Salicylic acid is no good for rosacea
One of the symptoms of rosacea is acne-like breakouts, so some people may be wondering if it would be a good idea to use ingredients that are effective against acne.
Salicylic acid, which has a peeling effect, is also said to be effective against acne. However, salicylic acid is not recommended for rosacea.
In this article, we'll explain why and which ingredients you should avoid.
What is sake?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness and inflammation on the face, especially around the nose.
As mentioned at the beginning, you may experience acne-like breakouts. You may also experience dry, rough skin and more visible blood vessels.
Your skin may feel hot or tingly during the onset of symptoms, and some people may experience thickening and stiffness in their skin as the condition worsens.
The cause of the disease is not well understood. However, it is known that the majority of patients are women in their 30s or older. It has also been pointed out that the disease may be related to the body's immune system, the balance of resident bacteria on the skin of the face, and allergies.
However, there is still no established treatment.
Rosacea breakouts are different from acne
Although they may look similar, rosacea and acne are different skin conditions and have different causes, so ingredients that are effective against acne, such as salicylic acid, may not necessarily be effective against rosacea.
Also, people with rosacea often have sensitive skin, so salicylic acid is likely too harsh for them.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). It is a chemical that dissolves dead skin cells on the skin. It is effective in removing dead skin cells and excess sebum from pores, and is said to help reduce inflammation and redness caused by acne.
It also promotes skin turnover, making your skin appear brighter.
However, it is known to be a strong irritant to the skin.
In addition, European countries such as Denmark have pointed out that it is a hormonal ingredient, and its use is prohibited in Europe for children under the age of three due to its effects on reproductive organs.
Does Salicylic Acid Work on Acne? The Effects and Risks
Why Salicylic Acid is Not Recommended for Rosacea
As mentioned earlier, there is no proven cure for rosacea.
However, in many cases, the skin is dry, so salicylic acid can be dangerous as it acts to forcefully strip the skin, potentially making the dryness worse.
Also, because the breakouts caused by rosacea are not acne, it is unclear whether removing sebum will improve the condition. It is too risky to try it without knowing the effectiveness.
What should I do if I have rosacea?
First, consult a dermatologist. They may prescribe oral medication that may be effective. Also, be sure to moisturize your skin to prevent it from getting worse due to dryness.
In addition to salicylic acid, it is also recommended to avoid the following ingredients that are too harsh:
Soap
Soap is weakly alkaline, which may not be suitable for dry skin. If your skin feels tight after washing your face, try using a mildly acidic cleanser instead of soap.
menthol
Menthol is a natural alcohol extracted from peppermint. It has a refreshing sensation, which is great when your skin feels hot.
However, it actually increases the risk of allergies , so it is not recommended for those with sensitive skin.
AHAs such as glycolic acid
Salicylic acid is not the only ingredient that has a peeling effect that removes dead skin cells.
Other AHAs, such as glycolic acid , malic acid , and lactic acid, also have a peeling effect. Like salicylic acid, they can be too harsh for sensitive skin, so it's best to avoid them.
About AHAs: 7 Benefits and Risks of Adding AHAs to Your Skin Care
Fragrances
Both synthetic fragrances and natural essential oils pose a high risk of allergies and can be very irritating to the skin. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend fragrance-free cosmetics.
Fragrance risks: Hidden skin hazards in cosmetic fragrances
ethanol
Although it feels refreshing, it may strip the oils on the surface of the skin and cause dryness to worsen. It is also very irritating to the skin, so it is best to avoid it, especially if it is highly concentrated. Be careful of not only ethanol but also denatured alcohol .
About ethanol: Should people with sensitive skin avoid it?
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CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.
Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we strictly adhere to our own safety standards and do not use 2,500 ingredients.
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*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.