Treat Acne with Salicylic Acid
Written by Sheila Berg
Acne is a skin condition caused by over secretion of sebaceous glands. Excessive hormone secretion from the body causes oil and dead cells to get mixed up and they end up blocking skin pores. Bacteria develop in those areas causing inflammation and pain in some cases, and this condition is commonly known as acne.
Acne could be termed as anything like blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules, or pimples, depending on the severity of the condition. Acne is common in teenagers due to hormone imbalance. Teenagers and adolescents have maximum proximity towards acne. Acne are not to be worried about in most cases, but in some cases, they cause swelling and inflammation of the skin.
Treatment of acne depends on whether inflammation or bacteria are present. Some acne consists only of blackheads and whiteheads on the skin with very little or no pimples (comedonal acne). Topical acne cream treatments that can unclog pores and remove dead skin cells work best for this type of acne. However, if inflammation is present, acne treatments that contain anti-bacterial and/or anti-inflammatory ingredients may work better.
Salicylic acid is especially helpful in treating acne because of its ability to penetrate the follicle. It encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping keep the pores clear of cellular debris. In this way, it reduces the number of pore blockages and breakouts on the skin. Salicylic acid is used in a wide variety of products and has been known to be effective in treating several skin conditions such as acne, blemishes and pimples.
Salicylic acid helps correct the abnormal desquamation process that occurs in acne-prone skin. It works as an exfoliant, promoting the sloughing away of dead skin cells.
The goal of acne treatment is to reduce or remove excess sebum production, kill acne-causing bacteria and unplug skin pores and remove dead skin cells.
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