Salicylic acid for problem skin

Those with problematic and oily skin know very well that products with salicylic acid effectively fight pimples and blackheads. You will learn about the mechanisms of action of this substance from our article.

1. Benefits of salicylic acid
2. Types of cosmetics with salicylic acid
3. Review of products with salicylic acid
4. How to choose cosmetics with salicylic acid
5. Rules of application

Benefits of salicylic acid

We owe the discovery of salicylic acid to three scientists from different countries.

The German chemist Johan Andreas Buchner isolated the bitter glycoside salicyl from willow bark in 1828.

A year later, French pharmacologist Henri Leroux purified salicyl from impurities.

A year later, the Italian chemist Rafael Piria divided it into two fractions, one of which turned out to be salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is insoluble in water, and when it comes into contact with the skin, it destroys proteins, denaturing them.

Salicylic acid fights skin imperfections and prevents their appearance © iStock

When applied to the skin, salicylic acid:

destroys protein bridges between the cells of the stratum corneum;

promotes exfoliation of the top layer of cells;

reduces oiliness, which speeds up the process of skin smoothing and renewal;

Having an anti-inflammatory effect, it reduces rashes and prevents the appearance of new ones.

Salicylic acid-based cosmetics enhance the skin's antimicrobial protection and suppress inflammation.

Salicylic acid is most often included in products for oily and problem skin © iStock

Types of cosmetics with salicylic acid

Typically, salicylic acid is used to improve the condition of oily and problematic skin, which is characterized by:

tendency to inflammation.

To solve the problems listed above, there are different categories of tools.

Foams and gels for washing free the skin from impurities and remove makeup.

Lotions and tonics complete cleansing and normalize pH levels.

Peels and scrubs exfoliate dead skin cells.

Local action SOS products are applied pointwise and help quickly get rid of inflammatory elements.

Creams moisturize, mattify and have antibacterial properties.

Review of products with salicylic acid

Blemish & Age Cleansing Gel, SkinCeuticals

Lather a little gel in your palms and massage over the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes. Rinse off with warm water.

Cleansing lotion PureFect Skin, Biotherm

With regular use (twice a day), it reduces sebum production, soothes the skin and gives it radiance.

Corrective emulsion against oily shine and blackheads Effaclar K+, La Roche-Posay

The product with a light texture regulates sebum secretion and mattifies the skin. Provides a feeling of cleanliness and freshness throughout the day.

Fast-acting targeted remedy against imperfections Normaderm Hyaluspot, Vichy

Non-sticky, non-greasy gel creates a protective film on the skin. The acid-based formula prevents the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

Fluid with herbs for problem skin Blue Herbal Moisturizer, Kiehl’s

It exfoliates well the top layer of dead cells and opens clogged pores, reduces the number of imperfections and prevents their reappearance.

How to choose cosmetics with salicylic acid

On the packaging this substance is designated as Salicylic Acid. When choosing the right product, consider the condition of your skin. If you are concerned about peeling and redness of the skin, a feeling of tightness and discomfort after cleansing with water, consult a dermatologist.

Otherwise, there are no restrictions on the use of products with salicylic acid.

The tasks of salicylic acid are exfoliation of skin cells and antibacterial activity. © iStock

Rules of application

Caring for oily and problem skin includes four stages.

Cleansing twice a day with gel or foam. You can exfoliate once or twice a week using a scrub, peeling or exfoliating mask.

Toning after every wash.

Using a corrective agent with an exfoliating, sebum-regulating effect.

This alcohol solution, sold in any pharmacy without a prescription for literally pennies ($0.1), is found in almost every home. This is a good alternative to medical alcohol; it eliminates itching and rashes on the body, and is good if you need to disinfect and disinfect damaged skin. But it has found its application not only in dermatology.

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Recently, salicylic acid has been increasingly used to eliminate various cosmetic imperfections. Moreover, for this purpose you can buy not only medications, but also branded cosmetics. And salons offer a highly effective and very popular peeling procedure based on it. What has this product done to deserve such attention?

