Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
When used as a local remedy, it has a distracting, irritating, and also weak antiseptic effect . In low concentrations it provokes a keratoplastic effect , in high concentrations it provokes a keratolytic effect .
The plasma concentration of salicylic acid reaches its maximum 5 hours after applying the drug to the skin under an occlusive dressing. Approximately 6% of the total absorbed amount of the substance is excreted unchanged in the urine, while the majority is excreted as metabolic products.
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 for use
The drug is used as a monotherapeutic agent and as part of combination drugs:
- for various types of painful skin conditions, including dys- and hyperkeratosis , psoriasis , ichthyosis , burns, acne, oily seborrhea , eczema , warts calluses , pityriasis versicolor ;
- with hyperhidrosis of the feet;
- for hair loss.
Action of the drug and indications for use
All types of medications containing salicylate acid have a lot of medicinal properties:
- antimicrobial;
- antipruritic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- drying;
- locally irritating;
- keratolytic;
- softening.
When used externally, salicylic acid affects nerve endings, increases trophism and relieves pain. The substance is capable of inhibiting the secretion of both sebaceous and sweat glands, and acts keratolytically - that is, it is capable of dissolving, softening and helping to reject the hypertrophied layer of the epidermis, nails, and hair. Having such properties, Acidum salicylicum is successfully used both in medicine and in cosmetology.
Acidium salicylicum is used in the treatment of:
- erythrasmas;
- inflammatory and infectious skin pathologies;
- baldness, hair loss;
- foot fungus;
- hyperkeratosis, hyperhidrosis;
- eczema;
- pityriasis versicolor;
- ichthyosis;
- burns;
- psoriasis;
- acne;
- pyoderma;
- versicolor;
- seborrhea.
Salicylate acid is used by cosmetologists to eliminate blackheads and acne, warts and corns, calluses and age spots. In dermatology, indications for prescribing medication: various fungi, dermatitis, lichen.
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Salicylic acid: instructions for use
In accordance with the instructions for Salicylic acid, the solution is used externally. It is recommended to treat the affected surface with it twice a day.
The medicine is applied with a cotton swab. To treat an area the size of your palm, no more than 5 ml of solution is required. The highest dose for adults is 2, for children - 0.2 grams per day. The course of treatment is no more than 7 days.
In otorhinolaryngological practice, it is recommended to instill the solution into the sore ear twice a day, 6 drops.
For acne, 1 percent salicylic acid is usually used. A two and three percent solution is suitable only for people with oily skin. If there are several pimples, the product is applied pointwise to each of them. If there are a lot of acne, wiping the entire surface of the facial skin with a cotton swab soaked in the solution is recommended.
The procedure is continued until a slight tingling sensation appears. After treatment, the face can be rinsed with water to neutralize the effect of the acid.
For Devergie's disease , psoriasis , seborrhea , ichthyosis , the use of salicylic acid 2 percent in the form of an ointment is indicated. In case of severe inflammation, the drug should be diluted with Vaseline 2-4 times. Frequency of applications - 1-2 times a day. After the peeling disappears, treatment is continued using other means.
Apply a thin layer of ointment to the wound surface. The treated surface is covered with sterile gauze. It is also possible to apply a napkin soaked in ointment to the wound.
Before applying a bandage, you should open the blisters, clean the wound of necrotic tissue and rinse it with an antiseptic.
It is recommended to change the dressing every 2 or 3 days until the wound is completely cleared of purulent and necrotic masses. The duration of treatment can vary from 1 to 3 weeks.
Compound
The alcohol solution is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Per 100 grams of the finished medicinal product there are from 1 to 2 grams of salicylic acid, which are diluted with 70% ethyl alcohol until the required volume is obtained. The concentration of the finished product is 1% or 2%, respectively.
A highly concentrated drug is available with a salicylic acid content of 5 or 10 grams per 100 grams of finished medicine (5% and 10% alcohol solution or ointment).
Ointment is a white fatty substance based on petroleum jelly, mainly 2 or 3%, less commonly found in a concentration of 5 or 10%.
