Salicylic acid: composition and contraindications, use for acne

Composition and release form

The drug contains the active component salicylic acid, excipients: ethyl alcohol 70% and petroleum jelly in the ointment. Depending on the concentration of the finished product, the amount of the main ingredient varies from 1 to 2 g.

Salicylic acid is dispensed in the form of an alcohol solution in a dark glass bottle of 25 and 40 ml with attached instructions on the label. Concentration possible: 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%.

There is also an ointment with salicylic acid 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% and 10%. Volume 25 g, packaged in aluminum tubes or glass jars.

Salicylic acid: for ingrown hairs

Salicylic acid is good for ingrown hairs, which often appear after hair removal and depilation. Ingrown hairs can cause serious discomfort and often lead to inflammation. Conventional measures such as scrub or massage with a hard washcloth are not always effective, and they are irritating to the skin.

Peeling with salicylic acid is much gentler. Gradually thinning the upper layer of the epidermis, salicylic acid allows you to painlessly release ingrown hair and relieve inflammation of the hair follicles.

Pharmacological effect

The medicine is intended for local use. The therapeutic effect is determined by anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, keratolytic, distracting and drying effects.

At a high concentration of salicylic acid, the drug has an inhibitory effect on microbial proteins. Has a high effect on nerve receptors. Helps reduce pain, improves tissue nutrition and effectively fights the causes of pathologies.

As a result of the high content of the active substance, there is an effect on the sebaceous and sweat glands. Therefore, it is active for the treatment of seborrhea, pimples, acne, and also for the care of oily skin types.

At low concentrations, salicylic acid has a weak antimicrobial effect. Since it belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it has a number of therapeutic properties:

1. Relieves tissue swelling.
2. Stops itching.
3. Has a vasoconstrictor effect.
4. Suppresses the inflammatory process.

The drug is able to delicately remove the top layer of skin, promoting its further regeneration. Salicylic acid normalizes the structure of cell membranes, cleanses and narrows pores, and organizes the outflow of sebaceous secretions. Therefore, it is considered an essential medicine against burns, dandruff, wounds and other dermatological diseases.

When used externally, the therapeutic effect is observed after 3-5 hours. Excreted by the kidneys, unchanged in the amount of 6%.

Pharmacology

Salicylic acid can be bought at a pharmacy and has the following properties:

• has an antibacterial effect;
• reduces inflammation;
• relieves itching and swelling of tissues;
• helps cleanse infected and purulent wounds, suppresses pathogenic microflora;
• regulates the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands (narrows pores, accelerates the outflow of sebum);
• penetrates deeply into the layers of the skin;
• has a keratolytic effect, gently exfoliates keratinized areas and promotes rapid tissue regeneration;
• used as a local distraction and irritant.

Indications

Salicylic acid can be used as monotherapy and complex action. In both cases it is able to treat the following conditions:

• Psoriasis.
• Ichthyosis.
• Seborrhea.
• Warts.
• Pimples.
• Acne.
• Burns.
• Wound surface.
• High sweating of the lower extremities.
• Calluses, corns.
• Hair loss.
• Thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.

Indications for use

Salicylic acid is used in monotherapy and in combination with other drugs.

In dermatology, the main indications for use are infectious skin lesions (pyoderma, lichen, mycosis of the feet), including those caused by improper functioning of the sebaceous glands (acne, acne, seborrhea).

As a distraction and pain reliever, salicylic acid is used for gout, rheumatism, and arthritis.

Effective for the treatment of weeping wounds and the speedy healing of burns. Can be used for psoriasis, ichthyosis and chronic eczema.

In cosmetology it is used for hyperhidrosis and hyperkeratosis, to remove warts, calluses and corns.

Instructions for use

Salicylic acid is used externally. The course of treatment is calculated according to the course of the diagnosis, skin condition and age of the patient.

Based on the instructions, the drug in the form of an alcohol solution should be applied no more than 3 times a day. The daily dose should not exceed 10 ml for adults and 1 ml for children. Duration of therapy is 1 week.

When using salicylic acid ointment, the skin must first be prepared. First, wash with soap and then dry. For better pharmacological action, the surface of the epidermis is treated with additional antimicrobial agents, then the area is lubricated with salicylic ointment with a concentration of 1% or 2%. The affected area is bandaged, and after 6 hours the bandage is replaced.

Hyperhidrosis of the palms and feet is eliminated with special powders containing the active substance. It should be used regularly, the course depends on the severity of symptoms.

For ear pathologies, drops based on salicylic acid are used. The duration of therapy is prescribed by the doctor.

How to treat acne with salicylic acid

The antiseptic drug effectively fights pimples, acne and other pathologies that are accompanied by dysfunction of the sebaceous glands.

Lotions are made for this. The skin is pre-cleansed and dried. Soak a cotton swab in a salicylic acid solution and wipe your face. For small and rare rashes, they are burned with the drug locally using a cotton swab.

After the procedure, the face must be washed and lubricated with moisturizer.

It is recommended to carry out treatment no more than 2 times a week. Duration of the course until acne disappears.

Salicylic alcohol in cosmetics. Pros, cons and uses

Salicylic alcohol is very often used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. It can be found in many antibacterial products intended to treat skin defects. For many manufacturers, salicylic acid has become the main component that ensures the effectiveness of acne and acne products.

