SPF
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Salicylic Acid
in skincare

Originally derived from the bark of plants such as willow and meadowsweet, salicylic acid has long been used as a remedy for a variety of skin concerns, like dry, rough and bumpy skin. Most often created in a lab today, salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps to gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it softer and smoother.

FAQ

  • Salicylic acid is a type of chemical exfoliant known as a beta hydroxy acid BHA. It helps remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and can also help clear pore buildup. 
    It’s a peeling agent that safely exfoliates the stratum corneum, the outer layer of the skin, by disrupting cellular junctions to encourage skin rejuvenation.1
  • Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds skin cells together.  By promoting their natural shedding, salicylic acid helps loosen dead skin cells to reveal fresh, healthy-looking skin.1
    This light exfoliation can also help prevent pores from becoming clogged with dead skin cells, which can help minimize acne2. At certain levels, salicylic acid also helps improve the symptoms of psoriasis3 by reducing scaling.
  • The gentle exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid can be found in cleansers, lotions, creams and other skincare formulations designed specifically for skins that need it such as
    rough and bumpy skin, psoriasis3 or acne-prone skin2. When used as directed, these products can help you get smoother, healthier looking skin.

  • With gentle exfoliating benefits for rough or bumpy skin and skin conditions like psoriasis3, salicylic acid has far-reaching benefits. It also supports
    acne-prone skin by helping clear pores.2

  • Salicylic acid is oil-soluble1, which means it can work inside pores where excess oil and buildup collect. That is why it is often used in skincare routines for oily, congested, or acne-prone skin. The Acne Control Cleanser and Acne Control Gel are two effective CeraVe products featuring salicylic acid for acne-prone skin.4,5

  • That depends on the formula and your skin’s tolerance. Some salicylic acid cleansers are designed for regular use, while others may be better introduced more gradually. It is best to follow the directions on the product label and adjust based on how your skin responds. If you are looking for a daily exfoliating cleanser for smoother skin that supports your skin’s protective barrier, CeraVe SA Cleanser is the go-to cleanser.

  • When used in appropriate formulas, salicylic acid is generally a safe and efficacious agent used to treat various skin disorders. Its safety has been well-documented across the entire spectrum of skin colors, making it suitable for both light and dark skin colors. Ultimately, it is a reliable and cost-effective therapeutic option for improving skin texture and treating acne.1 Always follow the directions on the product label and adjust based on how your skin responds.

  • Both formats can be helpful:

    -  Cleansers offer a rinse-off option and may suit people looking for a simpler way to add salicylic acid to their routine.
    -  Leave-on products stay on skin longer and may be chosen when more targeted exfoliation is desired.

     

    The best choice depends on skin type, routine, and product preference.

  • It can be, depending on the formula and concentration, but sensitive skin may react more easily to exfoliating ingredients. A gentle, barrier-focused formula such as CeraVe SA Cleanser may be preferred for sensitive skin.

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