Advantages and disadvantages of salcilic acid peel?

Question

Advantages and disadvantages of salcilic acid peel?

Answer 1

What is Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA, Salicylic Acid)?

    Salicylic acid is the only member of the Beta-Hydroxy acid group. Salicylic acid and its salts exist on plants such as Wintergreen and Willow. Salicylic acid is commonly used as an antifungal agent. The reaction of acetic acid and salicylic acid produces aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) which is an anti-inflammatory drug. Aspirin can be used to exfoliate the skin instead of salicylic acid. An aspirin mask can be made by crushing aspirin tablets and mixing it with distilled water.

II. How does Beta-Hydroxy Acid works (BHA, Salicylic Acid) on acne?

    It has the same mechanism as alpha-hydroxy acid which is basically encouraging the removal of old skin cells and exposure of the newer, younger skin cells below. Beta-Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid) is lipid soluble which means that they can penetrate oily skin. Salicylic acid also normalizes the excessive shedding of the cells inside the follicles which prevents pore clogging. For acneic skin, beta-hydroxy acid is superior compared to alpha-hydroxy acid because of its ability to breakdown blackheads and whiteheads.

Advantages

    * It can penetrate oily skin and thus it is a better choice for breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, and oily skin.

    * Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and it reduces the irritation associated when applying hydroxy acids on the skin.

Disadvantages

    * It can cause deep burns at higher concentrations or long exposure times.

    * Once you stop using them, your skin returns to its original condition. AHA and BHA do not produce long lasting results and should be used regularly.

    * If high amounts of salicylic is absorbed through the skin, the user might experience what is known as salicylate toxicity. Symptoms of salicylate toxicity includes heavy breathing, dizziness, hearing impairment, lethargy, nausea and digestive disorders.