Interaction
Salicylic acid can increase the permeability of the skin to other topical medications and, accordingly, enhance their absorption.
Absorbed salicylic acid may potentiate the side effects of sulfonylureas , oral hypoglycemic agents and methotrexate .
The solution is pharmaceutically incompatible with zinc oxide (forms insoluble zinc salicylate) and with resorcinol (forms melting mixtures).
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.
special instructions
What is salicylic acid?
The Pharmacopoeia describes salicylic acid as an odorless, slightly soluble substance in cold water, which can take the form of colorless and odorless needle crystals or white crystalline powder.
The structural formula of salicylic acid is
The empirical formula is C7H603. The systematic name of the compound is 2-hydroxybenzoic acid.
Receipt
The substance was first isolated in 1838 from willow bark. Hence its traditional name - salicylic acid: in Latin the word “willow” sounds like “salix”. The discovery belongs to the Italian chemist R. Piria.
glycoside salicin contained in willow bark into 2 parts, reveal that its acidic component (salicylic acid) has valuable medicinal properties, determine its chemical composition and successfully synthesize it. This can be considered the first purification of the substance, which served as the impetus for the development of the drug Aspirin .
Samples of acetylsalicylic acid suitable for medical use (chemically pure and in a stable form) were first obtained on August 10, 1897 by the German scientist F. Hoffmann.
Salicylic acid derivatives are methyl salicylate , lysine acetylsalicylate , acetylsalicylic acid , salicylamide , mesalazine , choline and sodium salicylates .
Chemical properties
The chemical properties of the compound are due to the presence of a phenolic hydroxyl, a benzene ring and a carboxyl group in the salicylic acid molecule.
Only the carboxyl group reacts with alkali metal carbonates. As a result, salts are formed - salicylates.
With alkalis, if there is a sufficient amount of them, both the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups react.
When an acid is exposed to alcohols (for example, methyl alcohol) in the presence of mineral acids, esters are formed at the COOH group.
When a substance reacts with anhydrides or acid halides, phenolic hydroxyl reacts. The reaction of salicylic acid (s. acid) with the anhydride or chloanhydride of acetic (ethanoic) acid produces acetylsalicylic acid .
When interacting with phosphoryl chloride, salicylic acid chloride is formed.
If the resulting acid chloride reacts with phenol, salicylic acid phenyl ester is obtained, which is used in medicine as a disinfectant. The main feature of the product is that it does not undergo hydrolysis in the acidic environment of the stomach and disintegrates only in the intestinal tract.
For industrial production of salol c. the acid and phenol are heated in phosphoryl chloride.
The benzene ring of the compound can enter into SE reactions with H2SO4, HNO3, halogens and other electrophilic reagents. The influence of the OH group makes the aromatic ring c. the acid is significantly more active in these reactions in comparison with the benzene ring C₆H₅COOH (benzoic acid).
C. acid easily interacts with an aqueous solution of bromine, while C₆H₅COOH does not decolorize bromine water under similar conditions.
To obtain n-aminosalicylic acid ( PAS ), which is one of the most significant derivatives of c. resorcinol is used as the starting material . First, resorcinol is treated with ammonia (NH3), which makes it possible to obtain meta-aminophenol. The meta-aminophenol is then carboxylated into PAS via the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction.
Physical properties
The powder/crystals are sparingly soluble in cold water, but readily soluble in hot water, diethyl ether, ethanol. Slightly soluble in carbon disulfide. Solubility in water (g/l): 0 °C; 20 °C - 1.8; 60 °C - 8.2; 80 °C - 20.5.
Qualitative reactions for the determination of salicylic acid
S. acid and most of its derivatives give an intense purple color with iron salts Fe+3 (ferric iron). To carry out the reaction, take a small amount of powder. acid and drop a little highly diluted solution of Fe+3 chloride onto it.
Solution s. acid, to which a few drops of copper sulfate (Cu2SO4) were added, when heated, gives a bright emerald green color.
