Salicylic acid is an essential component of many cosmetic and medicinal preparations for the treatment of acne. The product is no less effective in its pure form - with regular manipulation you can easily get rid of formations on the face.
Home cosmetology has also found use for this useful drug, which is included in self-prepared masks, scrubs, and creams.
In order to easily and quickly get rid of unpleasant skin defects, it is better to understand in advance the features of the antiseptic, the rules of use, and select recipes specifically for your type of dermis.
Beneficial qualities of salicylic acid
The antiseptic has many useful qualities that can be easily used to combat facial skin defects. The active elements contained in the drug differ in a number of properties:
- destroy bacteria;
- tighten and cleanse pores;
- treat purulent acne;
- relieve inflammatory processes;
- dry the dermis;
- normalize the functioning of the glands responsible for the production of sebum;
- remove scars left after acne;
- cleanses the surface of the face from blackheads.
Expert opinion
TRY IT!
You can also benefit from the drug to even out your tone - home remedies remove pigmentation and whiten red spots.
The main thing is not to overdo it - it’s easy to dry out the dermis and cause peeling. To prevent such manifestations, it is better to strictly follow the recommendations of home cosmetology and the chosen recipe.
The use of salicylic acid for different types of facial skin
If you are interested in using salicylic acid to treat acne, consider the current condition of your skin. While some skin types are ready to benefit greatly from this acne-fighting product, others need to be a little more careful with its use.
Using salicylic acid for oily skin
Those who have acne-prone or oily skin can more than likely use the help of salicylic acid. Those with oily skin types have skin cells that tend to quickly multiply and clump together, and salicylic acid can dissolve the cement that holds them together. It reduces acne, reduces oil, and can even get rid of skin discoloration. This acid is one of the few ingredients that can actually slow down skin oil production and reduce sebum secretion to prevent clogged pores from forming. It can also shrink enlarged pores.
The use of salicylic acid for normal facial skin
If you have normal skin, you are among the happiest people. “Normal” refers to skin that is neither too oily nor too dry and experiences infrequent breakouts. Thus, salicylic acid is generally considered safe for use on normal skin when used in moderation. Excessive frequency may create an imbalance and you may want to consider applying your product as needed.
Using salicylic acid for dry skin
It is important to find a salicylic acid product that keeps skin oils in balance. Therefore, people with dry skin types should use extra caution when using this acne medication. Dry skin is characterized by a lack of moisture. It lacks the necessary lipids to retain water and therefore becomes brittle, rough or itchy. Certain oils are essential to keep skin supple, moist and healthy. If your complexion is already stripped of its essential oils, the drying effect of salicylic acid may cause more damage.
Application of salicylic acid for sensitive facial skin
Anyone with sensitive skin should exercise caution when trying a new product. Until you determine the cause of your skin's irritation, you will never know how your skin might react to a new skin care ingredient. Highly reactive, sensitive skin types should seek advice from a skin care specialist who can more accurately determine whether this type of product is suitable for your acne treatment.
The use of salicylic acid for problematic facial skin
In some cases, a dermatologist may recommend salicylic acid as a treatment for more serious skin conditions such as eczema, keratosis pilaris, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. Its powerful exfoliating properties make it a keratolytic agent, a substance that helps normalize the skin's keratinization process (the natural shedding of skin cells).
Mask for problematic dermis
The problematic dermis is considered the most difficult to care for. It is very difficult, without experience, to choose products that simultaneously normalize the water balance in the tissues of the epidermis, remove oily shine, and deal with acne or rashes. A mask with salicylic alcohol will quickly and effectively cleanse and relieve inflammation.
Step by step recipe:
- Turn oatmeal flakes (45 g) into a fine powder.
- Add antiseptic (15 drops).
- Grind the fennel seeds in a mortar.
