Comedonal acne & Salicyclic Acid

• Comedones are the skin coloured, small

bumps (papules) frequently found on
forehead and chin of those with acne.

• Comedonal acne  is a pattern of acne in

which most lessions are comedones
• Comedonal acne most often affects forehead
and chin
• Blackheads (open comedones) appear as dark
brown/black dots at the surface of the pore.
• Blackheads are often found on the nose, but can
also appear on other areas of the face and body.

• Whiteheads (closed comedones) are small, 1-

2mm bumps in the skin.
• Whiteheads are located deeper in the pore with
only a microscopic opening to the skin surface.
Since the air cannot reach the follicle, the
material is not oxidized and remains white or has
the appearance of being “closed”
• Comedones arise when cells lining the
sebaceous duct proliferate and there is
increased sebum production
• A comedo is formed by the debris blocking the
sebaceous duct and hair follicle. And
comedones also involve inflammation.
• Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark
• Salicylic acid is FDA approved anti acne
medical ingredient.
• This is the best ingredient for the treatment
for the treatment of clogged pores.
• Salicylic acid is “fat-loving” or lipophilic beta
hydroxyl acid.
• Salicylic acid able to penetrate into the oil
gland makes it highly effective at binding to
and melting the keratin plugs that clog the
skin pores(keratolytic).
• Salicylic acid speeds up cell turn over rate
• It exfoliates, help the skin to shed dead skin
cells more effectively
 Anti-acne effects
• Salicylic acid destroys the P.acnes bacteria
• Salicylic acid can help reduce redness, acne
inflammation, and swelling
• Because oil solubility, salicylic acid can
penetrate and unclog pores
 Side effects
• Salicylic acid can irritate or make dry skin for
sensitive skin or who overuse it

• Dryness
• Skin peeling
• Irritation
• Redness