The key to extracting blackheads without damaging your skin is patience. It takes time for the sebum to be softened and for the pore to dilate enough so that you can get at the “plug” without damaging your skin. This can take anywhere from 2-5 days depending on your skin type and the location of the offending plug. If you remove it too soon, there is a good chance that you will leave behind some of the plug which will lead to a red mark or even a scar if you are not careful!
How to get rid of blackheads? I have a blackhead problem, what’s wrong with me?
It is not an easy question to answer and for many reasons. There are several factors that can lead to blackheads, but the most important is hormonal imbalance during puberty. Most people who have blackhead problems have an excess of male hormones, called androgens. Although it is a common problem among teenage boys, many girls also suffer from it. In fact, almost everyone suffers from this condition at some point in their life. Obviously there are different causes other than puberty hormonal imbalance but we will concentrate on this one because it is the most common reason we want to treat.
How should I treat my blackheads?
I never really had a problem with blackheads and acne until I turned 16. I was very lucky not to have any issues with my skin as a teenager, but I find that there is no such thing as 100% clear skin. When I was younger, my mother would get me occasional facials (once or twice a year) and they would be nice and relaxing, but at the time I didn’t realize they were actually good for my skin. My mother and I have very similar skin types (only difference is that her skin is more sensitive than mine), so she always advised me on her favorite products to use, which worked wonders for me.
When I turned 16, my face started breaking out like crazy. Everywhere I went, it seemed like every girl had perfect skin, and here I was with a face full of acne. Being someone who is incredibly self conscious and obsessed with how their appearance looks, this was devastating for me. All the products that I was using before suddenly became ineffective. My mother took me to the dermatologist and he prescribed me some topical creams which were supposed to help control the acne breakouts. The first cream he gave me was clindamycin phosphate lotion 1% by Perrigo (he suggested applying it once or
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent). Salicylic acid causes shedding of the outer layer of skin.
Salicylic acid topical (for the skin) is used in the treatment of acne, dandruff, seborrhea, or psoriasis, and to remove corns, calluses, and warts.
Salicylic acid topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use salicylic acid topical if you are allergic to it.
