Salicylic Acid/BHA Products
Ready to try something new and better than Glycolic Acid? Try a Salicylic Acid Peel or Cream instead of Glycolic Acid. It's more effective, but less irritating to the skin!
This page features our Salicylic Acid peels and products.
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We sell only the highest quality pharmaceutical-grade Salicylic Acid Products in highly effective strengths including Salicylic Acid Peels, Cleansers, Creams, Serums, Scrubs, and Astringents.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid. A form of it was originally discovered by American Indians in the bark and leaves of certain trees. That particular form of salicylic acid was acetyl salicylic acid. It was known and passed down for generations that when that bark was chewed, headaches or other inflammatory processes actually became improved. We know acetyl salicylic acid today as the drug aspirin.
The Salicylic Acid used for skin treatments is actually a higher concentration than would be found in nature. Its usefulness in acne control and anti-aging is that it promotes exfoliation of the skin surface cells, and in particular the cells lining the sebaceous ducts. Topical application of Salicylic Acid on a daily basis in low (1-2%) concentration promotes regular, even exfoliation that minimizes the plugging of follicles.
In more concentrated forms (4-20%), salicylic acid acts as a peeling agent.
Salicylic Acid commonly comes in strengths of 1% or 2% in over-the-counter products. We feature the Doctor strength products of 2% up to 14% in our safe and highly effective formulations!
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Salicylic Acid (BHA-Beta Hydroxy Acid) has been used to treat stretch marks, acne pimples, oily skin, scars, sun damage and aging skin!
It is widely known that Salicylic Acid is excellent for acne and oily skin, sun-damaged skin, and aging skin.
Many Doctor's believe the Salicylic Acid is better than Glycolic Acidand other AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) for anti-aging and for skin exfoliation.
Salicylic Acid better than Glycolic Acid?
A leading dermatologist, Dr. Albert Kligman, believes that BHAs, in particular Salicylic Acid, at concentrations of about 2% or higher, are better than AHAs for anti-aging and for skin exfoliation.
Professor Kligman is well known in dermatology for his research on the anti-aging actions of retinoic acid (Retin-A). Results from Dr. Kligman's laboratory found that the outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum layer) is renewed and rejuvenated after applications of salicylic acid.
Salicylic Acid is more effective than Glycolic Acid, but it is less harsh on the skin. A small amount of the salicylic acid is converted into copper salicylate, a powerful and safe anti-inflammatory. So, when you use Salicylic Acid, it has it's own built-in anti-inflammatory effect to keep your skin from being damaged. Salicylic Acid blends powerful skin exfoliation with skin soothing actions. Salicylate also has ultraviolet absorbing properties. This means that it helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Glycolic Acid does not have these properties.
It is also believed that Salicylic Acid contains many more benefits. Prof. John Sorenson has researched and written extensively on the beneficial actions of copper salicylate on skin, general health, and the anti-cancer properties of copper salicylates.
Salicylic Acid is highly effective for acne and oily skin. Helps to unclog pores, loosen and lift out blackheads, even out skin tone, and prevent future outbreaks.
Salicylic Acid is also great for those who desire a mild exfoliant due to more sensitive skin and for those with Rosacea.
Use alone or mix with a Copper Peptide product for the double benefits of both Copper Peptides and Salicylic Acid.
It is recommended that a sunscreenof SPF 15 or higher be applied daily when using exfoliating products.
Caution: For those allergic or sensitive to Salicylic Acid - If you have allergies to salicylates (such as you cannot eat fruit), we recommend you use an alpha hydroxy acid such asGlycolic Acid or Lactic Acid instead.
Pregnancy Warning—Salicylic Acid may be absorbed through the mother's skin. Salicylic Acid has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that salicylic acid causes birth defects when given orally in doses about 6 times the highest dose recommended for topical use in humans. Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant, especially if you will be using salicylic acid on large areas of your body.
Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of salicylic acid, especially if you are using a 5% or stronger salicylic acid preparation. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Blood vessel diseaseDiabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)—Use of this medicine may cause severe redness or ulceration, especially on the hands or feetInflammation, irritation, or infection of the skin—Use of this medicine may cause severe irritation if applied to inflamed, irritated, or infected area of the skinRecent Accutane use
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