Friday, May 14, 2010

Salicylic Acid: The life and times of a Beta Hydroxy Acid

Okay, so it's not a steamy novel starring Salicylic Acid. It's just a little homage to this little wunderkind of an exfoliant. The only hydroxy acid that is FDA approved as an acne treatment, salicylic acid is pretty amazing. It's the most ubiquitous over-the-counter acne treatment on the shelves aside from benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid is fat soluble, unlike the AHAs we discussed in the last post (which are water soluble). As you might imagine, this means salicylic acid works amazingly well for clogged pores (which are clogged with oil). If you're wondering why you might use this BHA instead of one of the AHAs, I think it works best for ingrown hairs, acne maintenance treatment, enlarged pores, and oily skin with a rough texture.
Stri-Dex Medicated Pads, Maximum Strength, 90-Count Containers, (Pack of 3)

If you want to use it as an ingrown hair treatment try Stridex Maximum Strength pads or PFB Vanish which is my favey favorite thing of all time- my personal cure for brazilian waxing woes- in a super easy roll on. For acne maintenance I think Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid works best- applied at night. If you want a BHA cleanser I adore the DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser: it works without overdrying.
PFB Vanish Ingrown Hair Treatment Roll On Gel - 4 ozDDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser, 6.6 fl. oz.