If acne has always been a constant in your life and you're at your wit's end, we suggest introducing salicylic acid to your routine. You always see it plastered on the packaging of skincare products in the market, but what is it exactly? Below, we discuss this powerful ingredient and its benefits for your face:
GOODBYE, ACNE!
- Here's Your Complete Guide To Chemical Exfoliants
- Hands Down, These Are The Best Serums That Can Fade Acne Scars
What is salicylic acid?
During the very first time you venture into the world of ~chemical~ exfoliants, you'll hear the words AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) a lot. If you're wondering what they are, AHAs help loosen up dead skin to reveal a new, brighter layer underneath, while BHAs have great anti-bacterial properties that make them a popular choice for those who have acne-prone skin.
Salicylic acid is a type of BHA that deeply penetrates the skin, making it great at unclogging pores. And due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it calms ~angry~ pimples and pustules and speeds up healing.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid?
-
It clears clogged pores.
Clogged pores are just *pimples* waiting to sprout (at the most unlikely and inconvenient time, TBH). Stop them in their tracks by using salicylic acid to clear out the blockage and prevent future breakouts.
-
It exfoliates the skin.
Because it is keratolytic (meaning it exfoliates), it penetrates the pores by breaking apart the dead skin cells, softening them, and then gently sloughing them off.
-
It prevents pimples.
Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and unclogs the pores, so it treats active acne and prevents new ones from sprouting.
-
It helps in dealing with dandruff.
If you suffer from dandruff, turn to salicylic acid. It helps exfoliate the flakes, preventing oil buildup and reducing inflammation on the scalp.
Ahead, we have listed the best salicylic acid-infused skincare products that will help you score the *~smoothest~* skin of your life:
-
Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser: COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser
A cult-favorite from the famous Korean brand COSRX, this salicylic acid-infused cleanser reduces breakouts, controls sebum production, and leaves the skin soft. It also won't leave your face feeling taut, dry, and stripped of its moisture!
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓watch now
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Cleanser, P540, Lazada
-
Best Salicylic Acid Toner: VMV Hypoallergenics ID Anti-acne Toner
This toner from VMV Hypoallergenics has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties. Plus, it can be used on both your face and body. (Adios, bacne!) Aside from cleansing the pores, it also helps get rid of chicken skin and ingrown hair.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
VMV Hypoallergenics ID Anti-acne Toner, P990, VMV Hypoallergenics
-
Best Salicylic Acid Chemical Exfoliant: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Gone are the days when we relied on physical scrubs to score baby-soft skin because we *finally* discovered the wonders of ~chemical~ exfoliants. (It's a safer way of dealing with acne and dead cells!) If it's your first time trying it, we recommend The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution. This hardworker gently fights blemishes and refines pores to make way for a clearer and brighter face.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, P550, BeautyMNL
-
Best Salicylic Acid Serum: Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum
When you're acne-prone, chances are, you also have large pores. This refining serum from Clinique *gently* clears out grease and gunk, which improve the pores' appearance.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum, P3,650, Lazada
-
Best Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment: Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
Woke up with a huge zit right in the middle of your face? Don't fuss or pick at it—swab on some of the Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel! It's formulated with 1.5 percent salicylic acid to help kill bacteria quickly. Just dab it on the affected area at night—it will be flat and barely noticeable the next day. Another tip: Layer it under a pimple patch to make the zit go away ASAP.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel, P1,050, Lazada
-
Best Salicylic Acid Moisturizer: Bioderma Sebium AKN
To cap off your skincare routine, use this moisturizer from Bioderma. This all-around hero clears blackheads and whiteheads and controls shine. It's a godsend for those who are oily or acne-prone! It's also non-greasy, so you'll wake up with plump and dewy skin the next morning.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Bioderma Sebium AKN, P1,118, BeautyMNL
GOODBYE, ACNE!
- Here's Your Complete Guide To Chemical Exfoliants
- Hands Down, These Are The Best Serums That Can Fade Acne Scars
Follow Cheska on Instagram.