What Is Salicylic Acid?

Reported Health Benefits

The health benefits of salicylic acid come from its mechanism that causes dead skin cells to slough off easily and keeping the pores from becoming plugged up with dirt, grime, bacteria, and cellular debris. Salicylic acid is a lipophilic, or a substance effective at penetrating oily skin to help with deep cleaning. Salicylic acid is known to help regulate the production of oil, which is a common cause of acne and blemishes. Too much oil on the skin can easily trap irritants and bacteria that cause further inflammation. Salicylic acid is beneficial because it can help even out an individual's skin tone and decrease abnormal discolorations of the skin. The mechanism it uses has to do with its astringent properties that decrease the appearance of pores. A youthful and smooth appearance is the result because salicylic acid helps induce skin tightening. In addition, salicylic acid is also an ingredient in a popular medicine along with bismuth that is used for the relief of digestive symptoms such as nausea, gas, diarrhea, and heartburn.

Read about the side effects linked to salicylic acid next.