- Combine the ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Start application from problem areas. Be sure to massage with light movements. Leave the mixture for a quarter of an hour; for rinsing it is recommended to use a herbal decoction (brew 15 grams of chamomile flowers, 140 ml of boiling water, leave). Complete the procedure by applying a nourishing cream.
Who needs 1, 5 and 10% solution and why
A 1% solution of salicylic acid (salicylic alcohol) treats acne in adolescents and adults, as well as skin diseases in children. This concentration is also suitable for treating wound defects.
In case of severe inflammatory process accompanied by purulent discharge, it is better to use a 5% solution.
An important property of salicylic acid is its ability to eliminate papillomas. To do this, take a product with a high concentration. A 10% solution effectively combats these imperfections. Daily treatment at night is sufficient.
Before using salicylate as a remedy for papillomas, be sure to consult your doctor!
Whitening
It’s not for nothing that a product based on white clay with the addition of an antiseptic is included in the TOP whitening compositions, because it can not only even out the tone, but also remove pigmentation. Another advantage of using it is that rashes dry out and purulent pimples disappear.
Preparation:
- Heat milk (55 ml), preferably using a fatty homemade product for preparation, especially for dry skin.
- Pour in white cosmetic clay (20 g) and leave for a quarter of an hour.
- Add antiseptic (10 drops) and mix.
Be sure to spread the mixture in a thin, even layer. Leave for 20-21 minutes.
Expert opinion
WE RECOMMEND!
If the pigmentation is too dark, it is recommended that before the procedure, treat the problem areas with a pure preparation, without additional components, and only then use a homemade mask.
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
For oily skin
Caring for skin at home that is constantly covered with an oily, unkempt layer, as well as problem skin, often causes a lot of trouble and difficulties. Even the most effective creams and masks are often unable to affect the sebaceous glands and normalize their functioning.
Salicylic acid is one of the few drugs that can quickly remove greasy film and reduce sebum production.
Step by step recipe:
- Prepare a decoction based on rose hips (pour 70 ml of boiling water over 4-6 fruits, simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, leave).
- Pour the pressed yeast (40 g) with a warm broth and leave for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Add acid (15 drops) to the yeast mixture and stir.
Expert opinion
CAREFULLY!
When applying, make sure that the mixture does not come into contact with overly sensitive areas. The duration of manipulations should not exceed 10 minutes.
To rinse, use a herbal decoction or warm water.
The best lotions and toners with salicylic acid for the face
Salicylic facial lotion Antibacterial Acne Control series
Salicylic facial lotion with rosewood oil has a powerful antiseptic effect, suppresses bacterial activity, relieves redness and inflammation. Fast-acting Acne Control Complex based on 5 acids and natural restorative components regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, prevents the appearance of acne, tightens pores, significantly improves skin condition, and enhances the regeneration of epidermal cells. Green tea stem cells and elastin restore firmness and elasticity, improve the protective properties of the skin, making it noticeably cleaner from the first use.
Salicylic acid in Gemene willow infusion
A combination of proven components combined with a hyaluronic acid base creates a fundamentally new drug for effectively combating acne.
Alcohol-free gel complex
from salicylic acid in willow infusion. Cleansing for acne-prone (problem) skin, antiseptic, can be applied directly to inflamed areas for 1-1.5 hours.
Tightening, eliminating age-related changes
Using products with an antiseptic, you can easily remove signs of fading at home - regular manipulations will eliminate sagging, sagging, get rid of looseness, smooth out relief, folds, and wrinkles. It is advisable to carry out procedures twice a week, alternating with other anti-aging and tightening compounds.
Preparation:
- Combine semolina (10-14 g) with pharmaceutical glycerin (5 ml).
- Pour in salicylic acid (20-22 drops are enough).
- Stir the mixture and leave in a warm room for 15 minutes.
For application it is recommended to use a wide cosmetic brush. After uniform distribution, it is advisable to carry out a light massage - patting, stroking.
Wash after 15 minutes. It is better to replace the water with a decoction of young nettle leaves or thyme (20 grams of chopped plant material per 200 ml of boiling water).
