One popular recommendation for rosacea is using salicylic acid on the skin. Is it effective?
Or is the acid solution simply doing more harm than good?
Is Salicylic Acid Good for Rosacea?
When used in conjunction with other products, salicylic acid may be effective for treating rosacea.
However, it’s important to note that this treatment should only be undertaken under the guidance of a doctor who is experienced in treating rosacea.
Salicylic acid is a type of chemical exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.
This can improve the appearance of your skin and make it look smoother and clearer.
Salicylic acid also has antibacterial properties that help to fight acne and reduce inflammation within the pores of the skin.
A study published in 2002 found that salicylic acid was effective at reducing redness, flushing, and papules when applied twice daily for 12 weeks.
In addition, there were no side effects reported by patients taking part in this study.
How to Use Salicylic Acid Good for Rosacea
If you have rosacea, it’s important for you to know how to use salicylic acid safely.
If you’re using it on your own, follow these tips:
Step 1
Use a gentle cleanser.
Step 2
Apply a salicylic acid treatment once or twice daily, as instructed by your doctor.
Step 3
Wear sunscreen daily and limit exposure to sunlight, especially during the hours around noon, when UV rays are most intense.
Step 4
Use a moisturizer that contains an ingredient such as lactic acid to help reduce redness and dryness caused by rosacea.
Step 5
Use non-oily makeup that won’t clog pores or aggravate rosacea symptoms.
Step 6
Avoid hot baths and showers (especially morning baths) since hot water can cause flare-ups of rosacea symptoms like flushing and pimples.
Step 7
Avoid alcohol because it can trigger flushing episodes in people with rosacea; instead, drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated (a dehydrated body will be more prone to breakouts).
Step 8
Don’t touch your face too often because bacteria on your hands can cause blemishes on your skin.
Wash your hands frequently during the day with soap and warm water to keep them clean and free from dirt and germs that could irritate your skin further.
Benefits of Using Salicylic Acid for Rosacea
Here are some benefits of using salicylic acid for rosacea:
1) Reduce redness
Salicylic acid helps reduce redness because it removes dead skin cells that cause irritation on the surface of your skin, allowing new healthy cells to grow underneath instead.
2) Improve texture
Salicylic acid helps improve the texture of your skin because it exfoliates dead skin cells that make your complexion look less smooth and supple than it should be.
3) Nourish your skin
Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the layers of your epidermis (outermost layer) to nourish damaged tissue underneath.
4) Removes dead skin cells
Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells from your skin’s surface so that new cells can grow more easily.
This process is known as exfoliation and can help reduce wrinkles and blemishes caused by clogged pores.
5) Removes excess oil
Salicylic acid removes excess oil from your skin’s surface so it doesn’t clog your pores or cause breakouts on your face or back.
This allows your pores to breathe properly and promotes healthy cell turnover rate at the skin’s surface level.
Final Thoughts
In summary, salicylic acid works as an exfoliating agent to clear out excess oil and debris that block pores and cause acne.
The same principle can be applied to rosacea in terms of exfoliation.
However, due to the skin thinness of the nose and cheeks area, it’s best to consult with a medical professional to determine whether your skin type will tolerate salicylic acid well.
