Does Salicylic Acid Help Psoriasis?
The problem with psoriasis is that little 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 immune issues, such as: B. An overactive immune system, which causes skin cells to turn over too quickly, thus preventing dead skin cells from being shed from 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 tissue 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 dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities that often build up on the skin and cause signs of premature aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and a generally dull complexion.
By removing the layer of dead skin cells, you ensure that other skincare products can absorb effectively and work effectively. Problems with pimples, blackheads, and acne are also a thing of the past, as salicylic acid removes excess oil, dirt, and the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes.
If you want to learn more about salicylic acid and its effects on your skin, you can learn more at The Beauty Insiders.
Can salicylic acid help psoriasis?
Yes, it can. Salicylic acid is known for its exfoliating properties and produces impressive results on the skin. The potent BHA dissolves dead skin cells that build up on the surface, helping to fight the plaques and flaking of the skin caused by psoriasis. The result is a softer, smoother complexion that feels more comfortable and free of psoriasis inflammation.
One thing to keep in mind is that the different strengths of salicylic acid can affect its effectiveness on the skin. For example, using stronger salicylic acid can often cause irritation and, when treating scalp psoriasis, can weaken the hairline, causing temporary hair loss. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor, dermatologist, or medical professional before adding SA to your daily skin care routine.
Can salicylic acid make psoriasis worse?
It can. Salicylic acid can be effective in eliminating 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 to make it 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 may 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 important to use BHAs as directed and avoid applying large amounts of BHA to your skin. It’s best to combine salicylic acid with other moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. These help to counteract the acid’s drying effects 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 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, it can take a long time for inflamed, irritated skin to heal. New hair growth will only become noticeable once the skin is soft and soothed.
Can psoriasis go away?
Unfortunately, psoriasis will never completely go away; instead, you will find that it will go into remission and may 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 places where future psoriasis flare-ups are most difficult to control.
How can you prevent psoriasis from spreading?
There are a variety of ways to fight flare-ups of psoriasis and prevent them from spreading. Here are some examples of the most effective methods 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 such as niacinamide or vitamin E. It is also considered a good idea to apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to your skin at night to lock in moisture so that 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.
Here’s more information on how salicylic acid can help treat psoriasis. If you have any questions, don’t forget to 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.
