Salicylic acid in acne wash

Salicylic acid is an extremely common ingredient in all acne treatments, including acne face and body wash products. It is the most widely used ingredient, along with benzoyl peroxide. Lately, more and more brands are choosing salicylic acid over benzoyl peroxide as their active ingredient, for a variety of reasons.

Salicylic acid in acne wash treats acne by causing dead skin cells to shed more easily. This stops the clogging of pores that can occur with dead skin cell build up. Acne wash with salicylic acid helps to slow down the shedding of the cells inside follicles; it also helps break down blackheads and white heads.

Salicylic acid on its own encourages the peeling of the top layer of skin. This can in effect lead to people complaining of dried out skin after using an acne wash that contains salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid in acne wash needs to be used continually, as pore clogging will begin again once the product is discontinued on the skin. Keep in mind that salicylic acid does not kill bacteria.

Side effects of salicylic acid in acne wash

The most common side effect after using salicylic acid in acne wash is dryness of the skin. This can usually be rectified with a gentle moisturizer.

It is recommended that salicylic acid in acne wash not be used if you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant. Although its effects are unknown salicylic acid is absorbed by the skin so it is safer to not be used at this time.

Concentrations of 1-2% in any salicylic acid acne wash product will assure an effective result. A 1% concentration is good for sensitive skin types and a 2% concentration is recommended for more severe acne.

Some acne wash products that contain salicylic acid include:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Wash (1%)
Murad Acne Body Wash (2%)
Phisoderm Clear Confidence Acne Body Wash

These are just some of the many, many products available. There are literally hundreds of choices out there.
Salicylic acid in acne wash is an extremely effective treatment for most acne, so make sure you give one of the many available products a try!