Salicylic Acid dissolves the protein that binds the dead cells of the skin together. By dissolving the cement that binds the dead cells, Salicylic acid makes it easy to slough off the dead skin layer. This accelerates the production of fresh skin cells. That is why salicylic Acid is popularly used in skin care. In acne treatment, Salicylic Acid unclogs the pores or the openings of the sebaceous glands by removing the dead skin cells that prevent the sebum to come out. It enters the glands easily as it is oil soluble and removes the dead cells and sebum from there. This property is used to treaty blackheads and whiteheads with Salicylic Acid.



Salicylic Acid is available in practically all forms such as creams, gels, lotions, pads etc. It may cause irritation of the skin and should therefore not be used with other products such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Azelaic Acid, Retinoids, Alcohol and other materials that also cause skin dryness and irritation. Salicylic Acid also makes skin sensitive to the sun. Sunscreen should therefore be used while applying Salicylic Acid.

Salicylic Acid may be absorbed through the mother's skin. It has yet not been studied in pregnant women. Studies in animals indicate that salicylic acid causes birth defects when given in higher doses orally. Therefore before you use Salicylic Acid, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant. Salicylic acid may be absorbed through the skin. Though topical salicylic acid has not been reported to cause any problem in nursing babies, you must discuss the risks and benefits of the Salicylic Acid with your doctor if you are a nursing mother.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.