In pharmacies you can buy salicylic alcohol in its pure form; it is available in small dark glass bottles of 25, 30 or 50 ml and is a 1 or 2% solution of salicylic acid. Sometimes you can find salicylic alcohol in more attractive plastic packaging with a bright label. An imported analogue may cost much more and have a completely different name, but its quality will not differ noticeably.

Salicylic alcohol is still used by many as a remedy for acne, although the days when special creams for problem skin were not available are long gone.

If you want to try the effect of salicylic acid on yourself, then when choosing a remedy for acne, first of all, of course, you should pay attention to ready-made cosmetics made from natural ingredients , which contain it. Such preparations are balanced, and therefore the likelihood of over-feeding the skin or, conversely, not providing it with proper care is reduced. They are easier to use and you don’t have to expect any negative consequences from them, which cannot be said about using pure salicylic alcohol.

Beneficial effects of salicylic alcohol:

Salicylic acid in natural cosmetics performs many functions, having the following effects:

• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antifungal;
• cleansing;
• drying;
• exfoliating

By acting on the skin, it helps to soften the upper layer of the epidermis, which facilitates the removal of the stratum corneum. Penetrating into the pores, salicylic acid frees the skin from sebaceous plugs and impurities. Having an antibacterial effect, it prevents the penetration of bacteria, which protects even damaged skin from infections. Relieving redness and inflammation, it tightens pores and prepares the skin for further care.

Salicylic acid can also often be found in cosmetics against age spots or scar treatments, since in the right proportions it has a slight whitening effect and promotes skin regeneration.

As for the use of salicylic alcohol in its pure form, those who want to save money will have to remember a few simple rules:

1. It is best to apply pure salicylic acid to the spot. If you have a painful pimple, blot it with a cotton swab dipped in a solution of salicylic acid. This is most effective against acne. Only those with very oily skin can wipe their entire face with salicylic acid, although even in this case it is necessary to dilute it with water, otherwise the water balance of the skin may be disrupted, which will first lead to drying out of the skin, and subsequently to even greater secretion of sebum.
2. It is necessary to start with the smallest concentration (1% salicylic acid solution) when preparing the skin. Excessive application of too strong a solution can again dry out the skin, causing peeling.
3. Salicylic acid should be applied to clean skin, and approximately 15 minutes after application, the face should be rinsed with water. This scheme of use will protect you from possible side effects, as well as from drying out.

The use of salicylic acid is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those with dry or flaky skin.

To fully enjoy the amazing effect of salicylic acid and not spoil the impression, actively use moisturizing and nourishing products when using it. Take breaks from use so as not to cause skin addiction, use salicylic acid in courses lasting no more than six to seven weeks, and a positive result will not be long in coming!

How to treat warts with salicylic acid

Due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial effect, salicylic acid is used to remove papillomas. Use a solution and ointment of high concentration:

1. Solution - take 5% or 10% product. Treat warts before going to bed once a day, avoiding getting the drug on healthy areas. In the morning, wash off with warm water.
2. Ointment - used to treat papillomas of various shapes. Frequency of use: 1 time every 2 days. Recommended for adults and children over 2 years old.

The duration of taking salicylic acid is no more than a week.

How to peel with salicylic acid

To prepare peeling at home, you need to mix 1 tablet of Acetylsalicylic acid, 1/2 teaspoons of water and 1 teaspoon of honey or olive oil.

The finished mixture is applied to clean facial skin for 20-25 minutes. Afterwards, the composition is removed and the face is lubricated with a nourishing cream. Course duration is 8-10 procedures 1-2 times a week.

Thanks to the procedure, it is possible to normalize the condition of the epidermis, improve color, eliminate oily shine, remove pigmentation and fine wrinkles.

Salicylic alcohol for acne. Contraindications and recommendations

Since salicylic acid is a drug, it is extremely important to read the list of contraindications before using it:

• If salicylic alcohol is used for acne and after application the skin begins to peel off severely, then the solution must be replaced with an alcohol-free solution. If even after using it nothing has changed, then it is better not to use the solution at all, since the number of acne may, on the contrary, increase.
• You should not use the product if your skin is very dry. Since the lotion has drying properties, such procedures will not benefit already dry skin. The solution can be used for combination skin types.
• During the period of bearing a child, it is better to avoid using the drug.

Important! Be sure to conduct a sensitivity test before using a salicylic drug. Apply a little product to your wrist and hold for 15-20 minutes. If redness, itching, rash, and inflammation appear, do not use the composition under any circumstances! This can cause serious consequences.

To treat acne with salicylic lotion at home successfully, you must follow several recommendations for its use:

1. Anti-acne acid should have a concentration of no more than 2%. If the drug is used for the first time, then it is better to choose a 1% solution.
2. Apply the mixture pointwise to problem areas, but under no circumstances wipe the entire face with it. The latter can only be done if an alcohol-free lotion is used.
3. It is necessary to carefully cauterize the pimple until you feel a slight tingling sensation. But here it is important not to overdo it, so as not to get burned.
4. A few minutes after the procedure, rinse the epidermis with cool water.
5. Do not use the drug with other drying agents. Without any auxiliary means, it perfectly dries out problem areas, and such a combination will have a detrimental effect on the condition of the epidermis.
6. You should not use the product for more than 2 months. In this case, the skin simply gets used to the product, and it does not help. After two months of use, it is better to take a two-week break, after which you can resume the procedures.