Action
Many girls are interested in whether it is possible to wipe their face with salicylic acid, what effect it has, and whether it damages the skin. To answer these questions, you need to read the instructions for using this product.
This product has excellent antiseptic properties, which allows it to provide significant assistance in eliminating acne and inflammation on the skin.
In addition, it is distinguished by its ability to soften the skin and remove excess dead epithelial cells.
For cosmetic operations, you need to purchase a 1% solution. Higher concentrations can cause allergic reactions and even burns.
Carefully study the expiration date of the solution. It is better not to risk your skin condition by using an expired drug.
Honey against rashes, acne
The best remedy that can easily cope with inflammation and acne is a honey mask. The bee product, like salicylic acid, has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
A mixture of these components will cleanse the dermis, improve the appearance of the skin, and forget about unsightly formations for a long time. The only caution to remember is not to use the composition on overly sensitive skin.
If the skin reacts negatively to bee products, it is also better to choose a different composition, since the amount of rash can rapidly increase, redness and burning will be added.
Step by step recipe:
- Melt honey (20 g) in a small container in a steam bath; be sure to ensure that there are no sugar crystals in the liquid, which can damage the top layer of the epidermis.
- Add cocoa butter (5 ml) to the honey product.
- Pour in antiseptic (15 drops), mix the composition.
The mass is quite liquid, so it is better not to apply the mixture with your fingers; use a cosmetic spatula. It is not recommended to use the product on areas of high sensitivity (dermis near the eyes, mouth).
Expert opinion
WE RECOMMEND!
Apply the mask in a thin, even layer. Rest for a quarter of an hour, remove with a disc of damp cotton wool.
Carry out a contrast rinse - alternate cool and warm liquid. You should not use any moisturizing or nourishing preparations immediately after the manipulations - the honey mixture contains everything that is necessary for the epidermal tissues.
The best peelings with salicylic acid for the face
Peeling Licoberon
Peeling is designed for intensive exfoliation of dead cells from the surface of the skin. A powerful formula containing 20% salicylic acid dissolves dead particles of the epidermis, eliminates excess sebum and impurities on the skin. Peeling deeply cleanses pores, preventing them from clogging. Evens out skin texture and eliminates scars. It has a significant whitening effect and actively fights against manifestations of skin hyperpigmentation, such as post-acne, pigment spots, and freckles. Evens out skin tone and brightens it.
Fights inflammation, significantly reduces the number of inflammatory elements. Prevents the spread of infection, has a bactericidal and antiseptic effect. Peeling promotes effective skin renewal, as a result of which it becomes stronger, wrinkles are smoothed out, and complexion improves. Activates the synthesis of structural proteins of the skin, making it more toned and elastic. Peeling normalizes sebum production, mattifies the skin, eliminating oily shine for a long time. Promotes skin rejuvenation and slows down the aging process. Exfoliates dead cells and intensively cleanses the skin. Significantly increases skin permeability, thereby increasing the effectiveness of further stages of care.
Enzyme peeling Les Complexes Biotechniques M120
M120 LCB Cleansing KIT PEELING Solution Papaine No. 1 – Facial peeling with papain and salicylic acid PHASE 1 provides a gentle and at the same time intense exfoliating effect on the facial skin. Recommended for sensitive, aging and problematic facial skin. Kit Peeling No. 1 is a highly concentrated solution of a special enzyme, papain, which belongs to non-specific peptides. It gently loosens the stratum corneum of the epidermis, evening out the tone of the face and the relief of the skin. Papain stimulates the regeneration process, suppresses inflammation and has an astringent effect, which makes the skin glow after kit peeling.
