How to use salicylic acid for acne Salicylic acid for acne. Phenolic acid is used for various types of acne

Pimples are a litmus test, signaling problems in the body. And although many people think that acne appears only in adolescents in adolescence, this statement is far from the truth. A rash can develop in anyone, regardless of age.

Drugs that are used to combat acne, the pharmacological industry today offers a huge variety. However, despite this, salicylic acid for acne has not lost ground for many years and is especially popular as a way to deal with rashes. The drug effectively cleanses the skin and in a short time helps to cope with the inflammatory process.

Salicylic acid is an antiseptic drug used externally against acne, rashes, oily seborrhea. It is also used for rheumatism and arthritis as a rub.

Salicylic acid (also known as salicylic alcohol) is an inexpensive and effective remedy used to treat skin rashes. You can buy it at any pharmacy, the average price is from 20 to 30 rubles. The medicine has anti-inflammatory, exfoliating and antibacterial properties.

Dosage form

Salicylic acid is sold in the pharmacy network in the following dosage forms:

• solution or salicylic alcohol, for external use (1% percent, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10% percent);
• alcohol-free lotion with salicylic alcohol;
• salicylic ointment is a very potent remedy, if used incorrectly, it can cause burns.

What effect does salicylic acid have?

• exfoliating (removes old dead cells);
• cleansing (opens clogged pores of the skin);
• anti-inflammatory (relieves inflammation from the skin);
• antiseptic;
• normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands;
• removes pigmentation.

Indications for use

Let's get acquainted with those cases when salicylic acid is recommended for skin problems:

• papules and pustules;
• acne spots (pigmentation);
• black dots on the skin;
• oily skin, excessive sebum secretion.

The use of salicylic acid in combination with glycolic acid gives a more noticeable result on problem skin. A peeling effect occurs when comedones that provoke an inflammatory process disappear from the surface of the skin. And the skin increases its ability to recover. The treatment method is suitable for people who suffer from a mild form of acne, and for advanced cases.

Why salicylic acid is used in the fight against acne

Let's take a closer look at how salicylic acid works, which is used to treat rashes.

1. The drug destroys pathogenic bacteria, prevents their reproduction and prevents spread to a healthy area of ​​the skin. As a result, the size of acne quickly decreases, and the brightness of redness becomes mild. As for the production of sebum, this process is regulated, as a result of which the rashes become smaller.
2. The number of black dots is also reduced, as some of them dissolve under the influence of salicylic acid.
3. The drug acts on the skin no worse than a scrub. Dead skin cells are exfoliated, and the plugs in the follicles are softened. For a relatively short period of time, you can improve the picture of even neglected rashes.
4. Thanks to salicylic acid, the skin can restore the beauty that is disturbed due to dark spots. They form at the site of acne and are known as post-acne. The drug is able to penetrate deep enough into the pores, which stimulates the process of blood circulation in all skin layers. As a result, the process of tissue renewal proceeds faster, and post-acne symptoms become less pronounced.

How to use

To obtain the expected effect, you must adhere to some recommendations. Before use, you should familiarize yourself with them in more detail.

1. Cleanse the face or the area of ​​the skin to be treated from cream, mascara and other cosmetics, wash with warm water and dry the skin.
2. If there are few acne, then salicylic acid should be applied pointwise. If there are a lot of rashes, then a cotton pad with a product applied to it is used. Leather should be wiped in one direction. There is a slight tingling sensation at the application site.
3. The procedure is recommended to be carried out 1-2 times a day, until improvements are noticeable. In order not to cause overdrying of the skin, it is necessary to apply salicylic acid exclusively to the sites of rashes.
4. It is recommended to use a 1% solution of salicylic acid.

Precautionary measures

It is worth noting that salicylic acid is an unsafe agent, so some rules must be observed when using it.

1. It is strongly not recommended to use this drug if it has a concentration greater than 1% or 2%. Otherwise, you can get skin burns or dry it out.
2. You can not apply salicylic acid to those areas where moles, warts, birthmarks are located.
3. Apply the drug should be extremely careful, preventing it from getting on the mucous membranes, open wounds, in the eyes.
4. If the skin begins to peel off, then the use of the drug should be discontinued or a lower concentration should be used.
5. In order not to cause a severe chemical burn, salicylic acid should not be applied with massaging or rubbing movements. Acid helps to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin. If the agent begins to be actively rubbed, then it will come into contact with the lower layers. And this can provoke a severe burn with subsequent scar formation.