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Effect on the skin

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First of all, salicylic acid is a medical alcohol solution that is an antiseptic and antibacterial drug. It is used in dermatology as an external disinfectant medicine: for treating wounds and treating dermatological diseases. However, it can also be used as a cosmetic product for the face, since it has a comprehensive and very beneficial effect on the skin:

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1. exfoliates dead cells, being a powerful keratolytic and an excellent peeling agent;
2. relieves acne due to its antibacterial, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties;
3. eliminates spots after removing blackheads and pimples;
4. heals small lesions of the skin;

1. whitens the face from age spots;
2. regulates the secretion of subcutaneous fat;
3. prescribed for the treatment of dermatological diseases;
4. even used against wrinkles;
5. stimulates blood circulation;
6. cleanses pores, eliminating blackheads;
7. dries the upper epidermal layer, which allows the use of acid to care for oily skin.

Such a multifaceted, therapeutic and cosmetic effect of salicylic acid on the skin of the face makes it very popular in cosmetology and dermatology. This tool should be used to eliminate problems such as:

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1. acne;
2. warts;
3. inflammation;
4. hyperhidrosis;
5. hyperkeratosis;
6. hyperpigmentation;
7. dermatitis;
8. infectious skin diseases;
9. pyoderma;
10. ichthyosis;
11. burns;
12. pityriasis versicolor;
13. psoriasis;
14. signs of aging;
15. pityriasis versicolor;
16. seborrhea;
17. eczema;
18. black dots;
19. erythrasma.

To treat serious dermatological diseases with salicylic acid, the symptoms of which appear on the face, you need to get a doctor’s prescription and act strictly in accordance with his instructions.

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Origin of name. The term “salicylic” goes back to the Latin word “salix”, which translates as “willow”, since the acid was first isolated from this plant. It was synthesized by Rafael Piria, an Italian chemist.

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Possible harm

Like any other acid, salicylic acid is a very strong irritant. Therefore, as a cosmetic product, it must be used extremely carefully, in compliance with the recommended dosages and contraindications.

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Contraindications:

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1. hypersensitivity to the drug and ethanol;
2. pregnancy, lactation;
3. thin, hypersensitive skin;
4. renal failure;
5. blood diseases;
6. age up to 3 years;
7. any serious chronic diseases require consultation with a doctor, dermatologist, or cosmetologist.

Side effects:

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1. severe burning sensation;
2. burn;
3. itching;
4. hyperemia;
5. swelling;
6. rashes;
7. allergic reactions;
8. peeling.

To alleviate discomfort in case of side effects that occur, before contacting a doctor, hyperemic, burned or swollen facial skin can be treated with Panthenol ointment or cream 3-4 times a day.

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Often in reviews of salicylic acid you can read such ratings as: “burned my face”, “I can’t go outside because of severe redness”, “extensive irritation began”, etc. Most often, such problems arise due to improper use of the drug: they took the wrong concentration, used it too often, ignored contraindications, etc.

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Side effects are often temporary, cause discomfort for a short time and disappear on their own. But in case of prolonged forms, it is necessary to consult a doctor to undergo a course of treatment to eliminate these skin problems. The drug is completely removed from comprehensive skin care.

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Salon peeling

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In any beauty salon today, salicylic facial peeling is practiced - superficial (15-20% solution is used) or medium (35-30%).

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Indications:

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1. sick complexion;
2. hyperkeratosis;
3. hyperpigmentation;
4. post-acne;
5. enlarged, contaminated pores;
6. too oily skin;
7. dry wrinkled skin;
8. acne caused by puberty or hormonal imbalance.

Protocol

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1. Makeup remover
2. Treatment with an antiseptic and degreasing solution.
3. Apply the solution for 5-10 minutes (depending on the degree of the problem). A slight burning sensation will be felt.
4. Removing the solution with a neutralizer.
5. Applying an emollient (mask or cream).

