Brought to you by Cam revealed a better diet helped her fight her acne woes
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hile pimples and acne are skin concerns we’d hoped to leave behind in our teens, the truth is the likelihood of breakouts extends well into our 20s and 30s. And although hormones are typically not to blame as we age, there are many factors – including diet and poor hygiene habits – that are still leaving us prone to blemishes. If your case is severe, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist before treating your skin. However, there are a tonne of products that are readily available to nix your breakouts for good – specifically, those that contain salicylic acid. Of course, both lactic and glycolic acids work wonders to exfoliate the upper layer of the skin, but salicylic acids actually penetrate your skin and unclog your pores, eliminating any excess dirt or sebum that may be causing your breakouts. Here, we break down all you need to know… WHAT IS SALICYLIC ACID? ‘Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxyl acid that works to dissolve skin cells at the skin’s top layer,’ says Mario Badescu’s head aesthetician, Elena Arboleda. While the acid is often used as an anti-ageing ingredient, its most common use is to target breakouts.
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WHAT DOES IT DO FOR SKIN? According to Elena, ‘the exfoliating properties of salicylic acid can help prevent accumulation of dead skin cells and impurities at the skin’s surface that can clog pores and cause dullness’. In order to flush out impurities, salicylic acids work to loosen – and even break apart – the connection between your skin cells. This type of acid also encourages clarity and brightness. HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A SALICYLIC ACID? While the frequency of application will vary from product to product, most will recommend use twice daily. But always be sure to read the product label and apply it as instructed.
This buzzy ingredient is your new skincare hero to help nix annoying breakouts 40 WWW.OKMAGAZINE.COM.AU
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY IT? Although many products containing salicylic acid recommend you apply them in the morning and night, you should always be cautious when using an ingredient like this in the day. ‘Salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun,’ says Elena. If your skin is