Fixing the result

Using salicylic alcohol, you can get a fairly quick positive effect. However, in order for acne to no longer make itself felt, it is necessary to consolidate the result. That is why the procedure should be repeated. How often to do it? It all depends on the type of skin.

1. Oily skin. The procedure for cauterizing acne should be carried out, for example, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. If the skin reacts too painfully, the number of days should be reduced and replaced with an ointment, which includes salicylic alcohol. If the skin reaction is normal, then another procedure can be added.
2. Combined. Processing is carried out on Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays. If the result is far from desired, then use the recommendations for oily skin.
3. Normal and dry skin types are generally not prone to breakouts. However, in the event of acne, a single treatment will suffice.

The described technique is suitable if the entire face is treated. If the cauterization is local, then it is possible to carry out the treatment every day, it is better to choose the evening.

Contraindications and side effects

However, along with the positive aspects, there are also prohibitions on the use. When salicylic acid is categorically contraindicated:

• individual immunity;
• kidney failure;
• children under 14 years of age;
• pregnant women due to the fact that the drug can cause the development of Reye's syndrome in the unborn baby.

After the use of salicylic acid, undesirable consequences such as:

• skin irritation, redness, itching;
• allergy;
• dry skin;
• burns.

Those who used salicylic acid to fight acne are generally satisfied with the result of the treatment and leave positive feedback about the drug. In some cases, it is said about an allergic skin reaction, as well as problems that have arisen due to the active rubbing of the product. Salicylic acid will help get rid of acne and pigmentation, but you should remember the precautions when using it.

In the treatment of acne, salicylic acid is effective, which can be bought at any pharmacy. This remedy is found in many cosmetic products, but it is more effective to use it in its pure form. This option will not only bring significant benefits, but also save money.

properties of salicylic acid

• anti-inflammatory;
• antiseptic;
• exfoliating (keratolic);
• drying;
• slight discoloration;
• regulation of sebum secretion;
• stimulation of blood flow.

Under the influence of salicylic acid, the surface layer of the skin is disinfected, and invariably existing bacteria are destroyed. The tool dries the skin, but at the same time the formation of sebum is reduced. The number of inflammations is reduced, and the antiseptic effect of the remedy prevents the appearance of new acne.

The drying effect of salicylic acid is excellent for comedones on oily skin. Its characteristic oily sheen is reduced, and blackheads become less visible due to the bleaching effect.

Indications for use

• oily skin with an unpleasant shine, enlarged pores, blackheads;
• normal or combination skin with rashes and comedones;
• dry skin with minor rashes, post-acne.

Release form

• alcohol solution - 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10%;
• ointment - 2, 5, 10 and 60%;
• tablets (acetylsalicylic acid,);
• lotion;
• tonic;
• mask;
• scrub;
• corrector (tonal basis).

Alcohol solutions used to treat seborrhea, acne, chronic eczema and lichen (pityriasis). Apply such funds pointwise to the affected areas of the skin. The maximum course of treatment with an alcohol solution is one week.

To salicylic ointment resorted not only to get rid of acne, but also to treat psoriasis (exacerbation period), warts and calluses. The treatment course should not exceed 3 weeks.

Acetylsalicylic acid tablets have a wider spectrum of action. In addition to the standard anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action, they have an antipyretic and analgesic effect. According to the instructions, the tablets are used orally for a number of diseases, but for the treatment of acne, the medicine is used externally.

salicylic lotions differ in antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The concentration of the active substance in lotions is less, so such products can be used regularly.

Ways to use salicylic acid for acne

masks

The easiest way to make a mask is pure salicylic acid. In this case, you need an alcohol solution (the concentration should be selected individually) and cotton swabs. A stick dipped in a solution should be pointwise treated for inflammation and left for 15-20 minutes. The composition must be washed off with plain water.

Another option is a mask based on cosmetic clay (preferably white or blue). You need to dilute the clay in the right proportion (indicated on the package) or take a ready-made mask and add 15-20 drops of salicylic acid there. Leave the mask on the skin for 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

A clay and badyagi mask with salicylic acid works well. You need to mix clay and bodyagi in equal parts, pour warm water, mix thoroughly and add 20 drops of salicylic alcohol. This composition is applied for 15 minutes and is done no more than once a week.

