Some ingredients are so effective and popular that you start seeing them in every product. Retinol, for example, is making its way into body washes, while vitamin C is popping up in moisturizers, sunscreens, and lip balms. And at some point, you see them in hair products.
In recent years, chemical exfoliants have made a huge impression on the skincare world. Salicylic acid could be the next big thing for itchy, flaky scalps. Could salicylic acid shampoo work for your scalp? We’re here to help you understand its benefits!
How Salicylic Acid Works on the Scalp
Whether you are a skintellectual or Instagram dweller, you may have noticed the rise of chemical exfoliants, especially BHAs. BHAs, or beta hydroxy acids, are chemical exfoliants that help push oil out of pores. Salicylic is essentially the benchmark BHA.
Salicylic acid works to dissolve sebum and dead skin cells. In skin conditions like dandruff and psoriasis, dead skin cells tend to accumulate, forming patches of dry skin. Salicylic acid works to gently exfoliate those patchy spots, dissolving the “glue” that holds them together to eliminate them.
Willow bark: a natural option
For those who are worried about the word “chemical”, don’t worry! When done correctly, chemical exfoliation can be a safe and effective way to brighten skin and promote anti-aging. We call it “chemical” exfoliation because it dissolves oil and dead skin, creating a chemical change.
But for those who still prefer something more natural, there is willow bark! Willow bark has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is known to help relieve inflammation while cleansing pores with salicin, polyphenols, and tannins. Plus, it’s one of the main ingredients in our Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Cleanser!
Long Term Benefits of Salicylic Acid Shampoo
Above all, salicylic acid is praised for its pore-clarifying properties. And while it’s most commonly marketed for acne and blackheads, salicylic acid can work wonders for the scalp too!
One of the best ways to soothe the scalp and fight dandruff is to use salicylic acid shampoo. It can promote not only scalp clarity, but also healthier, thicker hair.
Salicylic acid shampoo can penetrate the scalp to remove the outer edge, gently cleansing your head skin. But what really makes salicylic acid so special is that it removes oil and dead skin cells without shocking or irritating the skin.
And scalp care is a big deal for hair longevity because hair growth starts at the root! When hair follicles are frequently damaged and inflamed, hair growth can decrease over time, which can lead to hair loss. When you use exfoliants like salicylic acid, you can minimize the risk of damage to protect your mane!
On top of that, salicylic acid can help treat dandruff while soothing itching and inflammation. It can even help with dermatitis and promote healthier hair growth.
Who should use salicylic acid shampoo?
As we can see, salicylic acid has tons of benefits for the scalp. But does everyone need salicylic acid shampoo in their hair routine? Not necessarily, but some people may benefit, especially those with the following conditions:
Dandruff
Dandruff is an extremely common scalp condition characterized primarily by itchy, flaky skin and dryness. Dandruff flakes can accumulate on the scalp over time until they break off and gather on the shoulders.
Salicylic acid shampoos can help eliminate the appearance of dandruff without creating dryness. at Fekkai Apple cider detox shampoo is perfectly balanced with salicylic acid and apple cider vinegar to nourish the entire strand from root to tip, while gently removing buildup from environmental pollution and hair products.
While salicylic acid removes dead skin and oil, apple cider vinegar helps prevent the buildup of bacteria known to cause dandruff and inflammation.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the scalp similar to dandruff, often characterized by flaking and itching. And although this condition is linked to dandruff, the flakes have a more oily consistency than dandruff.
Salicylic acid shampoo can help treat seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. It is recommended to stick with a dermatologist-approved product. Scalp Relief Shampoo by Derma E uses a doctor-developed and clinically tested formula that gently acts, cleanses, soothes and nourishes the scalp with a 100% vegan and cruelty-free formula.
Scalp Success with Salicylic Acid Shampoo
If you are considering using salicylic acid for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, it is recommended that you speak with your dermatologist first. But generally, it’s common to use salicylic acid at least twice a week or as directed by your doctor. When using, keep shampoo away from eyes and inside mouth and nose.
Although salicylic acid is effective, keep in mind that it takes about 28 days for a new skin cycle to begin, so it usually takes a month before the benefits of a new product begin to show. . You may not see the instant results of salicylic acid shampoo overnight, but it can create long-term benefits for you, your scalp, and your hair.