You can also use Cobert's reagent to detect the substance. To prepare it, carefully add 3 drops of formaldehyde to 3 ml of concentrated H2SO4.
A little salicylic acid is placed on a glass slide, after which 2 drops of H2SO4 and, after a few minutes, 1 drop of Cobert’s reagent are added. As a result of this reaction, the powder should turn pink.
Why is salicylic acid needed in cosmetology?
Salicylic acid has long been used very successfully in cosmetology. It has antibacterial properties, treats inflammatory skin lesions well, dries it out, but does not cause irritation.
The effectiveness of using salicylic acid for the face is due to the keratolytic properties of the drug - the product perfectly exfoliates layers of old keratinized skin cells, penetrates deep into the pores and eliminates blockage of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands , thereby helping to get rid of blackheads and acne .
In addition, the drug is used:
- for peeling;
- against ingrown hairs;
- from calluses;
- as an exfoliant for heels;
- from warts;
- from corns.
Salicylic acid for acne should be taken at a one percent (maximum two percent) concentration. Using a solution that is too concentrated can cause severe irritation.
It should be remembered that salicylic acid solution for acne is only suitable for people with normal and oily skin. People with dry and flaky skin are not recommended to use this product.
Some try to reduce the severity of these phenomena by applying a nourishing cream to the skin after using the alcohol solution. However, treatment in this case will most likely not be effective enough: the greasy film will create a protective barrier for microbes, and this, in turn, will not eliminate inflammation.
Reviews indicate that using a solution with salicylic acid for acne gives an excellent, but short-term result. Usually, after a couple of months of using the product for the face and body, the skin “gets used” to it. Therefore, it is necessary to take short breaks between courses of treatment.
If there are few acne, the solution is applied pointwise. If the affected area is large, wipe the problem areas with a swab soaked in the product. It is better to take several tampons so as not to spread the infection.
Salicylic acid can be used both as an independent remedy and as part of various talkers. To prepare them, Levomycetin , Streptocide , Camphor alcohol , calendula tincture , Trichopolum , Erythromycin , zinc oxide, sulfur, and boric acid solution are added to salicylic acid .
Popular recipes for homemade anti-acne mash:
- 50 ml of salicylic acid solution, streptocide (7 g), ground into powder, 7 g of sulfur and 50 ml of boric acid solution ;
- a pack of aspirin , a pack of chloramphenicol , calendula tincture (the mixture is infused for 24 hours before use);
- 10 tablets of streptocide , 4 tablets of chloramphenicol , 30 ml of salicylic acid , 80 ml of camphor alcohol ;
- 1 bottle of salicylic alcohol , 2 tablets of chloramphenicol and trichopolum .
All shakers should be shaken well before use.
In order for the effect to be sustainable, in addition to local acne treatment, it is recommended:
- review your diet and make it more balanced;
- get rid of bad habits that adversely affect the condition of the skin;
- undergo a course of hormone therapy;
- take care of your skin regularly;
- to live an active lifestyle.
In cosmetology, salicylic acid can also be used as the main agent in peeling compositions. The procedure allows not only to remove a layer of dead cells, but also to start the processes of elastin and collagen .
The procedure allows you to eliminate signs of aging, acne, comedones, oily shine, get rid of age spots, even out skin tone and make your face smoother and fresher. Peeling can be used on any part of the body.
Peeling mixtures with salicylic acid come in 2 types: paste and solution. The solution is more suitable for facial skin, but the paste is recommended to be applied to the skin of the hands, body and knees.
Peeling can be superficial or superficial-medium. In the first case, a mixture with a 15% concentration of the active substance is used, in the second - with a 30% concentration. Superficial peeling allows you to get rid of oily shine and rashes, clean clogged pores and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands; superficial-medium peeling is effective for eliminating acne and post-acne .
To carry out the procedure at home, you need to mix 4 aspirin (uncoated) ground into powder with 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The resulting paste is applied to the face with a cotton swab, avoiding the skin around the eyes, and left for 10 minutes.
