Salicylic peeling against blackheads* on the chin

What is salicylic acid

This substance is from a group of compounds called salicylates. Salicylic acid is a type of phenolic acid and beta-hydroxy acid and is in the same class of drugs as aspirin, although it is used differently.

Salicylic acid is colorless and odorless. The structure allows it to be oil soluble, which means it can penetrate the lipid layers of the skin. Salicylic acid is considered a keratolytic because it clears bacteria and oil from pores that can cause clogged pores, causing blackheads and pimples. Salicylic acid is able to break the bonds between epidermal cells, acting as a natural exfoliant that removes the stratum corneum of the skin, making its surface smoother.

AHA acids in cosmetics

They are obtained from milk and various plants, but most of what we see in cosmetics is artificially created in laboratories. If the concentration of alpha acids is low, they can retain moisture inside skin cells (up to 4%). If more (from 5%), it works like a scrub - exfoliates dead cells.

AHA acids dissolve in water and cannot penetrate deep into the layers of the epidermis. But they work great on the surface itself:

• Exfoliate;
• Remove signs of aging: wrinkles, lack of firmness, radiance, elasticity, etc.;
• Remove hyperpigmentation;
• Fighting post-acne;
• They help collagen and elastin to be produced in the right quantities.

The most popular in this category is glycolic acid, it has been studied from all sides to find out its pros and cons. It is extracted from red cane and is considered the cheapest and most effective. It is also believed that extremely high concentrations of glycolic acid (found only in salon treatments) are very useful in treating advanced stages of acne. In addition, it helps increase collagen production and moisturizes the skin well.

Citric acid in cosmetics often acts not as an active component, but as a preservative or regulator of the acidity of the product. However, in terms of effectiveness and beneficial properties, it is very similar to glycolic. Mandelic acid is difficult to find in cosmetics, as it does not work as effectively and exfoliates less effectively. But mandelic acid is great for people with sensitive skin.

Skin exfoliation

While other antiseptics may only kill bacteria that cause acne and other problems, salicylic acid is one of the best products for removing dead skin cells and smoothing the skin. As a type of keratolytic, it has the ability to improve skin texture by exfoliating, reducing roughness and stimulating cell turnover. We have already talked about how to exfoliate with salicylic acid.

What problems can acids in cosmetics solve?

Acids of various types and stripes are similar in one thing - the principle of operation, namely in the dissolution of dead skin cells. This process frees up space for new cells to appear and reduces the number of dead cells in the future. In simple terms, you purposefully and carefully damage the skin to make the texture smoother and renew the cells. As a bonus, you will make it easier for moisturizing and nourishing products to work - after acid peeling, it will be much easier for the main components to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and work easier. In modern cosmetology, several categories of acids are used.

Treatment of warts

When applied as a cream, ointment, lotion, or patch, salicylic acid can help remove warts by exfoliating the skin and promoting the growth of healthy skin cells. Experts recommend starting treatment for warts with medications containing salicylic acid. They have minimal side effects, are sold without a prescription and are inexpensive. Products containing salicylic acid should not be used on genital and anal warts, as well as growths from which hair grows.

Reviews

Valeria, 25 years old Salicylic acid for the face works great for acne. I use a 1% solution and that's enough for me. The price of the product in pharmacies is low, but the results are excellent. The most profitable option to get the desired effect “cheap and cheerful”. I do not recommend using a pure solution of more than 1% so as not to burn the skin.

Ekaterina, 23 years old Sometimes I use salicylic alcohol to dry the skin. My dermatologist immediately warned me that I shouldn’t use the product often, because it could lead to more active work of the sebaceous glands and the skin would become even oilier. I often use it to get rid of small pimples: they quickly dry out and come out through the pores.

Dmitry, 28 years old For a long time I could not get rid of subcutaneous pimples on my forehead; anti-acne washes and creams did not help at all. I decided to try salicylic acid and already on the 4th day of use I noticed a significant improvement in my condition. The acne came to the surface and soon disappeared. I used a 3% solution to quickly deal with the problem.

The names of organic acids used in cosmetology sound like magic spells to girls: hyaluronic, glycolic, retinol... It seems that these incomprehensible words contain a recipe for eternal youth and beauty. And today we will learn another such spell and figure out when it is used and how it works. So, attention - salicylic acid.

