Is salicylic acid dangerous if exposed to the sun?

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. Just make sure to use a sunscreen every day, suitable for your skin tone.

Interestingly, salicylic acid may have a photo-protective effect on the skin! Two clinical studies have shown that salicylic acid, when applied a few minutes before UV exposure, 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.

It's worth noting that salicylates (chemicals derived from salicylic acid) are sometimes used as sunscreens. Indeed, salicylic acid can convert the energy of sunlight into heat (a longer, less damaging wavelength) and, in this way, potentially protect the skin from sun damage. Furthermore, applying aspirin to the skin reduces inflammation caused by excessive sun exposure. However, let's remember that aspirin is nothing more than a synthetic derivative of salicylic acid.

In other words, chemical substances very similar to salicylic acid help to prevent sunburn.

Typology offers you two treatments rich in salicylic acid to care for your skin and effectively combat blemishes:

• The local imperfections serum :

Concentrated at 2% salicylic acid, this serum effectively targets blemishes.It is also enriched with zinc (1%), a sebum-regulating and antimicrobial trace element.It is applied locally, in small amounts. Generally, a single drop is sufficient for an isolated spot.The first results can be observed after three days.

• The Purifying Tonic :

Less concentrated in salicylic acid than the serum, this toner is more suited for application over the entire face, as a daily routine, every evening, before your night cream or yourbotanical oil. Enriched with purifying and anti-bacterial agents, it brightens the complexion, tightens the pores andrefines the skin texture.

• 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. (2015)