Comparison of Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid in the Treatment of Periceratous Keratosis
Periceratous keratosis is often a skin disease that plagues everyone. Its symptoms are mostly keratinocytes at the mouth of the hair follicle or keratinized papules that are consistent with the pores, and the appearance is unsightly. In the field of skin treatment, glycolic acid and salicylic acid are commonly used in the treatment of periceratous keratosis. They have their own characteristics and have similarities and differences in efficacy.

Glycolic acid belongs to the family of fruit acids, with tiny molecules that can easily penetrate deep into the skin. It can loosen the adhesion between keratinocytes, causing the excessive accumulation of the stratum corneum to fall off naturally, and promoting the acceleration of skin metabolism. After the application of glycolic acid, the rough keratin in the peri-hairy keratosis gradually softens and peels off, and the skin surface tends to be smooth. And glycolic acid can stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the dermis, and long-term use can improve the texture of the skin and make the color more uniform. However, it is more intense, and the first-time users may feel slight tingling and redness in the skin. Those with sensitive skin should be especially cautious. The concentration and frequency of use should be gradual.

Salicylic acid, a fat-soluble organic acid, can penetrate deep into the hair follicles and dissolve the mixture of sebum and keratin blocked inside. In the treatment of peri-hairy keratosis, it can effectively clean the mouth of the hair follicle and reduce the formation of keratin thrombosis, thereby relieving the blockage of the hair follicle and alleviating the symptoms of Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve the slight inflammation associated with pericarp keratosis and reduce local redness. However, although salicylic acid is relatively mild, if used improperly, if the concentration is too high or for too long, it may also cause dry skin, desquamation, and damage the skin barrier.

Comparing the two, glycolic acid focuses on keratin renewal and skin regeneration, which has a good effect on improving skin roughness and enhancing gloss; salicylic acid focuses on hair follicle cleansing and inflammation suppression, and is better at relieving hair follicle blockage and inflammation. At the time of clinical treatment, the choice should be based on the patient's skin type, the severity of pericarp keratosis and tolerance. If it is oily skin and has obvious inflammation, salicylic acid may be the first choice; if the skin is dry and rough, it is tolerant to irritation, and glycolic acid may bring better results.

When using these two to treat periceratosis, you should pay attention to the correct usage and dosage. Try it on a small area of skin first, observe its reaction, and then gradually expand the scope of use. And daily attention should be paid to skin moisturization and sun protection to protect skin health and achieve the best therapeutic effect.