This acid (its name comes from the Latin name for willow - Salix, since it was first obtained from the bark of this tree) and medicines based on it have been used in medicine for a long time. Now they are used only externally to treat numerous skin problems:

seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, pityriasis versicolor and versicolor, burns, calluses and the like.

The main indication for the use of salicylic acid in cosmetology is acne .

Side effects

Can salicylic acid be harmful to certain skin types? Alas, yes. If you have sensitive skin prone to dryness and redness, this product will not be the best choice, especially for frequent use.

Salicylic acid may cause side effects (especially when first used), including irritation, dryness, itching, peeling and redness. Such complications most often occur with excessive use or application to large areas of skin.

Salicylic acid products are not recommended for pregnant women or anyone taking blood thinning medications. Products containing salicylic acid should also not be applied to the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, damaged skin, or moles.

Properties

Unlike other acids used in cosmetology, salicylic acid is characterized by efficiency and speed of action. Her main abilities include:

• anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect due to the destruction of bacteria and microorganisms;
• decreased secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands;
• keratolytic (exfoliating) effect by softening, drying and cleansing the skin of dead particles;
• accelerating skin regeneration by increasing blood flow to the damaged area and stimulating cell division;
• improving collagen production (protecting it from destruction).

How to use salicylic acid products

Currently, various salicylic acid products are available in pharmacies and cosmetic stores. This:

• Means for washing and cleansing facial skin from acne. Such products are often intended for daily use. Some dermatologists recommend looking for products that contain a mixture of different acids to achieve the best results.
• Ointments or creams that are applied pointwise to acne or the resulting spots on the skin. Look for products that contain about 2% salicylic acid. This is the optimal concentration for home care.
• Body washes. Acne can form not only on the face, but also on the back, chest, etc.
• Salicylic acid shampoo used to reduce scalp dandruff.
• Wipes and patches that are applied to the skin, including the scalp.

Most skin care products are available over the counter in concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid. Dermatologists also offer professional treatments such as salicylic acid peels. They use drugs in which the content of this substance reaches 20-30%.

Products for treating warts on thicker skin range from 17% to 40%. Such drugs must be used with caution, as side effects cannot be ruled out. Always read the instructions carefully. Treatment for warts usually takes up to 12 weeks. Some products are applied to pre-steamed skin once or twice a day for several weeks until the wart disappears. Before treatment, the skin with a wart can be rubbed with a pumice stone.

Can salicylic acid be used every day? Depending on your skin type and condition, products with this substance can be used from several times a day to several times a week. If you don't have sensitive skin and only apply a small amount (ideally along with moisturizer), you should be able to tolerate daily use. However, if you notice that your skin is becoming dry and irritated, take a break for a while.

It is best to use a small dose of the product at first and then gradually increase it as your skin gets used to it. When applying twice daily, be sure to use a gentle cleanser and moisturize your skin to help prevent excessive dryness and flaking. To avoid side effects, apply salicylic acid only to areas of the skin that are prone to pimples and acne.

Lotion

More often, the medicine is used as part of masks and lotions in order to achieve maximum effect when interacting with other ingredients. You can prepare such a remedy yourself. All the necessary components are easy to find at the pharmacy and are low cost. Here are some examples of preparing such products:

Option 1:

1. You will need 130 ml of chamomile decoction, 2 ml of grape oil and 5 ml of salicylic liquid.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the cooled, strained chamomile decoction and mix well.
3. For convenience, pour the entire composition into a bottle with a spray or dispenser.
4. Apply the lotion to a cotton pad and wipe the surface of your face with it several times a day.
5. If there are only a few spots or areas of inflammation, then it is better to apply a compress to these places.

Option 2:

1. To create an anti-inflammatory lotion, you need to take half a glass of salicylic alcohol.
2. Pour one tablespoon of dried calendula flowers into it.
3. Let it brew for a day, then strain through gauze.
4. If necessary, stir the product with clean water in the following ratio: 1 spoon of lotion per 1 glass of liquid.
5. Use as a facial toner.