A mask of salicylic acid, streptocide and chloramphenicol has a noticeable effect - it is often called a "talker". In a bottle with an alcohol solution (1 or 2%), you need to add 5 powdered tablets of chloramphenicol and 2 packs of streptocide powder. All this must be shaken and insisted for several hours in the refrigerator. The resulting mixture should be applied at night and only on inflamed skin. This mask is done in a three-day course with a break of 2 weeks.

Another is prepared from salicylic acid, clindamycin, boric and ethyl alcohol. To prepare the product, you need to take 4 tablets (grind) of acetylsalicylic acid and 50 ml of boric and ethyl alcohol. It is better to use this composition at night - just wipe the problem areas with it and apply a moisturizer after 5 minutes.

An anti-inflammatory and healing effect is provided by a mummy mask with salicylic acid. The ingredients must be mixed in a ratio of 2: 1 and applied pointwise. You can use this tool every 2-3 days.

Salicylic acne peel

For home peeling, soak 2 teaspoons of wheat bran in water and add a crushed aspirin tablet or a few drops of salicylic alcohol to it. The resulting scrub should massage the skin for several minutes, and then wash.

Another option for a salicylic peel is to dissolve an aspirin tablet in a spoonful of water and add honey (a teaspoon) or egg yolk. The thoroughly mixed composition should be thinly distributed on the skin and kept for only 5 minutes.

Salicylic peeling with lemon juice is no less effective. You need to crush 4 aspirin tablets and add them to a teaspoon of lemon juice. The mixture should be kept for 5-10 minutes. Such peeling is not washed off with water, but neutralized with a soda solution (dissolve a teaspoon of soda in a glass of water).

salicylic acne lotion

To prepare a tonic concentrate, pour 1 tbsp. l. flowers 100 ml salicylic alcohol. After a day, the mixture must be filtered. This remedy must be diluted with water - one glass per tablespoon of concentrate. With this tonic, you need to wipe the problem areas 1-2 times a day, avoiding contact with the eyes.

Lotion with salicylic acid can be made on the basis of chamomile decoction. For 100 ml of decoction, you need a few drops of salicylic acid. You can also add a little essential oil to the product. With this lotion, you can wipe your face 1-2 times a day, and with severe acne, make compresses for problem areas for 5-10 minutes.

cream

You can go the easy way and just add a few drops of salicylic acid to the finished cream - it is better to take neutral products from the line for children.

Cream for problem skin can be made completely independently. Often gelatin is taken as the basis. You need to dissolve it according to the recipe (indicated on the package), add honey, glycerin and salicylic acid. To prepare gelatin, it is better to take not ordinary, but mineral water. For a tablespoon of gelatin, you need 4 tablespoons of honey, 50 ml of glycerin (sold in pharmacies) and salicylic powder on the tip of a knife. Homemade cream can only be stored in the refrigerator and no more than one month.

Salicylic ointment for acne

Where to buy and how much?

• an alcohol solution of salicylic acid 1-2% costs an average of 15-30 rubles;
• you can buy acetylsalicylic acid in tablets for 7-15 rubles;
• salicylic ointment (2%) costs between 25-50 rubles;

Contraindications, precautions

• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• children's age (up to 12 years);
• individual intolerance;
• combined use with other drugs;
• herpes;
• inflammation in the acute phase.

After using products with salicylic acid or a component in its pure form, it is worth limiting your exposure to the sun or in the solarium - this can cause pigmentation.

Salicylic acid should be used with caution on dry skin. This tool has a drying and exfoliating effect, so you need to limit yourself to a minimum concentration and use a moisturizer. For dry skin, the product can only be applied locally to problem areas.

Salicylic acid can cause allergic reactions, so before the first use, the product should be tested - it is better on the bend of the elbow, and not on the face.

When doing home peeling, you should limit yourself to a superficial procedure. More serious events should be carried out only by specialists. The acid concentration should be chosen as low as possible.

Salicylic acid is an antiseptic for external use, this drug has keratolytic properties, accelerates the desquamation of keratinized skin and normalizes the keratinization process. The drug is successfully used to treat acne of varying severity. Salicylic acid for acne is applied in the form of an alcohol solution or topical lotion.

