Breakouts Explained
While facial breakouts are most common in teenagers, they can also be an issue throughout the 20's, 30's and even into the 40's. For some, acne may appear for the first time in adulthood. In general, the causes of facial breakouts in adults are the same as those in teenagers. Acne is usually related to increased sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance naturally produced by the skin. Excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells that build up in pores, resulting in a clogged pore. The sebum in the clogged pore promotes the growth of a certain bacteria, P. Acnes, which is always present in the skin. The result of this bacterial growth is aggravated skin. This leads to the redness associated with pimples.
Salicylic Acid: How Does It Work?
If you look closely at the labels of many acne medications, you'll notice that the ingredient in most is salicylic acid. Salicyic acid is a member of a class of ingredients known as keratolytics. Keratolytics work by softening the top layer of the skin (epidermis), making it easier to remove dead and shedding skin cells.
Acne occurs in part when there is a buildup of dead skin cells in the pores. Salicylic acid helps increase the shedding of the skin cells inside the pores and prevents the clogging that, along with oil and bacteria, can produce pimples.
Several products use salicylic acid in combination with other ingredients. Recent studies show that by removing the dead skin cells first, salicylic acid can enable additional pimple-fighting ingredients to penetrate deep into the pores and more effectively remove dirt and oil.
Salicylic acid is available in creams, lotions, and gels. Over-the-counter products (items available without a prescription) typically contain 0.5 to 2 percent salicylic acid. Dermatologists recommend that you apply products with salicylic acid less frequently when you first begin, with a gradual increase in the frequency of use once your skin has adjusted.
You may find that it takes several weeks to see results. Be patient. Used regularly, products containing salicylic acid are a proven method for managing acne and helping prevent future breakouts.