4 Salicylic Acid Benefits For Your Skin (Other Than Clearing Acne)

Even if you're not familiar with skincare ingredients, if you've ever looked for a product to heal a pimple up quickly, then chances are you've probably seen salicylic acid on the label. When used correctly, salicylic is a wonderful ingredient for helping keep skin clear from acne. The great news is that there are additional salicylic acid benefits for skin!

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is oil soluble rather than water soluble like its cousin, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), making it ideal to target oily skin conditions that may be contributing to frustrating breakouts. It is part of the aspirin family and provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.

Keep reading to learn more about salicylic acid benefits for skin.

1. Provides a Deep Yet Gentle Exfoliation for Clearer Skin
No matter what type of skin you have, everyone should be exfoliating at least once or twice a week to keep the skin clear and healthy. Unlike synthetic beads in many conventional products that can scratch and irritate your skin, a low concentration salicylic acid provides a gentler yet even more effective exfoliation.

Salicylic acid helps to soften keratin, a protein in the skin that makes skin cells stick together.

This makes it much easier to slough away dead skin cells while removing dirt and impurities from deep down in the pores and reducing redness and inflammation. Not only will your skin look healthier after just one use, it will feel silky soft to the touch.

2. Stimulates Collagen Production and Brightens the Complexion
Before you write off salicylic acid as an ingredient solely for teeny boppers with hormonal breakouts, you may want to keep reading.

Salicylic acid helps to promote the formation of collagen, an important structural protein that decreases in our skin as we age. Improved collagen production means a plumper, less saggy skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.

With regular use, salicylic acid will also actually help to reduce the thickness of the dead skin layer so your skin will look more radiant.

3. Reduces Pore Size for a More Even Complexion
Large pores are a common complaint we hear from women of all ages and it's one that is easier to treat than you may think.

Unfortunately, many women rely on well-marketed products like primers that blur large pores and give the illusion of small or invisible pores, but when you take your makeup off the issue is still there. These products also often contain silicones that can make the problem worse as they clog up your pores.

Large pores are usually due to pores clogged with oil and debris. Salicylic acid helps to reduce excess sebum as well as thoroughly clearing the pores, making it perfect for reducing large pores and giving you skin you feel confident in.

4. Natural Treatment for Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is darker areas of skin that can be caused by an array of factors from sun damage to hormonal changes. Salicylic acid's ability to inhibit melanin production, combined with its gentle exfoliating properties, means it will help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation with minimal irritation.

Bonus: How to Choose Salicylic Acid For Your Skin
Forego the harsh products you find in the drugstore and try an all natural product such as Kate Ryan Skincare's Salicylic Cleanser. Kate's Salicylic Cleanser is also jam-packed with antioxidants that will nourish your skin and fight free radicals and it's gentle enough to use every day.

If you haven't exfoliated in a while or if your skin is in need of a pick-me-up then these salicylic acid benefits for skin may be just what your skin needs to get back on track again!