The drug can be used for closed and open comedones in patients with a fatty type of dermis, however, with inflamed, purulent elements, this remedy will be ineffective. For the treatment of acne vulgaris, ointments based on zinc, benzoyl peroxide are more suitable.

Salicylic acid for acne softens and dissolves plugs in the mouths of the sebaceous glands, accelerates the renewal of the upper layer of the epidermis, reduces the production of oily secretions, and has drying properties. With regular use, post-acne traces are smoothed out, face shine is eliminated, enlarged pores are narrowed.

Thanks to the antiseptic action, the growth and reproduction of bacteria stops, which reduces the risk of inflammation and suppuration. Salicylic acid from acne on the face causes overdrying of the skin, this should be taken into account for people with a sensitive type of dermis. In swarthy patients, the drug may leave light spots. For the treatment of acne, a lotion containing 0.5, 1 or 2 percent of active ingredients is used.

Contraindications

• vulgar, phlegmonous acne;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• individual intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid;
• kidney failure;
• dry, sensitive skin;
• swarthy dermis.

Before starting treatment, you should consult a dermatologist. Improper use of the drug can cause the development of an allergic reaction, damage to soft tissues, increase irritation, itching, redness, swelling and other uncomfortable sensations.

If an alcohol-based salicylic acne solution causes dry skin, then it is recommended to additionally use glycolic, acrylic acid, they act more gently, help get rid of blackheads, maintain water balance, and give a peeling effect. Panthenol, Bepanten cream also helps to cope with excessive dryness.

You should not use salicylic acid ointment with a tendency to form comedones, the drug is made on a fatty basis, which contributes to even greater blockage of the sebaceous glands with further inflammation. Such a tool can be smeared pointwise on purulent acne for drying and quick healing.

Excessive use will cause skin burns!

It is forbidden to apply salicylic acid solution on birthmarks, nevi, mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water. An alcohol solution cannot be used if I use resorcinol, zinc oxide, these substances enter into a chemical reaction and form melting mixtures that cause burns. It should be noted that salicylic acid 2% is able to partially penetrate into the systemic circulation and reduce the effectiveness of hypoglycemic drugs prescribed for diabetes mellitus.

Application guide

How to use salicylic acid to get rid of acne on the face? To remove blackheads, post-acne and subcutaneous acne, it is necessary to wipe the skin 2-3 times a day with a cotton pad (do not rub!), Soaked in an alcohol solution or face lotion. The skin should first be cleaned of cosmetics and dirt with soap. The course of treatment should last no more than 1 week.

Does salicylic acid help acne with regular use? It will not be possible to completely cure acne, but the skin will become much lighter, the pores will be cleared of sebaceous plugs, the ducts will narrow, acne marks (pigmentation, small scars) will decrease.

How to use peeling products based on salicylic acid 2% for acne at home? Usually, a cosmetic product comes with instructions for use, which indicates a step-by-step guide. Do not leave the applied solution on the face for longer than the specified period, this can cause a burn. The procedure should be repeated no more than 1 time in 10-14 days, then it is not recommended to use decorative cosmetics and creams for several days.

Is it possible to cauterize acne with salicylic acid with severe inflammation? Spot application of an alcohol solution will help speed up the opening of the abscess, get rid of subcutaneous acne. You can lubricate acne before they mature, after which it is necessary to apply gels based on antibiotics, and treat them with antiseptics.

How to use salicylic acid for acne, what method of application is necessary if other drugs are additionally used? Acid increases the permeability of the skin and enhances the therapeutic effect of gels from comedones, various forms of acne. Therefore, it must be applied first, left for 10-15 minutes, then washed off and smeared on the face with the prescribed preparation.

homemade masks

How to get rid of acne with salicylic acid? A more gentle and effective way to treat acne is to use face masks with the addition of a drug. You can cook this recipe yourself:

• Pour 2 tablespoons of blue clay into a glass dish, add 1 tsp. honey, beaten egg white and 10 drops of a two percent alcohol solution of acid. Mix the ingredients and apply to cleansed skin with a brush, leave for 10-15 minutes, rinse with cool water. The procedure is repeated once a week.
• How to use an alcohol solution of salicylic acid to remove acne? Soak 1 tablespoon of wheat bran in water, add 5 drops of salicylic acid. Massage the face with the resulting slurry for 2-3 minutes, then rinse with running water. This is an effective way to get rid of acne marks, blackheads and enlarged pores. Cleaning is repeated every week, the best result can be obtained if the skin is steamed beforehand.
• How to use salicylic acid for acne and acne? To prepare the mask, you will need 1 teaspoon of edible gelatin, ½ tbsp. l. glycerin, 1 g acid. All components are mixed in a metal bowl and heated in a steam bath. After removing from heat, add 5 drops of lemon juice to the mask. The warm mass is evenly distributed over problem areas and left for 15 minutes.