Option 3:

1. This recipe is better for sensitive skin. You need to buy 5 tablets of chloramphenicol at the pharmacy; they must be crushed into powder.
2. Mix it with boric alcohol, sulfur and salicylic acid. You need 1 teaspoon of each ingredient.
3. Add a glass of 70% alcohol and stir thoroughly.
4. Shake the product before use.
5. Apply drop by drop to affected areas of skin.

Reviews from those who tried it

I think everyone is interested in knowing whether salicylic acid helps with acne. After a long search, I found the following answers on how to use salicylic acid:

Vika: I smeared it on my face. The product made the skin very dry and tight. Apparently this doesn't suit my type.

Alina: A friend convinced me that this is the best remedy for acne. I decided to check. If you lubricate only problem areas with the solution, it helps.

Mia: Is it possible to wipe your face with this product? I'm not sure, I use it spot on for inflammation. I'm happy with the effect.

Katya: I don’t know if salicylic acid helps with acne and acne. I use it to combat excess oiliness on my face. So far I'm happy.

Lina: The pharmacy has a product called salicylic alcohol. Under no circumstances should you apply it in its pure form to the skin. It will greatly dry out and disrupt the lipid layer. Then you will continue to treat.

Vera: I have problematic and oily skin. Salicylic acid harmed me even more. It dries out a lot, the skin then flakes and peels off.

Lola: Salicylic acid can seriously burn your facial skin. It does not need to be used for blackheads. This is a remedy for relieving inflammation. If there are no acne, use something else, scrubs or peels, for example.

Tanyusha: And it helps me with ingrown hairs after depilation. I apply a spot-on 1% solution and all my hairs come out. I just pull them out with tweezers. There is no inflammation and there is no need to pick the skin.

Sasha: It won’t help clean pores. I think it should be used only for inflammation and then with caution. If you are prone to rosacea, it can only worsen the situation.

Nastya: Salicylic acid of varying concentrations and salicylic alcohol are two different products. The second is only capable of disinfection.

Larisa: I came to the following conclusion for myself: pharmaceutical alcohol solutions are not for my face. I will look for cosmetics with this component.

What does it help with?

This is an organic substance related to fat-soluble acids. It is colorless crystals, highly soluble in ethanol. It is obtained through the simple synthesis of sodium phenolate, carbon dioxide and hydrochloric acid. The drug has earned wide popularity in cosmetology due to the following properties:

• exfoliates dead epithelial cells;
• relieves the inflammatory process;
• has a drying effect;
• has a mild analgesic effect;
• cleanses pores;
• constricts blood vessels, eliminates itching;
• normalizes the secretion of the sebaceous glands;
• is a good preservative;
• easily penetrates deep into the skin.

Cosmetics with salicylic acid

Many brands use this substance in their products for problem skin. It is added to facial cleansing gels, tonics, and lotions. Can be included in therapeutic masks or scrubs for oily skin. I have already talked about how the Vichy Normaderm line is perfect for problem skin.

Here I have selected a product that contains the ingredient Salicylic acid. I use some of them myself:

1. Deep cleansing gel - eliminates oily shine, makes the face clean and fresh.
2. 3-in-1 product - combines the effects of several products at once. I have a tube like this. It lasts a very long time. I make a mask with it or a scrub after a shower. I like the result.
3. Anti-aging cream for imperfections - reduces signs of aging, improves tone, eliminates imperfections.
4. HYALUSPOT spot action product - I already wrote about it in the article on products after 25 years.
5. Vichy Normaderm detox night care will perfectly complement your daily care for problem skin. You can learn more about this product from my article night creams.

Use in dermatology

Salicylic acid and its derivatives are widely used in dermatology. Products based on them successfully cope with diseases such as:

• Acne - softens sebaceous plugs and cleanses pores. Promotes skin renewal.
• Acne and acne marks - effectively brightens, smoothes and evens out the skin.
• Warts - suppresses the development of harmful microorganisms, softens the rough surface.
• Demodectic mange - used against skin mites as part of talkers, ointments and other medicines.
• Seborrhea - reduces inflammation, normalizes oily skin, promotes regeneration.

Salicylic ointment is used for toenail fungus in the early stages of the disease.

Products based on salicylic acid effectively help get rid of age spots. Most often, a 2% alcohol solution is used for this. You can fix this problem at home or by resorting to the services of specialists.