What are the dangers of salicylic acid?

Generally, all skin types tolerate salicylic acid well, even the most sensitive ones.

During the initial weeks following frequent use of salicylic acid, it is possible to experience mild sensations of discomfort and tightness. This active ingredient can sometimes cause redness, itching, and tingling, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. These reactions should not cause you concern as they typically disappear after a few days, once your skin has adjusted to this new active ingredient. Moreover, they are evidence that the treatment is genuinely affecting your epidermis and boosting cellular renewal. To alleviate these discomforts, reduce both the quantity and frequency of application of the salicylic acid-based treatment. If, however, your skin continues to react with each application, it may be that it does not tolerate this active ingredient or another ingredient contained in your product. In this case, discontinue its use.

Although salicylic acid may be suitable for all skin types, it does have some contraindications:

• The use of salicylic acid in conjunction with other keratolytic acids such as glycolic acid and azelaic acid is not recommended. Indeed, this combination promotes excessive exfoliation of the epidermis.

• If your skin has lesions, avoid applying a salicylic acid treatment as it may worsen them.

• Highly sensitive skin requires gentle exfoliation and hydration, so avoid this acid if you have this skin type.

The European regulation concerning cosmetic products prohibits the presence of this active ingredient in preparations intended for children under 3 years old, with the exception of shampoos. For facial care, its incorporation rate is limited to 2%. Additional clarification : Salicylic acid in facial care is not contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

No, salicylic acid does not increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. It can be applied in the morning, even if you plan to go out during the day. If you wish to incorporate a salicylic acid treatment into your morning beauty routine, then apply a broad-spectrum sun protection to best protect your skin from potential irritations with UV rays.

Interestingly, salicylic acid can have a photo-protective effect on the skin! Two clinical studies have shown that salicylic acid, when applied a few minutes before exposure to UV rays, reduces sunburn. However, it is important to emphasise that in these experiments, a relatively high concentration of salicylic acid was applied in large quantities shortly before UV exposure. It is absolutely not recommended to use salicylic acid as a sunscreen because to achieve efficient sun protection, you would need to use a concentration much higher than the 2% commonly used in cosmetics. This concentration would cause too much exfoliation and irritation for frequent use.

This active ingredient is particularly recommended for oily, blemish-prone skin due to its antimicrobial and sebum-regulating effects. It effectively treats clogged pores and prevents the formation of blackheads. It exfoliates the skin, removes dead cells and boosts cellular regeneration. The complexion is awakened and regains its radiance.

Depending on its concentration in products, it is either used as a treatment over a limited period of time, or as a daily care in your beauty routine. Discover two salicylic acid-based treatments from Typology. The local imperfections serum contains 2% salicylic acid and is applied locally to the affected areas, for a few weeks only. On the contrary, the purifying tonic can be incorporated into your evening beauty routine, this one containing 1% salicylic acid.

• REGULATION (EC) No 1223/2009 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

• HO-SUP LEE & IL-HWAN KIM. Salicylic acid peels for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Asian patients. Dermatologic Surgery (2009).

• Kornhauser, A.et al.The impacts of topically applied glycolic acid and salicylic acid on ultraviolet radiation-induced redness, DNA damage and sunburn cell formation in human skin.J Dermatol Sci, (2009)

• Thomas Mammone & al., Salicylic acid shields the skin from UV harm, Journal of Cosmetic Science, (2006).

• Bubna, A. K. Revisiting Aspirin in Dermatology.Indian Dermatology Online Journal.<em>(2015)</em>