Salicylic Acid Benefits for Skin | CeraVe Ingredients

Originally derived from the bark of plants such as willow and meadowsweet, salicylic acid has long been used as a remedy for a variety of skin concerns, like psoriasis, and dry, rough and bumpy skin. Most often created in a lab today, salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps to gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it softer and smoother.

Important Things to Know about Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds skin cells together. By promoting their natural shedding, salicylic acid helps loosen dead skin cells to reveal fresh, healthy-looking skin. This light exfoliation can also help prevent pores from becoming clogged with dead skin cells, which can help minimize acne. At certain levels, salicylic acid also helps improve the symptoms of psoriasis by reducing scaling and helping to prevent their recurrence.
The gentle exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid can be found in cleansers, lotions, creams and other skincare formulations designed specifically for rough and bumpy skin and psoriasis. When used as directed, these products can help you get smoother, healthier looking skin.
With gentle exfoliating benefits for rough or bumpy skin and skin conditions like psoriasis, salicylic acid has far-reaching benefits.
Every skincare regimen (with or without salicylic acid) should include a daily sunscreen that is applied every morning, rain or shine, and reapplied at least every two hours during extended periods of sun exposure. However, salicylic acid’s exfoliating effects can leave the skin more vulnerable to UV rays, so taking extra sun protection measures is recommended.