2. pH Matters
Salicylic acid is what is known as ‘pH dependent’. That means that its effectiveness is dependent on the pH level of its environment. Specifically, it requires a minimum acidity of 4 – with anything over 7 rendering it inert.
This is important to consider when thinking about formulations. If the pH level of the formula is too low, then it’s not going to be able to do its job properly – in fact, it will act just like water.
This can also be a bad thing though. Applying strongly acidic or alkaline substances to the face can actually damage the natural ‘skin barrier’ that helps to keep bacteria out and those all-important oils in.
With that in mind then, what is the answer? Look – we never said we’d be providing you with all the answers! The decisions you need to make yourself. At least now you are fully informed as to what you are using, and at least you know not to use too much.