Rehabilitation period

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1. You can wash your face after superficial peeling only 24 hours later, after medium peeling - after 48 hours.
2. Hyperemia is an almost constant side effect after salicylic peeling (occurs in 90% of patients), but is temporary. After 2 days it should go away. To speed up this process, you should not use cosmetics or even touch your face with your hands.
3. Peeling is a mandatory process. First, a thin “parchment” film forms, then it darkens, bursts and falls off. You cannot: tear off pieces of the epidermis, roll them up, use scrubs, or touch them with your hands.
4. Sunbathing and visiting swimming pools and baths are also prohibited.
5. The time of the event is the cold season.

Salicylic salon peeling is a very popular procedure, as it effectively solves many cosmetic problems, is relatively inexpensive (about $17 per session), and rarely ends in complications, since most side effects are temporary.

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Rating of brand products

What products with salicylic acid can be used as cosmetics? A small selection of ratings will help you navigate the range and prices.

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French pharmaceutical products

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1. Redermic R. La Roche-Posay. $30.6.
2. Lotion Desincrustante - cleansing lotion. Uriage. $20.4.
3. Mat Seboregulating Moisturizer is a moisturizing matting seboregulating emulsion. La Roche-Posay. $20.4.
4. 3-Regul Global Skin-Care - universal care. Uriage. $17.
5. Astringent Micro-Exfoliating Lotion is a lotion for tightening pores with an exfoliating effect. La Roche-Posay. $17.
6. Corrective emulsion for oily skin. La Roche-Posay. $17.
7. Deep Cleansing Mask - exfoliating mask. Noreva. $17.
8. Exfoliac Lotion is a cleansing lotion. Noreva. $17.
9. Acnomega 200. Noreva. $13.6.
10. Cleanance Mat Mattifying Emulsion - mattifying emulsion. Avene. $13.6.
11. Purifying Lotion - cleansing lotion. Ducray. $13.6.
12. Triple Action Mask - triple action mask. Ducray. $13.6.
13. Keracnyl Matifyer is a mattifying emulsion. Ducray. $13.6.
14. Cleanance Mat Mattifying Toner is a mattifying lotion. Avene (France). $11.9.
15. Cleanance Mask Scrub Mask - cleansing mask. Avene (France). $10.2.

Cosmetics

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1. Purity Detox Scrub is a delicate mechanical scrub. CosMedix (USA). $67.8.
2. Care Toner is an anti-inflammatory toner with salicylic acid for acne. Blemish Lab (South Korea). $26.5.
3. AC Ending Foam - foam for problem skin. Baviphat Dollkiss (South Korea). $8.8.
4. Cleansing mask for smoothing facial skin with mint and willow bark. Logona (Germany). $4.7.
5. SaliZink - lotion. Khisintez (Russia). $0.8.

Creams containing salicylic acid

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1. Salises Moisturizing Gel Cream - moisturizing gel cream. Sesderma (Spain). $59.8.
2. Control System Salicyl Cream is a cream with a peeling effect for any skin. Elizavecca (South Korea). $23.6.
3. DUO+ - corrective cream-gel. La Roche-Posay (France). $17.8.
4. Global 6 Corrective and Unclogging Care - cream for correcting and eliminating imperfections. Noreva (France). $17.5.
5. AKN Corrective Care - anti-acne cream. Bioderma (France). $17.4.
6. Anti-Imperfection Global Moisturizing Care is a global care cream for problem skin. Vichy (France). $17.
7. Anti-Ageing - cream for skin with the first signs of aging. Vichy (France). $16.7.
8. Total Mat Anti-Shine Mattifier is a mattifying care cream. Vichy (France). $16.5.
9. Cleanance K Gel Creme is a sebum-regulating and kerato-regulating cream-gel. Avene (France). $13.6.
10. Complete Regulating Care - regulating cream. Ducray (France). $13.6.

