Salicylic Acid

Overview

Salicylic Acid is a type of Beta-Hydroxy Acid - also classified chemically as an Aromatic Acid. Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is manufactured from the acetate ester of the hydroxyl group of Salicylic Acid.

All of the topical uses of Salicylic Acid are based on its actions as a keratolytic agent (i.e. its ability to loosen the Stratum Corneum of the Epidermis of the Skin).

Skin/Hair

 Salicylic Acid (diluted and applied topically) is sometimes used for the treatment of Acne (it “unplugs” blocked Sebaceous Glands via its exfoliant properties.).

 Salicylic Acid (in a 2 - 3% solution applied topically) may alleviate Dandruff (by causing the dead cells that comprise Dandruff to peel (shed)).

 Salicylic Acid (in a 2 - 6% solution applied topically) may alleviate Psoriasis (by causing the dead cells involved in Psoriasis to peel (shed)).

 Salicylic Acid (applied topically) may act as an exfoliant for the Skin - this action may improve the visual appearance of the Skin (the thinning of the superficial layer of the Skin results in smoother, more radiant Skin):  ^[1]

 Salicylic Acid (applied topically) may remove almost all abnormal Skin Pigmentation, fine Wrinkles, precancerous lesions and Lipofuscin (Age Spots) - especially from the Skin of the hands and forearms.  ^[2]

 Salicylic Acid (applied topically by a dermatologist) is sometimes used as the peeling agent in Chemical Peels of the Skin.