How to Treat Dry, Bumpy Skin using Salicylic Acid

You've probably heard of Salicylic Acid. It was one of the first actives to find fame during the recent rise in skincare - but did you know that it can help to seriously improve dry, bumpy skin? If you're looking to upgrade your skin's texture, whether on your face or body (or both), this BHA is for you. Read on to savvy up on Salicylic.

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (also known as a BHA) most commonly used and associated with skin exfoliation. This powerful yet gentle active primarily works by breaking down dead skin cells to speed up your skin's cell turnover process, allowing fresh, healthy-looking skin to be exposed underneath. The result is skin that looks brighter and feels smooth to the touch.

What are the benefits of Salicylic Acid?

As with most acids, there are multiple benefits to reap from Salicylic aside from skin exfoliation. Here's what it can also do:

Has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties: super helpful if your skin is a little irritated and flared due to its bumpy texture.
Prevents against blemishes: as it helps to remove dead skin cells quicker than your usual shedding process, these cells are less likely to clog up your pores and therefore blemishes can be prevented.
Gentle on your skin: as a chemical exfoliant, its main benefit over physical exfoliants is its ability to exfoliate without causing aggression to your skin.

Does Salicylic Acid improve skin texture?

News flash: it's not just for blemish-prone skin. As a well-loved beta hydroxy acid, Salicylic Acid used at optimum levels and combined with moisturising actives can be very effective at improving your skin's texture; helping to reduce bumps and rough areas. Its far-reaching benefits at exfoliating the skin for both your face and body makes it an essential, go-to acid if you are looking to smooth the texture of your skin on a long-term basis.

How does Salicylic Acid help treat dry, bumpy skin on your face and body?

If you have Keratosis Pilaris (also known as 'chicken skin') or Psoriasis-prone skin, optimum levels of Salicylic Acid can effectively improve its rough texture by reducing scaling, and help to prevent its recurrence. When combined with more moisturising actives like ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, as formulated into the CeraVe SA smoothing range, the result is a skin texture that is not only smoother but also packed with hydration. Think of it as an overall upgrade for the health of your skin combined with a smoother texture for skin that is prepped for summer.

How do I implement Salicylic Acid into my skincare routine?

As with most acids, it's a good idea to introduce Salicylic into your routine moderately so that your skin has time to build up toleration. We recommend CeraVe's SA smoothing range as a perfect starter point for incorporating Salicylic Acid into your regime as the formula is also formulated with gentle, moisturising ingredients like Ceramides, Urea and Hyaluronic Acid.

For cleansing: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, £12

A new industry icon with a proven track record for clearing up rough, bumpy skin, the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser provides gentle exfoliation and deep hydration. Your go-to cleanser for clearing away those pesky small bumps on your forehead or to just smooth your overall complexion, use this gel cleanser both morning and night. This multi-functional salicylic cleanser can also be used on your body so feel free to pop one in your shower rack, too.

How to use it: Simply take one pump and massage onto wet skin before rinsing away with water.

Sonya from Face The Future says...

"The CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is great as it gently exfoliates thanks to the salicylic acid, but it doesn’t strip the skin. It can also be used on the body."

For moisturising: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream, £18

If you have Keratosis Pilaris, also known as 'chicken skin', on the backs of your arms or on your legs, the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream is your skin's saving grace. Formulated with ceramides, CeraVe's principal ingredient, as well as Salicylic Acid, this body cream gently exfoliates whilst helping to retain your skin's moisture barrier and locking in hydration.

How to use it: Use as liberally as you need - swipe the cream across your whole body or in targeted areas and massage in until fully absorbed.

Antony from Face The Future says...

"I love applying this on damp skin immediately after getting out of the shower. The salicylic acid works to gently exfoliate and the urea aids in attracting and locking in moisture. My skin has never felt so soft and smooth!"