To remove the mask, soak a cotton pad in water and soda (baking soda neutralizes the acidity of the skin) and wipe the face along the massage lines.
In dermatological practice, various pastes and creams with salicylic acid are widely used, which, in addition to the active component, contain microelements that enhance its effect. For example, Sulfur-salicylic ointment not only allows you to thoroughly cleanse the skin of acne, but also effectively fights Demodex .
For ingrown hairs use a 1-2% solution. To get rid of the problem, it is enough to lubricate the areas of the body where hairs cannot penetrate the epidermis layer and grow under the skin with the solution every day, several times a day.
For calluses and corns, salicylic acid is best used in the form of a 10% ointment. For dry calluses, corns and calluses, it is also advisable to use a callus patch with salicylic acid.
Before attaching a patch to the callus, the feet should be steamed well (with the addition of an antibacterial agent) and wiped dry. Cover the sore spot with a piece of plaster of the required size and leave it for 2 days. If this is necessary, the procedure is repeated 3-4 times until the callus softens and separates completely.
Before applying the ointment, the steps are the same - steam your feet and wipe them dry. Then a patch with a hole cut in the middle is applied to the sore spot. This should be done in such a way that the callus/corns is exposed, and the areas of healthy skin surrounding it remain under the patch.
The callused area is generously treated with ointment and covered with a layer of plaster.
For heels, salicylic acid is used with beeswax and paraffin. Wax and paraffin taken in equal proportions are melted in a water bath, then salicylic acid is added to them and mixed thoroughly. The prepared mixture is applied in several layers to the heels and socks are put on. It is best to leave the compress overnight.
In the morning, the heels are cleaned of the wax-paraffin mixture. After this, it is recommended to take a soda bath and clean the skin with pumice.
To completely get rid of cracked feet, several procedures are usually enough.
Treatment of warts involves the use of salicylic acid with a concentration of 10 to 60%. Salicylic acid for warts is used in the form of ointments, solutions and special patches. One of these products is the Salipod patch , which contains salicylic acid in a 30% concentration.
Before applying the solution, you should steam the area of skin where the tumor has appeared. This will soften the skin and enhance the effect of using the drug. The procedure is carried out before bedtime, applying the medicine directly to the affected area and avoiding areas of healthy skin. After treatment, the wart is covered with a bandage or plaster. In the morning, wash off the product.
With long-term use, the papilloma will soften under the action of acid and can be easily removed with pumice.
Ointment for removing warts is used on the same principle as the solution: before going to bed, the affected area of the skin is steamed, after which a thin layer of the drug is applied to the wart and covered with a bandage. In the morning, the wart is treated with pumice.
Treatment should be continued until the growths completely disappear.
The most convenient method of treating warts is to use a patch. It is enough to simply stick it on previously steamed and towel-dried skin. After 2 days, the patch is removed, and the softened wart is carefully removed with a pumice stone. The procedures are repeated until the wart .
Precautionary measures
The solution and ointment should not be applied to birthmarks, mucous membranes, hairy warts , or warts located on the face or genital area.
If the drug gets on the mucous membranes, the corresponding area must be rinsed with plenty of water.
Absorption of the substance may be increased in case of skin diseases that occur with superficial weeping lesions, hyperemia and/or inflammation (including psoriatic erythroderma ).
How to use
Only as an external remedy! In liquid form, apply to the affected areas of the skin 2 – 3 times a day with a moistened swab or cotton pad. The course of treatment is 7 days.
Before using the ointment, preliminary preparation of the skin is carried out. The wound surface is cleaned of necrotic plaque and washed with an antiseptic. Next, the ointment is applied to a sterile gauze pad and the wound is closed with it. Bandages are changed as needed, but at least once every 2 days. The course of treatment is designed for 7–21 days.
For hyperhidrosis, it is advisable to use powders and powders with salicylic acid, which are applied between the toes. Long-term use is possible.
