Being an effective exfoliant, salicylic acid is widely used in different forms, and most of the times it produces very satisfactory results.
Salicylic acid peels are widely being used to treat many kinds of skin irregularities of superficial nature. Since it is a mild and gentle peeling agent, it suits even the sensitive skins. Its effectiveness has promoted skin care manufacturers to come up with many products containing this acid, ranging from peels to gels and cleansers.
Salicylic Acid Gel
This product contains beta hydroxyl acid derived from the bark of willow tree. You can get it as an over the counter product to deal with some skin problems, particularly for acne. It is found effective to treat psoriasis, corns, planter warts, calluses, etc. Its prescription-strength preparations are also on the market for a more aggressive use. This acid is the only oil-soluble hydroxyl acid that can penetrate well into the clogged skin pores.
How does it Work
Salicylic chemical peels benefit many people when they choose this product to take care of their skin flaws. In gel form, it has its own specific results. Being a keratolytic, salicylic acid causes skin’s outer layer to lose it bonds to give way to exfoliation. When the skin layer is exfoliated, many skin problems are treated, and as the skin pores are cleanses too, it can effectively prevent acne onset.
When the gel is applied to the skin, the skin swells little initially and peels over time. Due to this peeling, you can also benefit if you have whiteheads, blackheads including existing acne.
Side Effects
After the treatment, the skin becomes dry, irritates slightly, and can start flaking. Such side effects are common and do not become a source of continued or intolerable discomfort in normal cases.
In severe form, the side effects of salicylic acid can turn up as burning and stinging sensation on the treated skin. If you happen to have such reactions, follow the instructions you receive with the pack, if the peel is done at home, or check with a skin care professional as what should be done to minimize the discomfort. Usually, using a mild moisturizer daily after the treatment can help you a lot with the dryness of the skin.
Considerations
While on the treatment of salicylic acid, you have to avoid using any other skin care preparations unless recommended by a dermatologist or by the product supplier. Usually, when we apply other skin care products while being on a salicylic acid treatment, the treated area can irritate more or it can become drier. This especially happens when you use another product that contains salicylic acid or acids of similar nature.
Once you start the treatment, you have to give the acid time enough to work on the skin and produce the desired or expected results. Salicylic acid in gel form should be used repeatedly if you want to get rid of existing acne or to prevent new acne from forming.
The gel should not be used for warts that appear on the face; in fact, planter warts are the type that can benefit from salicylic treatment. When you apply this gel on the warts that appear on the soles of the feet, you can get relief by its repeated use, and in about three weeks, the warts would fall or shrink considerably. This is, however, a temporary relief as the gel fails to eliminate the wart-causing virus, HPV.
Salicylic acid gel has its own importance in the salicylic family. Many people take advantage of this acid. Experienced users may take part in this discourse by posting their comments and personal experiences. This can help many other people.
