Salicylic Acid Skin Treatments
You may have seen this ingredient in a wide variety of products at the health and beauty section of beauty stores. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that aids in treating skin problems such as acne, psoriasis and dandruff. This treatment can be administered in a wide variety of forms, such as dry, liquid and moistened products. It is important to learn about the benefits of salicylic acid as well as the conditions that it can cure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Acne
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One of the most common skin problems that salicylic acid treats is acne. It treats acne by encouraging the skin's top layer to peel and open up pores. This helps in making bumps subside and help the skin return to its normal production of skin cells. It may be best to continue the treatment even after the bumps have subsided to prevent any new lesions from forming.
Psoriasis
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Psoriasis is a disease that manifest itself through irritated, scaly patches on the skin. There is an overproduction of skin cells, which is a symptom of a disorder in the immune system. Psoriasis can be treated with over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid, which helps to soften the scaly patches and encourages shedding of the skin.
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Dandruff
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Dandruff is the irregular shedding of skin cells from the scalp. Flakes fall from the scalp as skin cells reproduce rapidly. Dandruff can be noticeable and embarrassing, and a salicylic acid treatment may remedy this condition. Brands like Neutrogena manufacture shampoos that contain this ingredient. Depending on the severity of your dandruff, you may choose from a number of shampoos that contain varying concentrations of the treatment.
Dosage
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Salicylic acid comes in a variety of different forms that can be bought at grocery stores and pharmacies. Dry versions come as pads or patches to apply to the skin. Liquid versions can come as cream, gels, lotions or ointment. Moistened wipes are also available, such as those used as face cleansers. You may want to use only one product of salicylic acid at a time, unless prescribed by a doctor, to prevent your skin from overdrying.
Considerations
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Salicylic has drying effects, so it is important to follow your dermatologist's suggestion. If drying occurs, you may apply the treatment once a day at first, then gradually increasing the amount and frequency as your skin adjusts to it. Salicylic acid should only be used externally, and it may irritate mucous areas such as eyes, nose and mouth.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Glass bottles; egahen: sxc.hu
