You asked J+J: What is salicylic acid and do men need to add it to their skincare routine?
If you keep an eye on the hot skincare ingredients around or you are just generally keen to improve the texture, tone and health of your skin then you might be aware of a few current trends. Matcha, retinol and even seaweed are constantly covered by skincare and grooming journalists at the moment, but there is one other that’s widely being talked about across social media - salicylic acid. Therapists, influencers and models are making numerous claims about the ingredient, which led us to take a deeper look at the dos and don’ts of incorporating salicylic acid into your routine and deliver the truth about whether you need it.
What is salicylic acid?
Willow bark. Okay, it’s not exactly willow bark by the time it makes it to your skin. But salicylic acid is extracted and derived from the bark of a willow tree, making it a natural, vegan-friendly ingredient to add to your skincare routine. It is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and oil-soluble, which means it penetrates further into the skin that it’s cousins, the AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid). You’ll find it mostly in topical skincare products such as serums, toners and cleansers, and it comes in varying strengths that are often disclosed on the packaging.
Can I really put salicylic acid on my face?
The short answer is yes, but it does depend on your skin type and condition. Generally speaking, it’s quite safe if you’re purchasing salicylic acid from a reputable brand and retailer. Although the term acid sounds a bit agressive for something you put on your skin, they are commonly derived from fruits or (in this case) sap from trees. There are also proven benefits to using acids on your skin, such as resurfacing the upper layer to reveal a brighter, clearer, softer complexion. And as you’ll find out if you read a bit further, there are benefits if you suffer with acne, blemishes, spots and oily skin.
Does everyone need to use salicylic acid?
No. Although you might see your favourite social media star telling you how to incorporate salicylic acid into a men’s skincare routine, it doesn’t mean they know your skin. Salicylic acid is not a harmful ingredient if used in small doses and percentages. However, it’s not an absolute necessity for great-looking, healthy skin, particularly if you have a certain skin type or condition.
Who should use salicylic acid?
If you suffer from any of the following, then salicylic acid is one you should try:
Skin blemishes
Spots and breakouts
Acne
Blackheads and whiteheads
Oily skin (although you may find other ingredients work better)
It’s important to remember you can use too much of any ingredient on your skin and this is especially true of solutions like acids. We recommend incorporating it gradually in low doses and lower percentage concentrations. And don’t forget that cleansers, toners, exfoliators and even moisturisers can contain exfoliating acids so don’t overdo it. If you’re unsure, best to consult a dermatologist, facialist or pharmacist. A patch test on a small area to begin with is always a good idea.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid?
If you suffer from acne, spots and breakouts or certain blemishes, then salicylic acid can be a wonder-ingredient for your skin. As a BHA (which is oil-soluble), it goes deeper than other acids, which means it can penetrate the top layer of your skin into the pores, where it gets to work dissolving the bacteria and ‘debris’ in your skin. This unclogging is how it works to both exfoliate and prevent blocked skin cells from becoming black heads, white heads and angry red patches.
Who doesn’t need to use salicylic acid?
If you have sensitive skin, agitated skin or are particularly prone to redness and irritation, then it’s best to avoid salicylic acid or at least go easy at first if you do decide to try it. Generally speaking if your skin is in good condition, without spots or acne, you can probably pick a more suitable acid or exfoliator for your skin.
Caveat: The article above include views from James + Jake but should only be used as a guide. Always do a patch test when trying out new products and ingredients. And consult a qualified facial therapist or dermatologist if you have any skin issues or concerns.