Salicylic acid (from Latin salix, willow tree, from the bark of which the substance used to be obtained) is a monohydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid and a beta hydroxy acid.
Contents
Uses
Salicylic Acid is much used as an antipyretic in fevers, especially those of the septicaemic kind, joint relief and arthritis.
Benefits
As with other hydroxy acids, salicylic acid is a key ingredient in many skin-care products for the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns, keratosis pilaris, acanthosis nigricans, ichthyosis, and warts. The standard treatment for calluses is a 6% aspirin suspension in petroleum jelly, applied on the callus for one hour and then removed with washing. Salicylic acid works as a keratolytic, comedolytic, and bacteriostatic agent, causing the cells of the epidermis to shed more readily, opening clogged pores and neutralizing bacteria within, preventing pores from clogging up again by constricting pore diameter, and allowing room for new cell growth. Because of its effect on skin cells, salicylic acid is used in several shampoos to treat dandruff. Use of concentrated solutions of salicylic acid may cause hyperpigmentation on unpretreated skin for those with darker skin types, as well as with the lack of use of a broad spectrum sunblock.
Cautions
Please consult your doctor.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Latin salix, willow tree
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylic_acid#Medicinal_and_cosmetic_uses
WiseGeek, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-salicylic-acid.htm