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Salicylic Acid: The Over-the-Counter Wonder
If you have ever used a topical, over-the-counter acne treatment product, there is a very good chance you have used salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a common acne-fighting ingredient found in very popular consumer products such as Stridex and Oxy cleaning pads, Sea Breeze astringent and Clearasil Ultra astringent.
Salicylic acid is usually sold at the consumer level at 2 percent formulations, although stronger formulations are available by prescription from your doctor. The product is not only used to treat acne but several other skin disorders ranging from psoriasis to dandruff. It is available in everything from lotions to shampoos but for acne treatment, it is usually contained in a cleaning product such as an astringent.
Salicylic acid works by killing bacteria that can cause acne and by encouraging the exfoliation of the skin. In popular consumer formulations, such as Stridex and Clearasil, results are promised in a few days to a couple of weeks. The product often comes as a liquid in a bottle and is applied with cotton balls, or comes already infused into cleaning pads, such as with Stridex and Oxy. In either product, the goal is to gently clean your face with the salicylic acid until you no longer notice dirt on the cotton ball or pad.
The side effects of salicylic acid are similar to the side effects that can be experienced with any topical product. Problems such as skin irritation, dryness, burning, itching or rashes can develop, particularly if you have sensitive skin. If a rash develops and persists, you should seek medical attention.
The jury is still out on the effects of salicylic acid on pregnant women, according to the National Institutes of Health. NIH reports that the drug has not been studied in pregnant women, but it has been shown to cause some birth defects when taken orally and at very high doses. There is currently no link between an exposure to salicylic acid during breastfeeding and any subsequent problems with the children. Of course, to be safe, you should consult your doctor if you are looking to use salicylic acid and are pregnant, may become pregnant or breastfeeding.
Salicylic acid is usually sold at the consumer level at 2 percent formulations, although stronger formulations are available by prescription from your doctor. The product is not only used to treat acne but several other skin disorders ranging from psoriasis to dandruff. It is available in everything from lotions to shampoos but for acne treatment, it is usually contained in a cleaning product such as an astringent.
Salicylic acid works by killing bacteria that can cause acne and by encouraging the exfoliation of the skin. In popular consumer formulations, such as Stridex and Clearasil, results are promised in a few days to a couple of weeks. The product often comes as a liquid in a bottle and is applied with cotton balls, or comes already infused into cleaning pads, such as with Stridex and Oxy. In either product, the goal is to gently clean your face with the salicylic acid until you no longer notice dirt on the cotton ball or pad.
The side effects of salicylic acid are similar to the side effects that can be experienced with any topical product. Problems such as skin irritation, dryness, burning, itching or rashes can develop, particularly if you have sensitive skin. If a rash develops and persists, you should seek medical attention.
The jury is still out on the effects of salicylic acid on pregnant women, according to the National Institutes of Health. NIH reports that the drug has not been studied in pregnant women, but it has been shown to cause some birth defects when taken orally and at very high doses. There is currently no link between an exposure to salicylic acid during breastfeeding and any subsequent problems with the children. Of course, to be safe, you should consult your doctor if you are looking to use salicylic acid and are pregnant, may become pregnant or breastfeeding.
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