What is SALICYLIC ACID and what is it for?

Salicylic acid is a substance that belongs to the group of agents pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and antipyretics which, in addition, has properties antimicrobial and keratolytic. This substance is a colorless solid obtained from the bark of the willow tree. Some painkillers that we usually take when we need to relieve pain contain salicylic acid, such as aspirin, which is made up of acetylsalicylic acid, which comes from salicylic acid. Thus, this compound is frequently used to maintain health in various aspects, as it provides great benefits, especially for the skin.

Salicylic acid has various uses, although the most common and well-known is its topical application. These are the uses and benefits of salicylic acid:

• Relieves skin diseases: It is a good option when it comes to treating diseases, such as dandruff or rosacea that cause dry or flaking skin.
• It is a powerful exfoliator: This contributes to removing blemishes from your face and to optimal exfoliation, thanks to its keratolytic properties, which causes the upper layer of cells to soften and fall.
• Helps fight acne: It is a good remedy to end acne because it reduces excess sebum, is antibacterial and opens clogged pores and consequently dries out pimples. It also reduces redness and swelling of the skin. Thus, with this product and others with adequate properties, you can prepare an exfoliant that helps you reduce this skin problem. In this other post we explain how to make scrubs for acne.
• Reduces dandruff: As we have mentioned before, salicylic acid is able to reduce flaky skin and therefore to end the dandruff that appears in your hair. Many dandruff shampoos have this ingredient. Therefore, some people also use products that contain this acid to get rid of this problem from the scalp. Here you can see How to remove dandruff with aspirin.
• Eliminates skin imperfections: Due to its keratolytic action, it is able to eliminate flat warts and reduce calluses.
• Prevents mouth infections: It is a powerful antiseptic, so it is used not only for the skin, but also to make a mouthwash and prevent the appearance of diseases and inflammation of the gums.
• Avoid bites, mainly from mosquitoes, and eliminates the inflammation of these if they occur.

In addition, as a curious fact, it is also used in agriculture to increase the defense of plants against possible health problems, such as pests.

There are many ways to use salicylic acid. However, the most frequent use of salicylic acid, apart from including it in medications, is to apply it in topical form, on the skin or scalp, in the form of a shampoo, wipe, cream, gel, lotion or patch. With any of these formats, follow these tips for using salicylic acid on skin and thus achieve a correct use, avoiding possible side effects:

• If you want to use salicylic acid, it is important that you consult with your doctor and follow their instructions, as well as those on the product packaging.
• It is recommended to use this product once or several times a day, depending on the problem to be treated and the objectives you want to achieve with its application.
• To know if salicylic acid produces any type of reaction, it is best to apply a little of it on your skin and wait a few hours to see the reaction of your skin and, thus, be able to prevent possible problems. You can start with a low dose and increase it to achieve the goal without the treatment being aggressive for the skin.

Finally, we want to indicate the contraindications and possible side effects of using salicylic acid.

Contraindications of salicylic acid

There are few situations in which this product is actually contraindicated:

• If you are pregnant or lactating, refrain from taking any treatment that contains this ingredient.
• Avoid direct sun exposure after applying this product.

Salicylic acid side effects

Although its advantages are diverse, salicylic acid can cause the appearance of various side effects, such as:

• Irritated skin.
• Dry Skin.
• Stinging in the area where it is applied.
• When ingested in any way, dizziness, headaches, fatigue and disorientation may appear.

Remember that it is very important that a doctor Tell you whether or not it is convenient for you to use this acid in your specific case and how it is best to apply it.

This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is salicylic acid and what is it for?, we recommend that you enter our category of Medicines and supplements.