Effective peel component salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) synthetically obtained from the bark of willow tree. It is often met in cosmetics and is very close to acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin which is synthesized from it.
How did BHA peel gain wide usage?
Salicylic acid has been disseminated as skin care means in 1997 when scientists of the American Academy of Dermatology had evidenced its ability to improve the looks of mature skin. In-depth study lead dermatologists to a conclusion that BHA possesses unremarkable peeling properties to make aging, sun-damaged skin better looking avoiding the irritation related to alpha hydroxy (also glycolic) acid application. These properties are associated with salicylic acid’s oil-solubility. BHAs affect mainly outer epithelium layers saturated with lipids that lose their natural ability to exfoliate within years, provoking amassing of dry and slow skin flakes. Dr. Kligman points out the other merit of beta hydroxy acid: it can peel inside the pore unlike glycolic acid.
Sylicylic acid has found a wide use but it is mainly applied for acne treatment as a component of low concentrated anti-comedo and peeling creams and for chemical exfoliation in concentrations up to 30% . You can easily buy BHA peels with low concentrations of acid over-the-counter but still for severe acne sufferers stronger means are more appropriate.
Why salicylic acid peels?
Medical personnel affirm that regular BHA treatment is successful in open and closed comedones fighting, fine lines and wrinkles reducing, blemishes and discolorations removing, sun affected skin cure when other measures have failed.
Those who possess oily skin in T-zone or other facial areas can overcome excess shine applying BHAs. Though, try not to overuse the beta hydroxy acid component which may cause skin irritation. Employ progressive treatment to obtain better outcomes.
BHAs vs AHAs
Salicylic peels are optional to more widespread glycolic peels. They are alike in action. Both AHAs and BHAs peel dead cells from bottom skin layers exposing young cells, but salicylic acid possesses anti-inflammation effect and doesn’t cause irritation being close to aspirin. This is good news for people with sensitive skin but still there is a small possibility of itching and reddening.
Named acids also differ in solubility properties. AHAs dissolve only in water while BHAs can be dissolved in lipids. That makes BHAs more efficient for oily skin types cleansing the deeper layers of excess sebum and filth.
How to apply acid peel?
Salicylic and glycolic peels are also similar in application: you may experience their action either in dermatologists’ cabinets and beauty salons or at home. Eyes area is to be avoided in both cases.
Acid peel should be applied for 10-20 minutes. They usually keep the track of time for you at the beauticians. Commonly salicylic peel isn’t painful but requires approximately 6 to10 treatments according to the scale of skin lesion. Any unpleasant feelings should accompany the procedure except for some weak tingles. Don’t exfoliate beforehand to prevent too deep penetration. Though, it is better to wash your face with gentle cleanser in advance to make sure that nothing irritating will affect novel skin cells. High SPF sunscreens are to be applied before going out as salicylic peels amplify skin sensitivity.
People with black or dark skin color should be aware of possible complications caused by regular BHA impact on dark skin among which lasting hypo pigmentation and scars.