Salicylic acid is just so… ordinary. Kind of high school. After all, it’s the go-to ingredient in teen anti-acne formulas, such as Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser. I’m waaaay past my teenage years; I need something much more sophisticated to go all Angry Birds on my occasional breakouts.
Except that salicylic acid seems to work so. darned. well. In addition to helping skin shed stubborn dead cells that won’t take the leap, it targets bacteria. A proven zit buster, it isn’t just for teens — it’s the key ingredient in Kiehl’s Blue Herbal skin care (via kiehls.ca) for blemish-prone skin, in Clinique Clarifying Lotion (at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay and clinique.ca), in Origins Super Spot Remover Gel (at The Bay), and in Olay Professional Pro-X Clear (at drugstores), all of which target uncomplicated adult acne.
In particular Josie Maran Blemishes R Gone Argan Acne-Clearing Pads ($36/60, Sephora) and Burt’s Bees Natural Anti Blemish Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment ($14.99, Well.ca) have worked really well for me. Both employ willow-bark extract, a component of which is natural salicylic acid rather than synthetic salicylic acid, which can be harsh. The willow-bark formulas cleared my breakout area (mostly my chin) and kept it clear, without ever drying out my skin. Zero flaky patches — drying the heck out of zits is so over. (It adds damage to inflammation.)
Not that blemish fighters with synthetic sal acid are going to dry your skin out to a flaky mess, at least not these days. For instance, Clinique reformulated their Clarifying Lotion recently, boosting the hydrating hyaluronic-acid content and adding glycerin and trehalose (a naturally occurring sugar that attracts moisture) to soothe and protect skin from irritation. The range includes formulas for very dry to dry, dry combination, combination oily and oily skins. And Origins tempers synthetic salicylic acid in their Super Spot Remover Gel with caffeine and red algae, which counteract inflammation.
Salicylic acid isn’t a zit-clearing wonder for everyone, unfortunately. It’s a hit for some and a miss for others — that’s why ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide are still around. In fact, that salicylic acid works for me is a surprise. It didn’t used to. I don’t know why my skin suddenly likes it now, but I’m going with it.
What’s your salicylic acid stand? Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
My co-worker and I were just talking about the Burt’s Bees Anti-Blemish yesterday. She’s hooked – her skin has never looked better. Love when natural lines get great results.
lol always love a good angry birds analogy!
What about tea tree oil? How does that stack up to salicylic acid or is that even the same thing?
I like tea tree oil too, Carmela — mentioned it here — but this post was just about sal acid. Am working on something about tea tree oil for another day :-)
Oh, okay. Thanks! Was curious because I’ve been using that tea tree oil gel from the Body Shop and it is as awesome as you say. :D
My skin has been angry lately and I can’t figure it out-think it’s due to hormones being out of whack. I’ll have to pick up something today because everything I’ve been trying just isn’t working. Everything is changing on me right now-I’m hating this whole getting old thing. :) It SUCKS like a bucket of ticks.
Have added “sucks like a bucket of ticks” to my repertoire.
Good information Janine! I am allergic to salicylic acid and had no idea that willow bark extract was a natural form of it.
So glad you saw this! Bet your skin’s happy, too! xo
I hate greedy pigs and zits. Thanks for this post
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My pleasure, Monique — thanks for your comment :-)
At the age of 36 I’ve gone from having completely clear skin to full on acne within a matter of weeks – some freak hormonal I thing I guess?! I was referred to a derm, but I’ve a long wait before my appointment so I picked up the Olay Professional Pro-X Clear kit yesterday (Olay products are 50% off at Loblaws – how could I not get it?)
My skin felt smoother after the first use, but we’ll see what happens over the next few weeks. Fingers crossed!
Oh dear! Had you changed anything in your skincare regimen? What moisturizer are you using?
The key ingredient in the Olay kit is indeed salicylic acid; good sale, too! Keep me posted, okay?
Nothing has changed in my skincare regime or my diet. I’ve been using Olay moisturizers for years, both day and night formulations and lotions and creams depending on the season. I’m generally oily or combo (summer or winter) but I’ve not had acne since 18. It’s so frustrating! My mom keeps telling me we’ll age better due to having oily skin most of our lives – she’s in her early 60s and looks great so I’m going to go with it. :)