What is it? Beta hydroxy acid is an exfoliating acid derived from wintergreen, sweet birch bark or white willow bark, and is one of the principle components of aspirin. The most common form of beta hydroxy acid used in cosmetic treatments today is salicylic acid and when used topically, salicylic has exfoliating and skin softening properties. Often found in acne treatments to control the activity of blemishes and breakouts on the skin, beta hydroxy acids are considered milder than alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic, making them ideal for use on sensitive or dry skin. Beta hydroxy acids are also widely used in anti-aging products to minimize and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin tone and clarity.
You’ll find it in: This multi-functional acid is found in a large variety of products including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, eye creams, hand and body lotions, foot creams, exfoliators, hair colorants, shampoos, conditioners and creams.
Our product picks: To treat the appearance of acne, keep a tube of Murad Clarifying Cleanser on hand. Formulated with salicylic acid, triclosan, chamomile and green tea extract, this cleanser will treat existing blemishes and sooth inflamed skin. Pevonia Problematic Skin Lotion will help treat blemishes on the body while respecting the skin's moisture balance with glycerin, chamomile and azulene. Hands and feet can also benefit from treatment with salicylic acid. Slather hands with H2O Plus Hand and Foot Smoother Retexturizing Seaweed Therapy and treat feet to Bliss Foot Patrol nightly for soft, smooth, callous-free skin. And don't forget the hair. To restore vitality and encourage new growth, shampoo hair once a week with Alterna Life Solutions Clarifying Shampoo.
What you can expect: With regular, consistent use of products containing salicylic acid, acneic or blemished skin can expect a reduction in the number of active blemishes, as well as a reduction in the number of new blemishes. In addition, skin clarity should be enhanced, and a softening of fine lines may also be noticed. Because the acne-banishing effects of salicylic are cumulative, keep use of cleansers or treatments with this ingredient consistent and timely. If the skin should become over-dry or irritated from daily use of beta hydroxy acid, switch to an every other day or every few days routine so that the ingredient may continue to work on blemishes, but will not cause extreme dryness.
Who should avoid it? If you know you are allergic to salicylic acid or have an aspirin sensitivity, consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any products containing beta hydroxy acid. Also, because beta hydroxy acids are mildly exfoliating, anyone with extremely dry or sensitive skin will also want to exercise caution when using this ingredient and watch for signs of over-dryness.
See also:
Salicylic Acid
Cystic Acne (Modular Acne)
Skin Care in Your 20’s