Korean peeling with AHA and BHA acids A'Pieu Glycolic Acid Peeling Booster
The Glycolic Acid Peeling Booster peeling tonic from the Korean brand A'Pieu contains glycolic AHA acid (3%) and salicylic BHA acid (0.45%). The product gently dissolves ceramides, removing keratinized and unnecessary scales from the surface of the epidermis, stimulates cell regeneration processes, evens out the microrelief and skin tone, giving the face a smooth and healthy appearance. Birch sap (30%) lightens pigmentation, tones and moisturizes the skin, smoothes out creases and wrinkles. Peeling A'Pieu Glycolic Acid Peeling Booster contains a complex of plant extracts and biofens - a lactobacilli enzyme that restores the skin microbiome.
Peeling mask
Peeling is considered one of the mandatory stages of facial skin care. Procedures carried out regularly allow you to cleanse the upper layer of the dermis from dead particles of the epidermis, dust, dirt, remove the contents of pores, and even deal with blackheads and oily film.
Many commercial drugs do an excellent job of this task, but often cause undesirable consequences.
Expert opinion
TRY IT!
If you have salicylic acid lying around in your medicine cabinet, you can cleanse your skin without any trouble - the composition is gentle even on sensitive areas.
Step by step recipe:
- Mash the lingonberry fruits (20 g) with a fork; you can use a blender to chop.
- Add salicylic acid (22-25 drops).
- Pour in essential oil (5 ml).
After mixing, begin distributing the composition. Be sure to do this with your fingers, rubbing the areas of the skin with light movements. Leave the mixture on the dermis, rest for 10 minutes, and rinse. It is recommended to apply a soothing cream after the manipulations or simply wipe your face with oil.
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.
Homemade anti-rash cream
It is easy to prepare your own cream, which, with regular use, will normalize the secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands. When properly stored in the refrigerator, it does not lose its positive qualities for two weeks. That is why you should not prepare large portions of the drug; it is better to regularly mix a fresh mixture.
Preparation:
- Place wax (5-8 grams) purchased at the pharmacy into a small container and heat, stirring, until the bee product is completely dissolved.
- Combine the heated wax with rice oil (10 ml).
- Before use, pour in antiseptic (3-5 ml) and mix.
- Pour the mixture into a dark glass container, seal tightly, and place in the refrigerator.
It is recommended to begin manipulations by cleansing the skin. You can use a scrub or peeling. It would be useful to take a steam bath using herbal infusions.
Distribute a small amount of the prepared cream in an even thin layer and rub into the epidermis. There is no need to remove any remaining product with a napkin – due to its light consistency, it is completely absorbed. The frequency of procedures is no more than twice a week.
Lotion
To strengthen blood vessels, normalize metabolic processes in the tissues of the epidermis, improve facial tone, and cleanse dirt and fat, it is recommended to use a lotion prepared according to a folk recipe. The product is perfect even for those with skin prone to irritation or allergic reactions.
Expert opinion
ATTENTION!
The only prohibition for use is an individual negative reaction to one of the components.
Step by step recipe:
- Prepare a chamomile decoction (grind 20 grams of the plant’s flowers with your hands, brew 150 ml of boiling water, boil for 2 minutes, strain after a short infusion).
- Mix the strained chamomile decoction with grape oil (5 ml).
- Pour in acid (5-6 ml).
- Mix the product, pour into a bottle, and refrigerate.
To treat your face, soak a cotton sponge with the prepared lotion and wipe the skin. It is better to rinse your face with cool water first; do not use detergents. Before applying the chamomile product, thoroughly blot off any remaining moisture with a napkin.
Preparations with acid
On the shelves of pharmacies and stores there are many bottles and jars with ointments, balms, lotions, creams, tonics and other cosmetics with the addition of salicylic acid. They are purchased to remove pimples, blackheads and acne, warts and corns, calluses and age spots.
Ointments
Salicylic ointment, Belosalik, Diprosalik and Elokom. Ideal for applying a thin layer to the affected surface. In addition, it is better to choose ointment forms as a treatment for dermatitis. They are oilier and, in addition to their main effect, help eliminate excess dryness.