Medicines

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1. 1% alcohol solution.
2. 2% alcohol solution.
3. Stop Problems - gel for problematic, oily skin with sage and plantain.
4. Stop Problems - gel for normal, combination skin with streaks and celandine.
5. Stop Problems - gel for delicate, sensitive skin with chamomile and calendula.
6. Masking antibacterial pencil Stop Problems.
7. Lotion with St. John's wort and plantain.
8. Lotion-balm with calendula.
9. Ointment 2%.

Salicylic acid is also included in many combination medications for external use:

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1. Belosalik;
2. Viprosal;
3. Diprosalik;
4. Camphocin;
5. Lorinden A;
6. Zinkundan et al.

In pharmaceutical preparations and professional products, the concentration of the main substance is higher. But in cosmetics, the aggressive and irritating effect of salicylic acid is softened by additional components. So, choose any name from the rating, look at the reviews for this product - and use it for its intended purpose.

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Keep in mind. If you want to find out whether salicylic acid is included in a particular drug or not, look for Salicylic acid on the packaging - its Latin name.

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Home use

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The easiest way to use salicylic acid at home is to wipe your face with an alcohol solution. It can be purchased at any pharmacy. This is a worthy treatment for problematic and oily skin, when you need to quickly eliminate greasy shine and acne with pimples. But it is precisely this procedure that most often ends in burns, since many simply do not know how to use the product. Therefore, the instructions for use of this medication play such an important role.

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Instructions

Alcohol solution for external use 1 or 2%.

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1. Compound

Salicylic acid, ethanol.

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1. pharmachologic effect

For external use. Suppresses the production of sebaceous and sweat secretions. It has keratoplastic and keratolytic effects. Has antimicrobial properties.

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1. Indications

Psoriasis, oily seborrhea, ichthyosis, acne vulgaris, warts, chronic eczema, dyskeratosis.

Apply to clean skin 2-3 times a day.

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1. Side effect

Itching, burning, rash.

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1. Contraindications

Children's age, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

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1. Drug interactions

Not compatible with resorcinol and zinc oxide.

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Rubbing

To ensure that home use of this drug does not disappoint and has the desired effect on the skin, first of all, you need to know exactly how to use it.

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1. Indications: local, pinpoint rashes and neoplasms (acne, pimples, age spots), but not general cosmetic problems (oily skin, wrinkles, dermatoses), which are eliminated with creams and masks.
2. You can wipe your face with salicylic acid only if there are no contraindications or open wounds.
3. First, it is better to take a 1% solution. If the skin reacts normally, you can continue to use 2%.
4. Soak a cotton pad in acid.
5. Wipe either the entire face or only the most problematic areas.
6. After 20 minutes, wash with cool water (without soap or foam).
7. Apply soothing cream.
8. Do not go outside for half an hour.
9. Frequency of use: 2-3 times a day.
10. The course is no more than 1 month.
11. You can repeat it in a month.

If you need to get rid of wrinkles, cosmetologists recommend smearing your face with pharmaceutical salicylic ointment, and not with acid according to the same scheme. You can only apply it 1-2 times a day, and then use not a soothing, but a rejuvenating cream.

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Peeling

For home peeling you need to buy special complexes with a concentration of no more than 25%. For example, Pro-Peel Sali-pro plus from Promoitalia (Italy) or Salicylicpeel from Allura Esthetics (USA) are very effective. True, they are quite expensive, since they are professional cosmetics used in salons (from $50).

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It is not recommended for specialists to carry out such procedures on their own, but if you are ready to take responsibility, act strictly in accordance with the protocol.

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1. A week before peeling, stop taking any medications and do not sunbathe.
2. Remove cosmetics and impurities from the face (wash).
3. Treat the skin over a steam bath.
4. Degrease your face with a special solution, which is usually included in the peeling complex.
5. Apply the concentrate in a thin layer. The burning sensation should be tolerable. As soon as you feel that your face is starting to burn, wash off the composition and don’t take any more risks.
6. After 5-10 minutes (the time is indicated in the instructions), rinse off the solution with a special neutralizing agent (also included in the peeling kit).
7. Apply an emollient or soothing cream (or mask).
8. Frequency of use: 1 time every 5 days.
9. The course consists of 3-10 sessions (depending on skin condition).

