Breakouts? This is what you should look for in your skincare products

If you’ve ever tried to find a product that will get rid of that annoying pimple or breakout fast; chances are you have come across Salicylic acid as a listed ingredient in those products. When used correctly, Salicylic acid will help keep your breakouts and acne at bay and is a great aid for healthier looking skin. But, did you know that Salicylic acid has other great skin benefits?

Firstly, let me explain what Salicylic acid is and what it does. Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (you might have heard of called BHA.) It is a plant-based acid, harvested from botanical sources such as the white willow tree. It is oil soluble, which means that it can penetrate the pores, producing an exfoliation effect. It is also part of the Aspirin family which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, however, if you are allergic to Aspirin, this acid is not for you.

One of the other incredible benefits of Salicylic acid is its ability to exfoliate the skin. By removing dead skin cells and bacteria from the skin, salicylic acid helps to purify and exfoliate, which improves skin health and appearance. So many skin problems are caused by a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin; one such example, is acne. 

For acne, in my opinion, Salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients you can incorporate into your skincare routine. It will calm and clear breakouts. Instead of treating pimples as they appear, using a low dose of Salicylic acid daily will help prevent regular breakouts (for those who experience them). For oily skin, Salicylic acid is one of the few ingredients that can actually slow down your skin’s oil production.

Large pores are every girl’s nightmare, right? Large pores can also benefit from Salicylic acid. The reason why pores look bigger than what they are is that they are can be clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Salicylic acid will help unclog them so that they won’t look so stretched out and appear smaller. 

As for fine lines, wrinkles, dull and rough skin, the exfoliation function of salicylic acid can reduce the thickness of the dead skin cell layer leaving the skin smoother and brighter, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

A great pore refiner is Medik8 Pore cleanse gel intense:

Medik8’s new cleansing gel is powered by red clover, a skin-balancing botanical renowned for its powerful pore-tightening and sebum controlling properties. Also blended with effective hydroxy acids: salicylic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid, the refreshing cleanser minimises the appearance of pores and reduces shine to improve the look and feel of your complexion.

For a break out prevention I recommend Dermalogicas Age Bright Clearing Serum

This two in one brightening and clearing serum clears and helps prevent breakouts. Containing both salicylic acid and niacinamide this will help minimise breakouts and boost the skins own bacterial defence and helps to even skin tone.

To target breakouts + premature skin ageing at the same time I recommend Dermalogica's new Active Clearing Retinol Oil

This high performance night oil targets acne and premature skin ageing at the same time! It's a soothing formula that combines Retinol AND Salicylic Acid for the first time ever and it has been clinically proven to show visible results in the first week of use.

If you need help or advice about your skincare concerns or goals, we would love to help you. Reach out to us via our complimentary online skin consultation, online FACE TO FACE consultation, or call us on 1300 30 25 35.

Susan is one of our Senior Skin Experts and has a serious passion for making sure that everyone has the right product and regimen for their individual skin. Being in the industry for 30 years, Susan has seen significant change in the cosmeceutical industry and loves learning about how these new developments can help her clients get amazing results. As a mum of two amazing daughters, Susan understands the demands of life and being able to get the maximum results for minimum time.