India, Dec. 12 -- Anyone with acne issues may have been suggested products with salicylic acid, a powerhouse for dull or breakout-prone skin. For those who aren't familiar, salicylic acid works by penetrating deep into the pores to dissolve excess oil and sweep away dead skin cells. However, like any active ingredient, it needs to be used thoughtfully and with proper care.

Aesthetic dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director, Yavana Skin and Hair Clinic, tells Health Shots, "The increasing popularity of salicylic acid is due to its efficacy and relatively gentle profile compared to more aggressive treatments." She says that, unlike physical scrubs that primarily act on the skin's surface, salicylic acid is oil-soluble...