In the world of exfoliants, there are many options to choose from based on what your skin needs. Salicylic acid, an ingredient extracted from willow tree bark, is one type of chemical exfoliant called beta-hydroxy acid (aka BHA). When bacteria, debris, sebum, and dead skin cells mix together, a clog forms inside the pores. Unlike the chemical exfoliants called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are water-soluble and ideal for surface exfoliation, salicylic is oil-soluble, which makes it capable of cutting through oil and exfoliating deep within the pores to remove blockages. It works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. This makes it easier to shed the skin cells. Thanks to its unique properties, salicylic acid is used to treat a range of skin conditions outside of acne, from warts to dandruff. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic, meaning it encourages cellular turnover and helps to slough off dead skin cells, which in turn can improve skin dullness and texture. It helps remove excess oil which leads to an improvement in the appearance of pores and because it is an astringent product it can tighten the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of pores. In hair products it improves dandruff management by effectively removing scaly, hyperkeratotic skin by breaking down cell-to-cell adhesion. It minimizes scalp irritation and itching loosening dead, irritated skin making it easier to wash away in the shower.
