Does salicylic acid help psoriasis?
The problem with psoriasis is that not much is known about exactly what causes the inflammation. This can make treating the condition difficult, but luckily there is one ingredient in skincare products that is well known for fighting psoriasis: salicylic acid.
Before we dive into psoriasis and the effects of salicylic acid, let’s briefly summarize what it is and how it affects the skin.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition whose cause is unclear, as is how it causes inflammation of the skin, whether it’s on the body, scalp, or face. It’s usually associated with an immune problem, such as: B. An overactive immune system, which causes skin cells to turn over too quickly, preventing dead skin cells from falling off the skin and building up.
Over time, this can lead to visible signs of inflammation on the skin, such as raised patches and scales. These often look like very dry patches that can sometimes appear flaky. People with psoriasis describe it as itching, burning, and stinging. It can occur anywhere on the body, from the ears and scalp to the hands, feet, and eyelids.
Untreated psoriasis can affect organs and tissues on the outer surface of the skin. This explains why many people with psoriasis also suffer from other health issues or feel frequently unwell.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used ingredients in the chemical peel family, known as beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). It is also derived from willow bark, which means salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate the lower layers of the skin and help open up the pores.
Salicylic acid not only cleans the pores, but also works on the outer surface of the skin to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities that often settle on the skin, leading to signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and an overall dull complexion.
By removing the layer of dead skin cells, you ensure that other skincare products can absorb effectively and work their magic. Concerns about pimples, blackheads, and acne are also a thing of the past, as salicylic acid keeps excess oil, dirt, and acne-causing Propionibacterium acnes at bay.
If you want to learn more about salicylic acid and its effects on the skin, you can learn more about it at The Beauty Insiders.
Does salicylic acid help psoriasis?
Yes, it can. Salicylic acid is known for its exfoliating properties and has impressive effects on the skin. The potent BHA dissolves dead skin cells that build up on the surface, helping to fight the plaques and flaking caused by psoriasis. The result is a softer, smoother complexion that feels more comfortable and free of psoriasis inflammation.
One thing you need to remember is that different concentrations of salicylic acid can affect its effects on the skin. For example, using stronger salicylic acid can often cause irritation and, when treating scalp psoriasis, can weaken hair strands and cause temporary hair loss. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor, dermatologist, or medical professional before adding SA to your daily skin care routine.
Does salicylic acid make psoriasis worse?
It can. Salicylic acid can effectively eliminate psoriasis symptoms on the body, but it should not be used as a long-term treatment. Instead, salicylic acid is recommended for initial relief of psoriasis flare-ups and to rebalance the skin so it becomes softer.
For longer-lasting results without side effects, it’s best to consult a dermatologist or doctor to find out the best way to treat psoriasis.
Which acid is best for psoriasis?
Although salicylic acid can be effective, it’s still considered the best acid for treating psoriasis. I’ve already mentioned the downsides to long-term use of salicylic acid. Therefore, it’s extremely important to use BHAs as directed and not apply too much to the skin. Additionally, it’s best to combine salicylic acid with other moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. These help to counteract the drying effects of the acid and keep the skin barrier comfortable.
Is salicylic acid good for scalp psoriasis?
Yes, there are many different products that contain salicylic acid to treat scalp psoriasis. The way the active ingredient in the product’s formula works determines how the product is used. You’ll find it either applied topically to problem areas or, more often, in the form of shampoos and hair products.
Just a warning: high potency can cause hair strands to become brittle, leading to hair loss. While this is only temporary, inflamed, irritated skin can take a long time to heal. New hair growth will only become noticeable when the skin is soft and soothed.
Can Psoriasis Go Away?
Unfortunately, psoriasis never completely goes away, instead you will find that it goes into remission and can flare up again at any time. Even without treatment, psoriasis may sometimes improve or even go away. This can be due to many different reasons, such as: B. A properly functioning immune system.
The best way to deal with this is to take each day as it comes, enjoy the time your psoriasis is healing, and prepare for the next flare-up, especially as winter approaches, as these are the hardest places for future psoriasis flare-ups to control.
How can I prevent psoriasis from spreading?
There are a variety of ways to combat flare-ups of psoriasis and prevent them from spreading. Here are some examples of the most effective ways that have been proven to keep your skin at its healthiest.
Always use moisturizing products
Keep your skin comfortable and hydrated with a moisturizer or serum that is rich in hyaluronic acid or other moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin E. It’s also considered a good idea to apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to your skin at night to lock in moisture so you can have a comfortable, healthy complexion in the morning.
Prepare for dry, cold weather
It’s no secret that cold weather is psoriasis’ worst nightmare. Therefore, a good skin care routine as well as using a humidifier will keep your skin comfortable and prevent skin problems.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Sometimes it feels impossible, but do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes daily exercise, a balanced diet, and controlling alcohol consumption.
Avoid stress
Stress has been shown to be associated with skin breakouts in certain skin problems, such as psoriasis. To avoid flare-ups, try different relaxation techniques, such as reading, long walks, and yoga.
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