Does Salicylic Acid Help Psoriasis?
The thing about psoriasis is that there is little known about what exactly causes the inflammation. This can make it a difficult condition to treat, but luckily there is one skincare ingredient that has gained a good reputation for combating psoriasis, and that’s salicylic acid.
Before we dive in to finding out more about psoriasis and how salicylic acid helps, let’s have a brief recap on what they are and how they affect the skin.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease with an unclear cause to how it creates the inflammation on the skin, be it body, scalp, or face. There is often a link to an immunity problem, such as an overactive immune system which increases the speed at which the turnover of the skin cells works too rapidly and prevent dead skin cells from shedding off the skin but will instead build-up.
Over time this will lead to visible signs of inflammations on the skin, such as raised plaques and scales. These can often look like severely dry areas, and sometimes appear flaky. Those who suffer from psoriasis will describe it as itching, burning, and stinging. It can appear anywhere over the body, from your ears and scalp to the hands, feet, and eyelids.
Leaving psoriasis untreated can impact the organs and outer surface tissue of the skin, this will explain why many who suffer from psoriasis will also suffer from other health conditions or tend to feel under the weather a lot of the time.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is one of the most used ingredients from the family of chemical exfoliants called, beta hydroxy acids (BHA). You’ll also find that it is derived from willow bark, which results in salicylic acid being oil-soluble meaning it is able to penetrate the lower layers of the skin and help unclog the pores.
Whilst clearing out the pores, salicylic acid also works on the outer surface of the skin removing any build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities that can often sit on the skin resulting in signs of premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone with areas of hyperpigmentation, and just a general lack lustre and dull looking complexion.
By sloughing away the layer of dead skin cells, you are ensuring other skincare products can absorb effectively and deliver results. Concerns with spots, blackheads and acne are also a thing of the past thanks to salicylic acid warding off excessive oil, debris and the spot causing P. acnes bacteria.
If you wanted to know more about salicylic acid and how it works on the skin, you can find out more over on The Beauty Insiders.
Does salicylic acid help psoriasis?
Yes, it can, salicylic acid is known for its exfoliating properties which has impressive results on the skin. With the potent BHA sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells from the surface it will help combat the plaques and scales of skin caused by psoriasis. This will result in a softer, smoother complexion which will feel more comfortable and cleared of psoriasis inflammations.
One point you must remember is the varying potencies of salicylic acid can affect how it works on the skin. If, for example, if you use a stronger salicylic acid this can often cause irritation and if used on to treat scalp psoriasis can weaken the hair strands resulting in temporary hair loss. Therefore, it is very important to consult with a doctor, dermatologist, or medical professional before introducing SA into your daily skincare routine.
Does salicylic acid make psoriasis worse? It can do, as effective as salicylic acid is at clearing signs of psoriasis on the body, it shouldn’t be used as a long-term treatment. Instead, it is advised to use salicylic acid to help by initially clearing the skin of any psoriasis flare-ups and rebalancing the skin making it softer. For longer results without the side effects, it is best to consult with a dermatologist or doctor to find the optimal way of treating psoriasis. Which acid is best for psoriasis? As potent as it can be, salicylic acid is still considered the best acid to use to treat psoriasis. I have already mentioned the downside to using salicylic acid for an extended amount of time, therefore it is highly important to use the BHA as instructed and to avoid applying a liberal amount on the skin. It is also best to team salicylic acid with other hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. These will help counteract the drying results of the acid and keep the skin barrier comfortable. Is salicylic acid good for scalp psoriasis? Yes, it is, there are many different products available containing salicylic acid formulated to help treat scalp psoriasis. Depending on the potency of the ingredient in the product formula will determine how it’s used. You’ll find it’s either applied topically to the problem areas or used on a more regular basis in the form of a shampoos and haircare products. Just word of warning, high potency can lead to hair strains becoming weak and brittle leading to hair loss. Although this is only temporary the inflamed irritated skin can take a long time to heal, only then will you see new hair growth once the skin is softened and calmed. Can psoriasis go away? Sadly, psoriasis can never go away completely, instead you’ll find it goes into remission which can flare-up at any time. Even without using any treatment you may find sometimes that psoriasis appears to improve and even disappear, this could be a result of many different things, such as your immune system functioning correctly. The best way of combating this is to take each day as it comes, enjoy the times you find your psoriasis is cleared and prepare yourself for the next flare-up, especially as your approach winter months as these are the most difficult to keep on top of any future flare-ups. How do you stop psoriasis from spreading? There are some different ways of combating psoriasis flare-ups and prevent them from spreading. Here are some examples of the most effective ways proven to maintain your skin at its heathiest state. Always use a hydrating product Keep the skin comfortable and hydrated by applying a moisturiser or serums enriched with hyaluronic acid or another moisturising ingredient, such as niacinamide or vitamin E. It is also thought a good idea to apply a thick amount of petroleum jelly over the skin at night to help lock in moisture leaving you with a comfortable and healthy complexion come morning. Prepare for dry, cold climates It’s known that cold weather is psoriasis’s worse nightmare. Therefore, a well-established skincare routine as well as using a humidifier will keep the skin comfortable and prevent any flare-ups. Maintain a healthy lifestyle This can sometimes feel impossible but try your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. This can include daily exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and keeping an eye on your alcohol consumption. Avoid stress Stress is a proven link to flare-ups in some skin concerns like psoriasis. To avoid a flare-up, try different relaxation techniques, this can be anything from reading, long walks, and yoga. There you have a little more information about how salicylic acid can help with psoriasis. Don’t forget if you have any questions, come and follow us on Instagram.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
