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Beauty & Health

What Is Salicylic Acid & Why Your Maskne Routine Needs This Ingredient

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Skincare

What Is Salicylic Acid & Why Your Maskne Routine Needs This Ingredient

Why this ingredient is your secret to clear skin

September 21, 2020
Salicylic acid maskne skincare routine Dermalab

Chances are you’ve heard of the term ‘maskne‘ come up often during the course of this pandemic. It’s what happens when the sweat and bacteria accumulate over the period of time as we’re wearing masks, and it happens most often in the areas that are covered by the masks – hence the name. Though there isn’t much we can do to stop it, the next best thing is to turn to salicylic acid.

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What does it do?

Here’s why that’s important: Because it is oil-soluble, it is able to penetrate clogged pores to dissolve comedones like blackheads and whiteheads, as well as target sebum glands to regulate the production of sebum. As a result, it makes for an excellent ingredient to clear out congested pores and keep overactive sebum glands in check.

But that’s not all, salicylic acid also has exfoliating properties (like its AHA cousins) to dissolve and lift dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface of your skin. Plus, it also helps soothe inflammation and provides some antimicrobial properties for an all-round anti-acne action. In summary, salicylic acid works on the skin’s surface as well as deep within pores for a clearer, smoother, brighter, and calmer complexion.

Adult acne salicylic acid
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Who should use it?

It is safe to use for almost everyone, even those with dry and sensitive-prone skin. This is because most over-the-counter anti-acne products that have salicylic acid content only contain low concentrations of it. However, if you’re using prescribed concentrations of salicylic acid, it is important to stick to the directions of use as advised by your doctor or you run the risk of causing skin irritation if you overuse them.

What else do I need to know about salicylic acid?

It is easy for people to confuse it with willow bark extract as many skincare companies state that willow bark extract is a natural source of salicylic acid and also indicates the latter in their ingredients list in skin-clarifying products. While they are technically not wrong, it is important to recognise that topical application of willow bark extract will not yield the same efficacy as salicylic acid. For the skin to reap the BHA’s maximum benefits, willow bark extract has to undergo a chemical process before it actually becomes BHA and is able to effectively penetrate clogged pores to clear out comedones, regulate sebum secretion, soothe, as well as speed up cellular turnover.

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From cleansers, serums, to oils: here are nine skincare products that are formulated with salicylic acid.

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/beauty-and-health/skincare/the-one-ingredient-you-need-to-get-to-keep-your-skin-acne-free/
What Is Salicylic Acid & Why Your Maskne Routine Needs This Ingredient
Derma Lab Sebumclar Cica Acne Treatment, $39.90 (15 g)
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Formulated with two per cent salicylic acid, this spot treatment helps to gently exfoliate and rid the skin of dead skin cells that gather inside pores. Enriched with Centella Asiatica Extract, it also makes it perfect for sensitive skin as it reduces redness and inflammation all while encouraging the skin’s natural repair process. To top it all off, the Acne Treatment also uses vitamin C to help lighten acne marks and prevent hyperpigmentation in the long run.

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Dr Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Solutions Breakout Clearing Gel, $61 (30 ml)
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Formulated with salicylic acid along with other AHAs, and monk’s pepper, this all-over vegan treatment helps to unclog pores while reducing the appearance of breakouts and redness. Plus, using niacinamide and green tea, the two help soothe the skin for a more even-toned complexion.

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Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser, $14.90 (150 ml)
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Since we’re all wearing masks more frequently, one of the necessities you’ve probably been reaching for is your cleanser. This daily gentle cleanser uses salicylic acid to help reduce breakouts while cleansing the skin from its impurities and excess sebum. Lightweight and gentle enough for daily and regular use, this cleanser leaves the skin soft and smooth without a stripping and drying feeling.

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Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Regular Strength Exfoliating Treatment 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid), $45 (118ml)
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With a salicylic acid concentration of two per cent, this leave-on exfoliating treatment is suitable for daily use without any harshness or stripping skin of moisture. Saturate a cotton pad and sweep over the entire face (yes, you can use this even around the eyes) as this weightless solution eliminates dead skin cells and purges clogged pores. Over time, you can expect your skin to be less prone to shine, pores appear more refined and skin looks and feels smoother. Just remember to always use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher if you’re using it in the day.

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La Roche-Posay Effaclar (K+), $42.90 (40ml) 
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Formulated specifically to help control shine in combination and oily skin types, this purifying treatment gradually transforms the skin’s surface as it clears our congested pores. Thanks to its unique ingredients including salicylic acid, it gently exfoliates skin surface while its ultra-fresh, non-greasy aqua-gel texture penetrates the skin quickly to deliver hydration that lasts all day long. Skin is well-balanced, feels comfortable, and stays matte.

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Read Next

Get Smaller Looking Pores With These Tips And Tricks

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Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $40.80 (29ml)
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With a potent acne-fighting blend of salicylic acid, resorcinol, and sulfur, this spot treatment is ideal as an overnight solution to calm and reduce the appearance of blemishes. It also contains calamine to help counter redness and inflammation so it only dries out zits, not your skin.

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Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil, $121 (35 ml)
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This quick-drying oil uses tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil to help clear the skin, while using liquorice to naturally brighten the appearance of old acne discolourations. Milk thistle and cucumber seed oil help nourish the skin to provide balance to those who might be sensitive to the drying effects of salicylic acid, while helping to smoothen out fine lines.

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Eucerin Pro ACNE Solution Correct & Cover Stick, $26 (2.5g)
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If you’re ever stuck in the dilemma of wanting to mask your blemishes without smothering your skin with thick layers of makeup, this is your best bet. With a nifty pen-like format, it makes application on specific spots effortless. It also has a creamy formula that completely covers pimples and even contains salicylic acid to ensure that your pores don’t get clogged.

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Origins Clear Improvement Oil-Free Moisturizer with Bamboo Charcoal, $61 (50 ml)
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This non-acnegenic and oil-free moisturiser uses Origins signature Bamboo Charcoal ingredient along with Salicylic acid to help refine the pores, exfoliate, and purify the skin. All while keeping it hydrated.

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Read Next

The Best Clarifying Clay Masks Suitable For Oily Skin

Sheila Sim Opens Up About Motherhood and Being Pregnant Amidst Covid-19

13 Tropical Cafes In Singapore That'll Make You Feel Like You're In Bali

Text: Joyce Cheo / Additional reporting: Arissa Ha & Farisia Thang

This post was first published on September 30, 2018, and updated on September 21, 2020. 

We hope you like the products that we’ve curated! Just FYI, we may earn a commission from the links on this page. All prices are accurate and items in stock as of the time of publication.

  • TAGS:
  • acne fighting ingredients
  • acne prone skin
  • acne scarring
  • acne skincare
  • adult acne
  • anti-acne skincare
  • how to get rid of acne
  • pimples
  • salicylic acid
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