Lotions
L'Occitane
L'Occitane's Radiant Facial Toner does not contain alcohol, but does contain salicylic acid with meadowsweet. The product has a pronounced whitening effect, so it effectively evens out skin tone.
The product is recommended for problematic and oily skin. Allowed for daily use. Should not be used on hypersensitive skin. The tonic smells pleasant and retains the aroma after application.
REN
REN Clarifying Toner Lotion exfoliates and refreshes oily and problematic skin. The composition includes fruit acids, hawthorn and willow bark extract. Antibacterial lotion regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, eliminates swelling and rashes.
SkinCeuticals
By daily scrubbing acne-prone skin with SkinCeuticals Cleansing Toner, blackheads will disappear from your face. The renewed skin will regain its radiance and freshness.
CosRx
When using the Korean product CosRx for oily and combination skin, rashes go away and pores appear narrower. In addition, there is a lightening of pigment spots.
Powders
The most popular drug is Galmanin. It contains not only salicylic acid, but also zinc oxide. Ideal for the treatment of acute eczema and also helps eliminate excessive sweating of the feet.
Available in powder form. It is enough to cover the surface with a thin layer of powder and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Gels
Blemish & age Cleansing gell, Skinceuticals
Blemish & age Cleansing gell, Skinceuticals is indicated for aging and acne-prone skin. Thanks to the action of the gel, dead cells are exfoliated and impurities are removed from the pores.
SOS
SOS salicylic gel effectively treats acne.
GARNIER Clear Skin Active
You can remove blackheads and reduce the appearance of acne with regular use of the Clear Skin Active gel, Garnier.
Cosmetic pencils
Nikole Laboratopy Stopproblem
With the Nikole Laboratopy Stopproblem salicylic camouflage pencil, problem areas on the skin are not visible. The product remains in effect until washed off.
Masking salicylic pencil for problem skin will hide imperfections and help stop the inflammatory process.
Salizink
Salizink salicylic concealer stick contains zinc and sulfur. The product dries out inflammation and hides imperfections.
Facial cleansing toner
For inflammatory processes on the skin, profuse rashes, large pimples, it is recommended to prepare a tonic that can easily eliminate defects. At the same time as removing unpleasant manifestations, the antiseptic-based liquid will remove greasy shine and reduce the activity of the glands responsible for the secretion of fat.
Preparation:
- Grind 25 grams with your hands. mint leaves (it is advisable to use dry raw materials).
- Brew the herbal powder with boiling water (120 ml), close the container tightly, wrap it in a warm scarf, and leave to infuse for half an hour.
- Strain the broth, add calendula tincture (10 ml), which you can purchase at the pharmacy.
- Pour the acid solution (35 ml) into the completely cooled liquid.
- Store in a container that can be tightly closed, preferably in the refrigerator.
Wipe the dermis at least twice a day. Be sure to use mint tonic on cleansed skin. The composition has a drying effect, so it is better not to use it before going outside.
Instructions - how to use salicylic acid for acne
An alcohol preparation for treating affected skin is used in the morning and evening, wiping with a cotton swab. For adult patients, no more than 10 ml per day; for children, 1 ml is enough. Do not use the product for longer than 7 days.
Treatment can also be carried out with lotions, applied to cleansed and dried skin.
When treating with ointment (2% composition), a thin layer of the product is applied to problem areas. Sterile gauze is attached to the top. If there are few pimples, they are lubricated with a cotton swab. Wash off after 3 minutes. Treat three times a day and no longer than 21 days.
After completing the procedure, wash the face with clean water, neutralizing the acid, and apply a moisturizer.
Features of using gel with antiseptic
If you don’t have time to prepare home remedies, you can resort to store-bought medications. Gels, which contain an antiseptic, have many useful qualities:
- exfoliate the upper keratinized layer of the epidermis;
- destroy bacteria that provoke the development of inflammation, the appearance of pimples, purulent acne;
- normalize sebum secretion, remove oily shine;
- prevent the formation of blackheads, remove dark sebaceous plugs from pores;
- evens out tone and brightens.
