Salicylic acid is an absolute juggernaut of a beauty ingredient and we’re not just talking about the skin. Beyond its normal uses as an exfoliant in skincare, Salicylic acid has a number of benefits which can help improve the health and appearance of your skin, hair and the scalp. In this article we will explore how the most famous beta hydroxy acid (BHA) can give you radiant skin and glossy hair. We’ll also review the best ways to use it in your skincare and hair care routine.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
This is an oil-soluble BHA that is able to penetrate deep into the skin’s layers. It works by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together and hence causes exfoliation. Unlike alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which are water-soluble and primarily work on the skin’s surface, salicylic acid is able to get into pores and unclog them. This makes it a good choice for oily or acne-prone skin types. In addition to exfoliation, it also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which make it beneficial for both skin, scalp and hair care.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Skin
Salicylic acid has a long history of use as an exfoliant in skincare and is a very popular staple in many beauty routines. Below are the biggest benefits of Salicylic acid for skin:
- Clearing Acne & Blemishes: One of its primary uses in skincare is as an acne treatment. By breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, it prevents clogging in the pores. Its antimicrobial actions can also help tackle acne causing bacteria. These actions can clear blackheads, whiteheads and help reduce inflammatory acne lesions.
- Controlling Oil Production: Salicylic acid can also help regulate sebum (oil) production which is a driver of acne breakouts.
- Tackling Dullness, Texture & Wrinkles: The exfoliant action of salicylic acid helps make skin smoother and brighter. It can treat texture as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reducing Inflammation & Redness: Salicylic acid’s anti-inflammatory properties can help people with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. It can help calm redness and skin irritation.
- Minimising the Appearance of Pores: Although pore size is largely genetic, clogged pores can often appear larger. By keeping pores clear and regulating oil, salicylic acid reduces their visibility.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Scalp & Hair
Salicylic acid is also really beneficial for the scalp and hair health. It can be a real game-changer especially if you’re struggling with excess oil, dandruff or limp hair. The main benefits of using salicylic acid for the scalp and hair include:
- Exfoliating Dead Skin & Dandruff: Salicylic acid exfoliates the scalp, helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce flaking. This exfoliating action and its antimicrobial effects can also help treat dandruff.
- Reducing Sebum & Oil Build-up: Excess oil on the scalp can lead to greasiness, seborrheic dermatitis and scalp acne. Salicylic acid reduces this oiliness to keep your scalp cleaner for longer.
- Enhancing Hair Growth: Salicylic acid helps unclog hair follicles and cleans the scalp through its exfoliating, oil regulating and anti-microbial effects. Its anti-inflammatory properties also soothe scalp irritations. These actions can reduce hair loss and create an optimal environment for hair growth.
- Reducing Product Build-Up: With frequent use of hair products, build-up can occur on both the scalp and hair strands. This leads to dullness and weighed-down hair. Salicylic acid helps dissolve this build-up. As such it leaves hair feeling lighter and looking more voluminous.
- Improving Hair Texture & Shine: When the scalp is free of excess oil and flakiness, hair naturally appears shinier and more manageable. As such, salicylic acid can make hair look and feel softer, smoother and more vibrant.
How to Use Salicylic Acid in Your Skincare & Hair Routine
Salicylic acid is available mainly as an exfoliant in various forms of skincare. The most common are cleansers, toners, serums and spot treatments. Cleansers and toners ate ideal for daily or every other day use if you want to gradually improve and maintain clear skin. Serums/masks/peels and spot treatments are best for targeting fresh acne breakouts and blemishes. If you’re a beginner, start once or twice a week with a lower concentration (around 0.5%-2%) in a wash-off formula like a cleanser to get your skin to adjust. As your skin builds tolerance, you can gradually increase the frequency or use a leave-on product . Whatever you do, be sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen as salicylic acid makes your skin sensitive to sunlight.
There is still less hype about Salicylic acid in scalp and hair care. As such you will normally find it in specialised shampoos or scalp treatments for dandruff. It is also increasingly common in clarifying shampoos and scalp scrubs. These products are best used once or twice a week to avoid over-drying or irritating your scalp. If you’re a newbie, its probably best to start with a shampoo once a week. You can then increase the frequency or move to a scalp mask or conditioner.
Potential Side Effects & Risks
Although salicylic acid is a well studied and safe product, as with any active ingredient, it can cause some problems. The main risks are dryness, irritation and peeling especially when overused. To avoid this, it’s important to follow product instructions and introduce it slowly into your routine. You should also be more cautious if you have sensitive skin and always patch test first to check for allergies. When using it on the scalp, those with dry hair might also benefit from using a moisturising conditioner to maintain hydration balance.
As with anything in life salicylic acid is also not for everyone. You can not use it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have an allergy to aspirin or willow bark. If you suffer from any skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, Rosacea or any major health conditions then discuss with your doctor first to ensure it will be safe for you. There is also a risk of irritation if you’re currently using other actives like retinoids, azelaic acid or Vitamin C so proceed with caution and always check with your doctor before using if you’re using prescription skincare or hair treatments.
So it turns out that salicylic acid is more than just another exfoliant. It has a number of benefits for the skin, scalp and hair. This multi-functional ingredient might be the secret to glowing skin and healthier hair. However nothing works over night and there are no silver bullets. Its also not for everyone and is only effective as part of a rounded consistent skin, scalp and hair care routine. If you’re interested in trying salicylic acid start with a cautious approach then build as your skin and scalp tolerate.
At City Skin clinic, we are super passionate about personalised skincare. Our virtual skin clinic offers safe and effective skincare treatments containing ingredients like Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate. Our doctors treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. Book a virtual consultation with one of our doctors today. The journey towards great skin starts here.
