Why Salicylic acid is good for your skin | The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

A recent love of mine has been the Salicylic acid 2% solution from The Ordinary (read more about this brand here). I will admit that I was a bit nervous to use this as any product with the word “acid” in it kind of freaks me out. However, after researching Salicylic acid, I realized that if used correctly, it would become an ally for my skin. I also realized that it’s not just for acne. My pores need some Salicylic loving too!

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) which acts as a soft exfoliating treatment that helps fight blemishes, evens out texture and clears skin.

How Does it Help?

Reduces Large Pores

Although Salicylic acid is best known to help clear blemishes, resulting in clear skin, Salicylic acid can also help clear congested pores and reduce pore size. Large pores generally occur when they are clogged with dead skin cells, so using Salicylic acid will help unclog them. They won’t appear as stretched out and will look much smaller than before. Keep in mind that this will take several weeks to begin noticing a difference; all good things come to those who wait!

Clears Acne

If you have oily skin or have blemish prone skin, Salicylic acid will be your best friend. You can use this acid as a spot treatment; the acid will dry out the blemish before it turns into anything super noticeable.

Evens Skin Texture

As this is an exfoliating acid, it will help remove dead skin cell layers which will provide you with a brighter and more even texture to your skin.

Are there any Cons?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), therefore, skin may become more sensitive to sun exposure; it’s recommended that you wear SPF while in the sun or limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. It also can be drying, so this works best for those that have combination to oily skin.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

I have been using the Salicylic Acid from The Ordinary for quite some time now and have noticed that the pores on my nose have been clearing up. Although it’s suggested to use AM and PM, I keep this for my PM routine to avoid as much sun exposure as possible. Since I’m fairly new to the acid world, I’m slowly introducing my skin to acids by applying this once a day a few times a week. A little goes a long way with this product, and for the size of this bottle, I think it might be around in my skincare collection for a very long time – and I won’t complain about it! Did I mention how affordable this product is too? It's cheaper than a latte from Starbucks!

Have you used Salicylic Acid? How well did it work for you?