Skin Health 101: Salicylic Acid

Welcome to Nia Imani,
        As many of you know I am a licensed and practicing esthetician. My goal as an esthetician is not only to provide clients with exceptional skin treatments but, to give them the tools they need to maintain the treatment. For me, the tools my clients need to sustain the results are more than just skin care products. To me the most important tool I can give them is knowledge; skin care knowledge that is. I want my clients to understand what certain ingredients can do to/for the skin, why they should be cautious when out in the sun, why diet and exercise is important for great skin, etc., etc. I feel that this information will empower them to make good skin care choices even when I am not around/available to guide them. To be frank, I believe all people, not just my clients should have access to information pertaining to skin health.

           When I started Nia Imani I wanted to use my expertise to provide the world with information on more than just makeup and beauty. I wanted to share my passion for skin health. I believe that the skin should be taken care of and maintained like all other organs. I also believe that as a licensed professional and skin care enthusiast I have a great opportunity to share my knowledge, tips, and tricks that I have acquired with everyone (not just my clients).  So, with that welcome to skin health 101.
Skin Health 101 is a series of skin care related posts; this series is about all the different kinds of skin care tidbits that only licensed professionals and skin care enthusiast know. This series is for people who just are in a skin care runt, or need a little help navigating skin care, or even just someone looking to know a little more about skin care. I will be breaking down everything from ingredients to hot tips and more! Awesome, right?

                Ok, today’s 101 is going to cover salicylic acid. So, without further ado let’s jump into it!

                Salicylic Acid is the most common form of BHA
(beta hydroxy acid) available on the market. Can be found naturally in willow bark, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, wintergreen, tomatoes and many more herbs, trees, fruits, and vegetables. Salicylic Acid is a popular ingredient in acne, wart, psoriasis, dermatitis and dandruff products.  It was initially prepared  by the Italian chemist Raffaele Piria in 1838 from salicylaldehyde. In 1860 German chemists Hermann Kolbe and Eduard Lautemann discovered a synthesis based salicylic acid made of phenol and carbon dioxide. Salicylic is considered safe for regular consumption via fruits and vegetables as well as topically as a skin care or health product. Salicylic Acid clears up acne  and exfoliates the skin by speeding up desquamation process. The anti-bacterial properties are also what clears up skin blemishes. This particular acid is safe and effective for all skin types. The concerns that salicylic acid is best for is oily, acne prone, and/or someone with enlarged pores. It is important for people who have skin diseases or concerns that are using salicylic acid to consult a medical professional before using it.

Hope that helps anyone who is looking into salicylic acid. If you have any specific request for my next skin health 101 please comment below or send me an email. Remember to share this with your friends and family. Thank you for stopping by Nia Imani. Have a great day.