After removing the mask, you can not smear your face with greasy creams or ointments, this contributes to blockage of the ducts of the sebaceous glands. It is best to use a tonic lotion or cosmetic ice made from cucumber juice, aloe vera juice, string decoction, celandine, chamomile or marigold flowers.

Cosmetics with salicylic acid

In the pharmacy you can buy medicinal gels and lotions in which salicylic acid is one of the main active ingredients. The price of such drugs is much higher than the usual alcohol solution, but they contain various additives that prevent the skin from drying out, and vitamins.

• Salicylic gel "Propeller" has a pronounced antibacterial and keratolytic effect, removes oily sheen, blackheads, tightens pores, prevents the appearance of new rashes.
• Cleansing Gel Clearasil "Daily Care" is suitable for gentle cleansing of the skin of the face, evens out its tone, eliminates oily sheen, and makes it matte. The vitamins and plant extracts included in the composition have an antioxidant effect, nourish the dermis with useful substances.
• StopProblem Toning and Cleansing Lotion is an innovative acne treatment for sensitive skin at a low price. It contains plant extracts, disinfects, exfoliates dead skin cells, soothes irritated skin.
• The Clean&Clear Daily Scrub penetrates deep into the pores, clears them of sebaceous plugs, and makes the face brighter. The result is noticeable after the first application. Due to the content of menthol, after using the scrub, a feeling of freshness appears, puffiness decreases.

Treatment of acne with cosmetics reduces the likelihood of side effects, helps to maintain water balance, get rid of acne, even for patients with dry and sensitive skin.

In the fight for clean and healthy skin, salicylic acid for acne is an affordable and highly effective remedy. It is sold in every pharmacy and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties, which makes it possible to cure acne and lighten the age spots left after them.

Usually, "salicylic" is not used alone and is supplemented with some other acne remedy to increase effectiveness. Salicylic acid (alcohol) is a good opportunity to get rid of skin defects using minimal financial costs.

When is acid most effective?

Salicylic acid fights against purulent, internal acne with papules and pustules, against comedones (black dots - pores clogged with dirt), excessive activity of the sebaceous glands and against age spots remaining after the rash has healed.

Blockage of pores leads to the appearance of black dots on the face and the development of intradermal inflammation. This can be avoided by exfoliating regularly. For a peeling effect, salicylic acid is used in combination with glycolic acid. The results of this method are striking in effectiveness: there is a powerful renewal of epidermal cells. This method is suitable for absolutely every woman, even during pregnancy. The only exception is individual intolerance to the drug.

Salicylic alcohol for acne can be used at any stage of their development, but care should still be taken when using it. An overdose of them leads to overdrying of the skin, the development of an allergic reaction. Therefore, there is a certain instruction that should be followed in the process of carrying out cosmetic procedures.

• After getting rid of acne, you will need to find out, or else - these are all the main problems that await everyone after cleansing the skin of acne.
• If the experience of using salicylic acid in the fight against acne is negative, then we advise you to read about it, they work more sparingly.

Application rules

• Choose an acne treatment based on an aqueous solution of salicylic acid. Alcohol-based products should be avoided, as they can aggravate the problem of dry skin.
• Don't use salicylic acid along with an over-drying acne treatment. This can lead to a violation of the protective properties of the skin and the appearance of even more rashes.
• The therapeutic effect is provided by a 1-2% acid solution, while a large concentration of it will lead to undesirable consequences.
• When signs of dryness appear, the skin is lubricated with creams or ointments based on panthenol (for example, Bepanthen).

Acid products

In order to increase effectiveness, the use of salicylic acid for acne is always combined with other means: folic, boric or glycolic acids. Pharmaceutical products based on "salicylic" are sold in the form of ointments, gels, lotions, powders, pastes. Each tool has its own characteristics.

