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WHAT IS SALICYLIC ACID AND HOW DOES IT BENEFIT SKIN?

Finding products that suit your skin type and support your skin goals is a key step on your journey to a fresh, radiant complexion. A single ingredient to promote purified, radiant and smooth skin sounds too good to be true, and yet salicylic acid skincare might be just that. Offering a host of benefits, this naturally occurring ingredient can leave you with brighter, more refreshed skin. Whether you want to support acne-prone skin or prevent signs of aging, read on to discover Lancôme’s range of salicylic acid products and learn how implement them into your skincare regimen.

How Does Salicylic Acid Benefit Skin

What is salicylic acid?

Derived from the bark of willow trees, salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA, touted for its skin smoothing and balancing properties. As a chemical exfoliant, salicylic acid is oil soluble, which means it can reach deep into pores to clear away debris and excess oils. Left unchecked, natural skin oils can build up and lead to breakouts, dull looking skin and a shiny appearance. So, what does salicylic acid do exactly? Let’s examine the benefits.


Salicylic acid benefits

Salicylic acid can support an array of skin concerns through its exfoliating properties. No matter your skin type, implementing a well-balanced salicylic acid product into your routine can be valuable in attaining dreamy skin. Salicylic acid benefits on skin can include:

  • Supporting acne prone skin
  • Reducing the appearance of blackheads
  • Promoting youthful looking skin
  • Encouraging a smoother complexion

Read on to learn how salicylic acid skincare can help you reach your skin goals.


Salicylic acid for acne prone skin

While there are a variety of factors that contribute to breakouts, many people with acne-prone skin see visible improvements after using salicylic acid products. Pores can become clogged over time as skin oil, makeup residue and debris accumulate, which can eventually lead to breakouts. It’s important to unclog and purify the pores regularly to help prevent these kinds of skin concerns.

A salicylic acid infused spot treatment can be beneficial to support acne prone skin, so try the Clarifique Spot Eraser. Enriched with a powerful combination of salicylic acid, ellagic acid, and vitamin C, this formula can target dark spots and pigmentation and promote skin cell turnover.


Salicylic acid for reducing blackheads

Formed when excess oil interacts with dead skin cells, blackheads appear as tiny black specs on the skin and act as a plug, blocking pores. Salicylic acid benefits for skin include helping to reduce blackheads by promoting skin cell renewal. A salicylic acid formula can clear away dead skin cells before they have a chance to develop into black heads, and for those already formed, the ingredient can dissolve dead skin cell build up.

The Clarifique Watery Emulsion helps to diminish the appearance of blackheads while encouraging brighter, tighter, smoother skin with a combination of salicylic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide.


Process of skin ageing

Salicylic acid for supporting aging skin

Refined texture and radiant skin can supported with salicylic acid skincare. As a BHA, salicylic acid assists in the skin renewal process by promoting cell turnover and collagen production which contributes to plumped skin. Through exfoliation salicylic acid can have a skin refining effect, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and contributing to a brighter complexion.

Use the Clarifique Cleansing Foam as part of your anti-aging skincare routine to reveal a youthful glow and a uniform complexion.


Salicylic acid for a smoother complexion

A build up of dead skin cells can contribute to uneven skin texture, so if your complexion is rough to the touch, it might be time to implement salicylic acid skincare into your routine. Regular use of a well-balanced salicylic acid product can help target this skin concern by clearing away dead cells, helping you attain smoother, softer skin.

Use the Clarifique Milky Day Cream in the AM and PM to nurture plump skin. The formula features an infusion of targeted ingredients that aim to leave you with a radiant, mattified finish.

Anti aging serums

How to use salicylic acid for your skin type

The frequency with which to use salicylic acid products in your skincare routine differs depending on skin type. To get the most out of salicylic acid skincare, correct usage for your skin type is essential.

  • Oily skin may benefit from daily use of gentle salicylic acid skincare to support sebum regulation and purify the pores.
  • Dry skin types can be more sensitive to BHAs, so begin by implementing a mild salicylic acid product weekly and build up frequency as required.
  • Combination skin tends to involve an oily t-zone and dryness elsewhere, so use a salicylic acid spot treatment where needed.


  • Salicylic acid skincare is great for targeting different skin concerns, but if you’re looking for some more indulgent skincare, discover Lancôme’s at home spa day routine.

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