SALICYLIC ACID FOR THE FACE: WHAT IT IS, WHAT IT’S FOR AND PRODUCTS

 

Here is what you are about to read:

1. 1. Salicylic acid: what it is, formula and where to buy it

2. 2. Salicylic acid for the face and hair: what it is for and how to use it

3. 3. The contraindications and side effects of salicylic acid

4. 4. Salicylic acid products: face serum, cleanser and Luce Liquida

How many acids are really friends to our facial skin? A while back, we talked about azelaic acid, which is able to prevent and attenuate blemishes. In this article, we will focus on salicylic acid. It is very likely that you have already tried at least once to apply it to a fresh outbreak of spots or dabbed it on your face before using your cream.

However, you might not really know its properties. This article will dispel any doubts.

 

1. Salicylic acid: what it is, formula and where to buy it

 

The story of salicylic acid has deep and distant roots. It was extracted from willow bark for the first time at the beginning of the 19th century and takes its name from the scientific name of the plant.

After the process for its production by synthesis was devised in the 1880s, it was used for a long time as an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic to be taken by mouth.

Although it was later replaced by acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, for medical uses, salicylic acid became increasingly popular for the preparation of cosmetic products.

On a pharmacological level, salicylic acid belongs to the salicylates class. On account of its chemical formula C7H6O3 it is known as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Although it has been possible to produce the substance synthetically in a laboratory for many years, not everyone knows that it can also be found in nature:

• - Food: it is present in fruits like apricots, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, peaches and grapes and in vegetables like green and red chicory and spinach.
• - Plants: in addition to the white willow (as we have already said), it is found in some flowers and plants, like tulips, violets, hyacinths and Meadowsweet, a herbaceous plant belonging to the rosaceae family.

 

2. Salicylic acid for the face and hair: what it is for and how to use it

 

How come salicylic acid is so popular?

The answer is simple: it possesses keratolytic properties (it dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis without damaging the cells below), as well as soothing, antiseptic and wound-healing properties, making it a valid solution for the face and hair. 

Without a doubt it can be considered our skin’s best friend.

Salicylic acid is used to remove warts and to treat wounds and speed up their healing process. In addition, its purifying, exfoliating and antibacterial actions make it perfect for the treatment of acne and blackheads.

Besides being used in many products available on the market in very low concentration - for example our iconic and indispensable Luce Liquida - salicylic acid is used by dermatologists also for ‘more intense’ therapies, such as chemical peeling treatments.

The salicylic molecule is, in actual fact, able to clean pilosebaceous follicles, thereby improving the condition of our skin. It can also be of benefit to people with papulopustular acne. But its benefits do not stop there. Salicylic acid can also be used in cases of rosacea, dark spots on the skin, corns, calluses and warts. Its smoothing effect can also reduce fine wrinkles and signs of ageing by promoting the cell turnover of facial skin.

What about our hair? Can salicylic acid also be applied to the scalp? Of course it can.

It is ideal for treating itch, flaking skin and excess sebum build-up. It is extremely effective for reducing dandruff, which can often be a source of embarrassment when it falls on clothing.

However, it takes consistency and patience to see the first results of using salicylic acid, as the skin needs trust, love and time too!

 

3. The contraindications and side effects of salicylic acid

 

As a general rule, products containing salicylic acid do not have any particular side effects. By virtue of its keratolytic action, the substance thins the layer of skin, so direct exposure to sunlight is to be avoided, especially after a chemical peeling treatment.

The other potential contraindications of salicylic acid include irritation and dry skin, flaking and redness.

It depends largely on the number of applications of the product containing it and its concentration. Therefore, people with particularly sensitive and very dry skin (beware at very cold times of the year) should not use it.

Please note: Salicylic acid is NOT the acetylsalicylic acid present in aspirin and if you are allergic to ordinary aspirin, you CAN use it without any problems.

And during pregnancy?

Salicylic acid really is an exceptional exfoliant and, at low concentrations, it can be used even during pregnancy, without any particular contraindications. However, if you do experience problems, we recommend consulting a doctor.

And what about use in combination with other products?

Retinol and salicylic acid: to be avoided. 🚫

It is unwise to combine these two substances. Their effects could prove too harsh for the skin and cause redness, dryness and flaking.

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid: absolutely not, don’t even think about it! 🚫

When glycolic acid is used on the skin it exerts an exfoliating action and removes dead cells. Salicylic acid reaches the deeper layers of the pores, thereby freeing and purifying them.

Using them together could be detrimental.

Salicylic acid and niacinamide: the winning combination! ✅

This is the perfect combination for skin. The former purifies and promotes cell turnover. The latter has potent anti-age, soothing and sebum-regulating properties. When combined, these two products strike a perfect balance.

However, it takes consistency and patience to see the first results, as the skin needs trust, love and time too!

 

4. Products containing salicylic acid: face serum, cleanser and Luce Liquida

 

Now for some shopping tips!

Here’s a question for you: considering the benefits of using salicylic acid, in how many Veralab products can it be found?

Let’s find out together!

 

MORE PURE 

Cleansing gel with purifying salicylic acid. It is formulated with a small percentage of salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates, removing sebum and impurities from pores, improving skin texture, and restoring radiance.

It is also available in a travel size: MORE PURE TRAVEL.

 

 

 

SIERO PERFECT

Face serum with salicylic acid in a water-soluble formulation. It shrinks pores, removes impurities, smoooths the skin and reduces discolouration. Its combination with Niacinamide and Vitamin E makes it a perfect antioxidant, nourishing and anti-age product.

Energising dehydrated coconut water gives an added touch of style.

 

 

LUCE LIQUIDA

Iconic. Unique. Indispensable. It is the face lotion par excellence.

Thanks to the small amount of salicylic acid it contains, Luce Liquida gently and gradually exfoliates the skin and shrinks enlarged pores, to give a more even and radiant complexion.

It can be applied once or twice a day, does not requiring rinsing and is not photosensitising.

It can be used after cleansing with Spumone, Olio denso or Acqua Micellare and before a cream like Zero Smog, Wonder C Cream, Zero Stress, Zero Time or Zero Rughe.

 

 

DOT ERASER

Salicylic acid also gives excellent results when used in combination with Bakuchiol, a natural meroterpene derived from the edible seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, which have a proven anti-acne action.

 

 

You can apply Dot Eraser to skin blemishes 1 to 3 times a day, without distributing the product in the area around the spot, and without applying make-up on top.

 

A comprehensive selection to suit all tastes, now all that remains is for you to try salicylic acid!