Powders are used exclusively at bedtime, when you don’t have to go anywhere. Their minus is talc, which can clog pores. Salicylic acne ointment applies much more easily to the skin, but the Vaseline it contains can also clog the sebaceous glands.

Salicylic-zinc acne paste has a beneficial effect on the skin, but when using it, you should be vigilant and prevent skin burns or overdrying of the epidermis.

Based on the reviews of the fair sex, it is safe to say that the safest and most effective are aqueous solutions of salicylic acid. These solutions in the form of lotions are produced by global cosmetic companies for any type of skin (normal, oily, combination, sensitive, fading).

Usage

If a lotion is used for acne, rubbing it should not exceed 2 times a day. All other drugs are applied after it (this increases their effectiveness by 25%). If salicylic acid is used as a peeling, then before the procedure it is necessary to pay attention and read how to use it so as not to harm the skin.

Good results are obtained by an anti-inflammatory mask with the addition of salicylic alcohol. To do this, cosmetic clay is mixed with, diluted to the desired consistency with warm water and a few drops of "salicylic" are added to the mushy mass. Regular use of such a mask (once a week) relieves not only rashes, but also their consequences in the form of pigmented skin areas.

A fairly common question among the female audience: "Is it possible to cauterize acne with salicylic alcohol?". The answer lies in the principle "Do no harm!", And for this it must be diluted, making a weak concentration (1-2%).

There are other folk ways to use salicylic acid, which are little known, but no less effective for this.

Folk ways of using

Few people know that acetylsalicylic acid helps with acne in the fight for clean skin. Something familiar? Yes, you read that right - this is the most common aspirin. How to get rid of rashes with pills? Very simple, read:

• 1 tablet of aspirin is crushed into powder and diluted with water. The resulting gruel is applied to the problem area for 5-10 minutes. After that, it is washed off with warm water, and the face is blotted with a napkin (it is not recommended to wipe the face with a towel, as it contains particles of dead skin in which microbes provoking acne multiply). Aspirin mask is applied up to 2 times a week.

Acetylsalicylic acid exfoliates dead cells that clog pores and has an anti-inflammatory effect. This explains its effectiveness.

Another guaranteed remedy for getting rid of acne is propolis. Propolis tincture is mixed with petroleum jelly (500 g is boiled and poured hot), then 25 g of salicylic acid is added to the resulting mixture. The finished ointment is stored in a glass jar in a cool place. The method of application of the ointment is the same as that of any other.

Pharmaceutical product in self-production

A trip to the doctor for skin rashes often ends with a prescription for a drug made in a pharmacy. The recipe for such a remedy, prepared at home, we will consider now. To do this, you will need levomycetin and salicylic acid from acne in the form of aspirin (2: 2.5 parts). 90% alcohol, sulfur (2.5 parts) and boric acid (1 part) are added to these components. Everything is thoroughly mixed and used daily instead of tonic.

Of course, such a talker is also sold in a pharmacy, but then it is recommended to add a few drops of brilliant green to it to enhance the effect. In general, it is better to buy an anti-acne gel in a pharmacy and use it during an exacerbation of acne. Remember that the correct handling of drugs rarely leads to negative consequences. Therefore, in order to avoid side effects, it is necessary to follow all the recommendations and treat the treatment consciously.

We hope that after reading the article you have no doubts whether salicylic acid helps with acne. Now you know how to use it and what to mix with in order to get the maximum therapeutic effect. Health and beauty to you and your skin!

Stories from our readers

Most cosmetic brands offer customers a full arsenal of products to cope with any skin imperfections. Take at least a foundation - dozens of types depending on the natural skin tone, plus the presence of light-reflecting particles, moisturizing and nourishing components, a shimmering effect or a rejuvenating effect ... What they can’t think of! There are tools that help "hide" the shadows under the eyes, spider veins, uneven complexion. However, there are quite a few good lotions, scrubs and gels that allow you to quickly defeat the problem of acne. Why? Yes, because pustules need to be treated, not masked.

Some people who have been suffering from "teenage" skin for years are forced to try an infinite number of products of very different composition, action and price. At the same time, the result does not always directly depend on the cost: even the most expensive of them can turn out to be “so-so”. Therefore, many prefer simple means from the category of "cheap and cheerful", and most often the choice falls on salicylic acid.