The gel also contains plant components that reduce the aggressiveness of the main substance, improve efficiency, prevent irritation, and tone.
It is recommended to use the product every time you wash your face. Before procedures with homemade masks, you should also resort to gel - it will perfectly cleanse the pores, preparing them for the penetration of active elements.
Salicylic acid is a drug that has many advantages, and has been used for decades in the fight against rashes and acne, providing worthy competition to expensive cosmetic creams and lotions.
When using the medicine, you should remember to be careful - if you overuse an aggressive liquid, you can easily get additional problems. If you strictly follow the rules and recommendations of home cosmetology, there will be no complications - your face will quickly acquire a healthy tone and be cleared of acne.
The benefits and harms of salicylic acid for the face
Prevention of comedones
Comedones are usually the precursor to acne. They appear as small bumps that contain debris, sebum and (sometimes) bacteria inside the enlarged hair follicle. As comedones develop, they can either remain open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads). When these clogged pores continue to fill beneath the skin's surface, pus, inflammation, infection, or even cell rupture can occur. Using salicylic acid not only treats existing blackheads, but can also prevent the formation of comedones by penetrating deep into the pores and loosening the particles within them.
Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the skin of the face
All this means is that salicylic acid can penetrate deep into your skin to do its job. It's this quality that makes salicylic acid such a powerful acne-fighting ingredient—especially blackheads and whiteheads.
Once it penetrates the skin, salicylic acid “dissolves skin debris that clogs pores, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and also helps clear up red, inflamed pimples and pustules faster.
This ingredient can penetrate so deep into the skin that it actually breaks down the bonds between skin cells. Once it has penetrated the skin, the acidic part of the molecule can dissolve some of the intracellular “glue” that holds skin cells together.
Anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid
Salicylic acid contains the same anti-inflammatory ingredients as aspirin, which explains why some (wrongly!) suggest making face masks with a numbing agent. Don't: Aspirin was not formulated for the skin and may irritate your skin, but salicylic acid is formulated for the skin. It can reduce swollen, red and inflamed pores due to its soothing effect, resulting in a more balanced skin tone. Those who have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can use the anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid to correct sun spots, age spots, and inflammatory acne.
Salicylic acid exfoliates skin
This breakdown of skin cells also promotes exfoliation. Salicylic acid is considered a keratolytic, meaning it is ideal for superior exfoliation. Keratolytic drugs cause softening and exfoliation of the top layer of skin cells.
Salicylic acid also loosens and breaks down desmosomes (the attachments between cells in the outer layer of skin). This desmolytic action stimulates skin exfoliation and unclogs pores.
One idea behind the etiology of acne is that skin cells don't behave normally, and instead of being sloughed off through the healthy skin cell cycle, they stick together and clog pores, creating cysts and blackheads. Salicylic acid helps in removing and weakening these skin cells and helps dissolve blackheads.”
Salicylic acid helps with acne and acne
There are three factors that contribute to acne: abnormal shedding of skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria. Salicylic acid helps with the first cause by dissolving skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne.
Salicylic acid can directly dissolve keratin plugs and regulate skin cells. It does have some effectiveness against cystic acne due to its antibacterial activity, but less than classic blackheads and whiteheads.
Harm of salicylic acid
The main negative side effect of salicylic acid is its ability to irritate and dry out the skin in those who are very sensitive or overuse it.
Depending on the concentration and number of uses, some people may experience dryness, flaking, redness and some skin irritation. For this reason, those with already severely dry or sensitive skin should avoid SA completely. It is also not a good choice if you are pregnant or taking certain medications, including blood thinners.
What's more serious: “Applying salicylic acid or any salicylate to very large parts of your body can result in salicylate poisoning. So just don't apply a layer all over your body—stick to acne-prone areas only.