Getting rid of acne
salicylic acid for acne to a previously cleansed face using a cotton pad (or pinpointed with a cotton swab). After a few minutes, wash your face and lubricate the skin with moisturizer. It is recommended to use 1 – 2 times a week until a visible improvement in skin condition.
Treatment of warts
To remove common and plantar warts, salicylic acid of at least 5% is suitable. You can take an alcohol solution or ointment.
Apply the product to the wart with a cotton swab, being careful not to touch the surrounding skin. It is best to do this at night, and be sure to rinse with warm water in the morning. The ointment can be applied once every 2 days.
Peeling at home
You will need acetisalicylic acid tablets.
To prepare an exfoliating composition you will need 1 tablet, 0.5 teaspoon of water, 1 teaspoon of honey (can be replaced with olive oil). The mixture is applied to cleansed facial skin for half an hour. Then you wash your face and be sure to use a moisturizer. The procedure can be done no more than 1 – 2 times a week, the course lasts about 2 months.
Analogs
Level 4 ATX code matches:
Mikonorm
Undecin
Gentian violet
Zinkundan
Exoderil
Exiter
Batrafen
Lotseril
Lamisil Dermgel
Lamisil Uno
Lamisil
Salicylic ointment
Keto Plus
Exifin
Fungoterbin
Mycoseptin
Thermikon
Nitrofungin
Sulsena
Baziron AS
Verrucatsid , Urgokor , Duofilm , Mozolin , Koplomak , Anti-callus ointment , Solcoderm , Sulfur-salicylic ointment .
Cost of the drug and analogues
If for some reason salicylate acid is not suitable for the patient, you can replace the medications with analogues. Popular analogues of salicylic acid
A drug | Active ingredient | Manufacturer | Cost (average) |
Akriderm | Acidum salicylicum, betamethasone | JSC KhFK, Russia | 120 rub. |
Misol (for fungus) | Acidum salicylicum, petroleum jelly, benzoic acid | Evalar, Russia | 250 rub. |
Salipod | Acidum salicylicum, sulfur | Veropharm OJSC, Russia | 35 rub. |
Belosalik | Acidum salicylicum, betamethasone | Belupo, Croatia | 350 rub. |
Betaderm A | Acidum salicylicum, betamethasone | Elfa Pharmaceutical Plant | 200 rub. |
Galmanin | Acidum salicylicum, zinc oxide | Tula FF, Russia | 28 rub. |
Mozolin | Salicylic and benzoic acid | KROK MED, Ukraine | 305 rub. |
Griseofulvin-Farcos | Acidum salicylicum, griseofulvin | Farkos NPF, Russia | 242 rub. |
Acerbin | Salicylic, malic, benzoic acid | Montavit, Austria | 395 rub. |
Hemosol | Acidum salicylicum | PFP "Gemi", Poland | 148 rub. |
Sulfur-salicylic ointment | Sulfur, Acidum salicylicum | Akrikhin HFC, Russia | 18 rub. |
Pasta Teymurova | Acidum salicylicum, boric acid | Tula Pharmabika, Russia | 48 rub. |
There are also many cosmetics created on the basis of Acidium salicylicum. These are balms and lotions, creams and tonics, face masks, shampoos for hair loss and dandruff. Such products can be purchased ready-made or made at home yourself using ointment, powder or a solution with salicylate acid.
The price of medicines with salicylate acid depends on the type of medicine. So, an alcohol solution of salicylate will cost about 28 rubles, and an ointment will cost about 23-25 rubles per tube.
Reviews about salicylic acid
Salicylic acid and products based on it are very popular among dermatologists. The advantages of treatment with salicylic acid are its availability, high efficiency and the absence of pain in the patient when using it.
But there are also disadvantages:
- products containing salicylic acid are contraindicated for children;
- good results can often be achieved only with long-term and systematic use;
- in some cases, preliminary preparation is required before using the product.
However, most people consider these inconveniences to be very minor compared to how good the effect can be obtained.
The largest number of reviews that can be found on the Internet are reviews of Salicylic Acid for Acne. Having analyzed them, we can conclude that the remedy, with its availability and low cost, is one of the most effective today.