Such home peeling can be done in autumn and winter, since in spring and summer there is a high probability of severe pigmentation as a side effect under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The rules of the rehabilitation period are exactly the same as after a salon procedure.

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General recommendations

Start your acquaintance with salicylic acid with cosmetics - it is safer to use. Medications can be frustrating and have side effects.

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Recipes

Several homemade recipes that are good for your skin will help you reduce the aggressive effect of the product and at the same time get the maximum benefit from it.

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1. Antibacterial compresses

Mix 130 ml of fresh chamomile decoction (already cooled), 2 ml of grape essential oil, 5 ml of 2% salicylic solution. Pour into a bottle with a dispenser for easier application. You can not only spot-smear pimples and age spots, but also apply applications and compresses to them for 7-10 minutes.

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1. Anti-inflammatory tonic

Pour 20 grams of dried calendula flowers into 100 ml of salicylic alcohol. Leave for a day, strain. Dilute in equal proportions with filtered or mineral water. Wipe pimples, acne and post-acne with toner.

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1. Acne lotion

Crush 5 tablets of chloramphenicol into powder. Mix 10 ml of salicylic and sulfuric acids and boric alcohol. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, add 200 ml of 70% alcohol. Apply a drop at a time to problem areas.

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1. Anti-aging cream

Melt beeswax (5 g), stirring constantly. Add rice oil (10 ml), beat. Stir in 5 ml salicylic acid. The resulting cream copes well with wrinkles of any depth. However, it is better not to apply it to the orbital region. Apply twice daily.

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1. Acne mask

Mix badyagu and green cosmetic clay in equal proportions (20 grams each). Dilute with water to obtain a creamy consistency. Add 5 ml of salicylic acid. Once a week, apply a thin layer to the face, rinse only with cold water.

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Salicylic acid is not only a medical product for disinfection and disinfection, but also an excellent cleansing cosmetic product. For oily and problematic facial skin, it is a real salvation when other creams and ointments fail. So the treasured bottle can be safely transferred from your home medicine cabinet to your cosmetic bag in order to fully care for the epidermis as it deserves.

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Salicylic acid is a well-known and affordable remedy for treating problem skin, which can be purchased at almost any pharmacy. This drug is suitable for oily skin, as it helps to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. For dry and sensitive skin, acid should be used carefully. Failure to follow the dosage and manufacturer's recommendations may result in burns. Therefore, before use, you should read the instructions.

Salicylic acid is an affordable remedy that is used to disinfect wounds and eliminate itching in dermatological diseases. It is also used in cosmetology to treat acne and remove other cosmetic defects..

Salicylic acid solution

You can purchase this drug at the pharmacy in the form of an alcohol solution or ointment. The concentration of salicylic acid in these products varies. For problem skin, a 1 percent or 2 percent solution is usually used. High acid content can lead to skin irritation and even burns. Therefore, pure 3%, 5% or 10% solutions are rarely used in their pure form.

In addition to salicylic acid, pharmaceutical products also contain other auxiliary components. 70% ethyl alcohol is usually added to the solution, and Vaseline is added to the ointment.

Salicylic acid has a positive effect on the skin, in particular:

1. dries out pimples, as a result of which they go away faster and leave no marks, since you don’t have to squeeze them;
2. helps get rid of acne in the future due to its antibacterial properties;
3. removes the stratum corneum of the skin, promoting its renewal;
4. normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, reducing skin oiliness;
5. with regular use, it allows you to lighten post-acne and age spots;
6. promotes deep cleansing of pores and removal of blackheads;
7. relieves itching and inflammation in external manifestations of dermatological diseases.

Thanks to these properties, salicylic acid occupies a special place in the system of care products for oily and problem skin. But it can dry out the skin, resulting in irritation and peeling. Therefore, using the product is not recommended for those with dry and sensitive skin.