How salicylic acid works

Salicylic acid is used in the manufacture of medicines, in the chemical and even food industries, and it is also known as a good skin care product. The acid has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, so it works well in the fight against acne.

In addition, this solution has keratolytic properties - it softens the skin and removes the top layer of dead cells. As you may know, "salicylic" is part of the corn plasters, which are able to exfoliate two to three millimeter layers of keratinized skin in a day. But do not be afraid to be left without a face - such a strong effect only happens if the acid concentration is more than 5%.

How to choose the right drug

If you are going to use it for the first time, go to the pharmacy and they tell you that only 2% solution is available, do not take it. This substance is often irritated, so only 1% salicylic acid should be used for cosmetic purposes. Of course, there are people who use a more concentrated solution, and someone even specially evaporates it when heated, but the tolerance of such a remedy is a purely individual matter, so it’s not worth the risk at first.

You can often find advice that suggests buying salicylic acid in powder, and in this form add it to masks or even a box of powder. However, in this case it is very difficult to dose, so the risk of irritation is very high. In addition, the powder trick, which from the outside seems so competent and elegant, does little good: for the acid to work on acne, it must be in the form of a solution. The explanation is trite: as you know, most chemical and biochemical reactions require a liquid medium.

Do not use acid after its expiration date - manufacturers are "not responsible" for the chemical composition and effect of a solution stored for more than 2 years.

How to use salicylic acid correctly

Please note that this remedy is alcohol-based, and therefore, it dries the skin. Therefore, if you constantly have problems with dryness and flaking, you may not be “destined” to get to know salicylic acid better. Trying to reduce them by constantly applying a nourishing cream to the skin is possible, but keep in mind that the treatment effect in this case will tend to zero. Under the greasy film, the microbes feel very cozy and comfortable, so the inflammation will persist.

Applying the tool is very simple. Apply a sufficient amount of liquid to a cotton swab and wipe problem areas with it. If the affected area is large, take several swabs for treatment - there is no need to spread the infection across the face by rubbing it with a single small piece of cotton wool. Bypass your attention to areas where there are no acne - do not dry healthy skin.

After 10-15 minutes after this procedure, the acid is recommended to be washed off. But it all depends on tolerance - if you react well to it, you can not wash your face after skin treatment.

If you "overdid"

Read the reviews left by people who tried too actively to get rid of acne: “Half of the face was covered with a brown crust ...”, “The skin is terribly peeling off - you have to remove it with tweezers”, “My whole face is red and in a rash - my friends ask if it is contagious this is!" Intimidating, isn't it? But if you do not follow the rules of application, this happens!

Oh well, it'll pass. Such damage is always superficial, so the skin will heal in just a few days. For this time, exclude the use of cosmetics and, moreover, do not repeat your unsuccessful "therapy". On the face, you need to apply panthenol ointment or methyluracil 1-2 times a day. Until everything heals, it is better not to be in direct sunlight for a long time - the skin can be unevenly pigmented.

Take precautions. If you are using the product for the first time, do not rush to immediately apply it to your face - treat a small area on the crook of your elbow or behind your ear. If after 3-4 hours you do not feel any discomfort and do not see skin changes, you can safely treat acne with it.

When the remedy doesn't work

Salicylic acid copes well with acne, but it’s better to look for another remedy for acne: “black dots” need to be thoroughly cleaned, and not just dried. It is not suitable for removing the effects of acne - scars. Some use concentrated salicylic solutions for this purpose, trying to exfoliate areas with scar tissue. But because of this, the skin relief becomes even less even, and stagnant red-blue spots become even brighter, since blood vessels shine better through the thinned epidermis. Therefore, let cosmetologists cope with the consequences of acne, but, alas, not much is in your power.

Finally, the last one: if you decide to use this tool, give up the idea of ​​​​mixing it with everything. Some make "masks" from a solution, aloe juice, boric acid, plant extracts, honey - in general, everything that is at hand. But such homemade "medicines" usually have no effect, since their composition is not balanced.

If you want a reliable result and at the same time want to avoid unforeseen reactions, use ready-made acne remedies. , the corresponding Clean & Clear product line - although they are all somewhat more expensive than salicylic acid, but with them you can not be afraid of possible consequences and get the opportunity to quickly deal with skin problems.