Why Salicylic Acid Belongs In Your Body Care, Not Just Your Skincare
Salicylic acid can be found in some of your favourite facial skincare products, but it's just as deserving of being a part of your body care routine, too. A multi-tasking ingredient, it's unanimously regarded as one of the most effective ways to fend off acne and get rid of breakouts. Find out why this dermatologist-approved super hero belongs in your body care routine below.
WHAT IS SALICYLIC ACID?
Salicylic acid is an ACTIVE INGREDIENT derived from the bark of the willow tree. It's a type of CHEMICAL EXFOLIATOR that belongs to the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) family.
WHAT DOES SALICYLIC ACID DO?
As a chemical exfoliant, salicylic acid acts as a 'desmolytic' agent, which basically means it dissolves the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to easily shed. It also has three other key properties: anti-inflammatory (calms irritated skin), anti-bacterial (reduces the spread of bacteria), and keratolytic (breaks down keratin, a protein that can build up on the skin and cause STRAWBERRY LEGS).
HOW DOES SALICYLIC ACID WORK?
Salicylic acid works by deeply penetrating the pores to clear them of dead skin cells, dirt, excess oil and other debris. This makes it particularly amazing for treating BODY ACNE, which we'll get to shortly. It also helps to regulate sebum (oil) production.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF USING SALICYLIC ACID IN YOUR BODY CARE ROUTINE?
EXFOLIATES THE SKIN: salicylic acid speeds up skin cell turnover, shedding away dead skin cells to reveal soft and smooth skin beneath. It can help to address dullness, dehydration and uneven texture.
TREATS BODY ACNE: a pesky but common skin condition, body acne occurs when a mixture of bacteria, dead skin cells, debris and oil combine and clog the pores. Salicylic acid is particularly effective at treating body acne because, unlike other chemical exfoliants called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), it's oil-soluable, which allows it to deeply penetrate the pores and cut through sebum. Likewise, it's fantastic at getting rid of whiteheads and blackheads.
EVENS OUT OIL PRODUCTION: salicylic acid helps to regulate the body's natural production of oil, which is a savior for anyone who experiences an oily neck, chest or back.
CALMS DOWN REDNESS: its anti-inflammatory properties means salicylic acid is great at reducing redness in irritated parts of the body.
CREATES THE PERFECT CANVAS FOR SHAVING: using salicylic acid as a pre-shave treatment will ensure your razor glides seamlessly across the skin, reducing the chance of RAZOR BUMPS AND INGROWN HAIRS. It opens up the pores, encouraging the hair follicle out for a smoother and cleaner shave.
CAN HELP WITH PSORIASIS: an autoimmune disease, psoriasis appears as scaly and inflamed patches of skin. Salicylic acid has a softening function, so can help to lift and clear away flakes of skin in scaly areas while also potentially reducing swelling.
WHO CAN USE SALICYLIC ACID?
Salicylic acid is gentle enough for use by all skin types, and is especially beneficial for those with acne-prone and oily skin.
HOW CAN YOU INCORPORATE SALICYLIC ACID INTO YOUR BODY CARE ROUTINE?
We'd recommend finding a body exfoliator or scrub containing salicylic acid and using this as a few times a week. Our BODY POLISH is formulated with a considered blend of physical and chemical exfoliators to encourage cell turnover and reveal radiance. Salicylic acid and charcoal powder deeply penetrate pores and remove impurities. Finely milled volcanic pumice polishes, revitalises and stimulates circulation. Enriched with a fragrance of orange blossom, iris and vetiver, the Body Polish turns exfoliating into a sensorial experience and is also the perfect treatment to prep the skin for SHAVING. Gently massage onto damp skin in circular motions before rinsing thoroughly.
IS THERE ANYTHING TO BE AWARE OF WHEN USING SALICYLIC ACID IN YOUR BODY CARE ROUTINE?
Salicylic acid can potentially dry out the skin, so it's important to select a body exfoliator that counteracts this with hydrating ingredients. Our Body Polish contains shea butter and soybean oil to protect and nourish the skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated.