What are the harmful effects of salicylic acid in acne treatment?

Acne is a symptom caused by endocrine disorders or other diseases. Acne can cause significant changes in the patient's appearance, and these changes are very ugly. In modern life, there are many ways to choose from for acne removal. For example, salicylic acid acne removal is a commonly used method. However, excessive use of salicylic acid is harmful to the body. Let’s take a look at the harms of salicylic acid acne removal.

Salicylic acid acts on the cells of the hair follicle wall, which can help clear blocked hair follicles, correct abnormal cell shedding, prevent pore blockage for mild acne, and is most effective for blackheads. It can reduce abnormal shedding of hair follicle walls and prevent the formation of new lesions, but it has no effect on reducing sebum secretion and eliminating Propionibacterium acnes.

The function of salicylic acid is to clean up aged cuticles to make the skin look more delicate and less prone to acne.

Side Effects of Salicylic Acid

Since high concentrations of salicylic acid can be harmful, the Department of Drug Administration of the Department of Health has limited the concentration of salicylic acid in cosmetics to between 0.2-1.5% since 1999. Cosmetics containing salicylic acid must be accompanied by a warning to ensure safety for long-term use, and are not allowed to be used by children under 3 years old.

●Local effects: Excessive removal of the stratum corneum will weaken the skin's defenses and erythema, itching, stinging or allergies may occur. Therefore, the use of salicylic acid requires enhanced moisturizing and repair, and it is best to avoid contact with the eyes, face, reproductive organs and mucous membranes. A small number of people may be allergic to salicylic acid and are not suitable for using salicylic acid of any concentration.

● Systemic symptoms: For general skin care and small-scale users, there should be no systemic side effects. However, patients who use salicylic acid over a large area (greater than 30% of the body area) or for a long time must pay special attention to the occurrence of salicylic acid poisoning effects. These symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and electrolyte imbalance. These symptoms are more likely to occur in children and patients with renal and liver dysfunction. If salicylic acid toxicity occurs, the drug should be discontinued immediately.