Kerato- and sebum-regulating shampoos with salicylic acid, as well as ointments and pastes that help get rid of calluses and warts, have earned no less flattering reviews.
Release form
The drug is available in the form of a solution (in alcohol) and in the form of an ointment:
- In liquid form, it is bottled in glass bottles of 25 ml or 40 ml.
- Salicylic ointment is available in jars or aluminum tubes of 25 grams.
Less commonly supplied in the form of powder and medicinal paste, it can be included in medicinal plasters.
salicylic acid for acne
Salicylic acid price
How much the drug costs depends on the pricing policy of the manufacturing company, the release form and the amount of product in the package.
The price of Salicylic acid in Ukrainian pharmacies is from 3 to 5 UAH. for an alcohol solution with a concentration of the active substance of 1-2%. The ointment can be bought for an average of 10-13 UAH.
In Russian pharmacies, an acne solution costs from 7 rubles, and an ointment from 15 rubles.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
- Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan
Pharmacy Dialogue
- Salicylic acid (alcohol solution 2% 40ml) Tula FF
25 rub. order - Salicylic acid (alcohol solution 1% 40ml) Hippocrates
25 rub. order
- Salicylic acid (alcohol solution 1% 40ml) Tula FF
26 RUR order
- Salicylic acid (alcohol solution 2% 40ml) Hippocrates
24 RUR order
- Salicylic acid (alcohol solution 1% 40ml) JPP
19 rub. order
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Pharmacy24
- Salicylic acid 1% 40 ml solution TOV DKP Pharm.Fabrika, Ukraine
4 UAH order - Salicylic acid 1% 40ml solution
5 UAH order
- Salicylic acid 1% 40 ml solution PRAT "Fitofarm", Ukraine
5 UAH order
- Salicylic acid 1% 40 ml solution PrAT FF"Viola", Ukraine
5 UAH order
- Salicylic acid 1% 25ml solution TOV "DKP Pharm.Fabrika", Ukraine
3 UAH order
PaniPharmacy
- Salicylic acid liquid Salicylic acid solution alcohol. 2% 25ml Ukraine, Farmak OJSC
10 UAH.order
- Salicylic acid liquid Salicylic acid solution alcohol. 1% 25ml Ukraine, Zhytomyr FF LLC
4 UAH order
- Salicylic acid liquid Salicylic acid solution alcohol. 1% 40ml Ukraine, Viola FF ZAO
5 UAH order
- Salicylic acid liquid Salicylic acid solution alcohol. 1% 40ml Ukraine, Zhytomyr FF LLC
5 UAH order
- Salicylic acid liquid Salicylic acid solution alcohol. 1% 40ml Ukraine, Fitofarm ChAO
4 UAH order
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Description of the medicine
In nature, the compound salicylic acid (Acidum salicylicum) can be found in a number of plants, and the substance is chemically produced in powder form. The powder (salicylate) is soluble in water, oil solutions, and alcohol. On pharmacy counters it can be found in bags with different packaging - 10, 25, 50 grams. The most popular forms of release of Acidum salicylicum:
- alcohol solution - sold in bottles with different capacities (10, 40, 25, 100 milliliters);
- salicylic ointment, packaged in small jars or tubes with a capacity of 25 g.
The ointment contains the active ingredient - salicylate in varying percentages (2, 4, 3, 5 and 10 percent) and petroleum jelly. The alcohol solution also has different concentrations of the active substance (1, 3, 2, 10 and 5 percent) and contains 70% ethyl.
Preparations containing salicylate are classified as antiseptics and anti-inflammatory agents; they are intended exclusively for external use.
Acidum salicylicum is part of many combined medicinal preparations used externally - gels, pastes, lotions, creams, ointments (Diprosalik, Viprosal, Teymurov's paste, Camphocin, etc.). You can also buy tablets in pharmacies that contain salicylate derivatives. This includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used orally - Aspirin, Antipyrin, Phenacytin, Analgin, etc.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!