Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an inexpensive but effective topical preparation. The main component of this versatile remedy is the acid extracted from the willow bark. Thanks to its unique healing properties, it helps to solve a variety of problems related to beauty and health.
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The use of salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an indispensable agent in many cosmetic procedures. She has a lot of useful properties:
- It has excellent drying properties. Plus, it can be applied pointwise, which is great for treating acne.
- Salicylic acid helps to reduce the level of oiliness of the skin, so the pores will be much less clogged. This also reduces the risk of skin inflammation.
- This is an excellent means of dealing with comedones(blackheads on the face) that either fade or dissolve in acid.
- Salicylic acid kills bacteria that cause acne.
Due to such remarkable properties, this acid is widely used in cosmetology and medicine. It is used to heal wounds and treat various skin diseases: lichen, psoriasis, eczema. In addition, compresses from it help reduce pain in rheumatism or gout.
In cosmetology, the drug is used to get rid of acne and warts, strengthen and accelerate hair growth, reduce oiliness and sweating of the skin. This is not a complete list of indications. It is not for nothing that salicylic acid is considered a truly universal remedy.
How to use salicylic acid
Since salicylic acid has a variety of uses, it comes in several forms: powder, ointment, patch and paste, as well as aqueous and alcoholic solutions. You need to use it with caution, observing certain rules:
- To treat acne or acne, the product must be applied pointwise, it is not recommended to wipe the entire face with acid. Applied in large quantities, the drug can cause dryness and irritation of the skin.
- It is necessary to strictly observe the dosage and concentration of the drug. If the skin condition worsens, you should immediately consult a doctor.
- After the end of the procedure, it is advisable to soothe the skin with a hypoallergenic moisturizer.
Salicylic acid for acne
Acne treatment is one of the main uses of salicylic acid. For this, an alcohol solution of 1 or 2 percent is used (a higher concentration can cause a burn). You need to carry out the procedures regularly, 2 times a day. Depending on the condition of the skin, the course of treatment is up to two to three months.
Make sure you are not allergic to acid before use. To do this, it is enough to apply a small amount of it behind the ear area: if the skin turns red, it is better to refuse to use the product.
If everything is normal, gently wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab soaked in the solution. Hold it for a while, then rinse with warm water.
Salicylic acid masks
Various masks with salicylic acid are often used in cosmetology. They have a good effect due to its beneficial properties:
- it promotes the production of elastin and collagen;
- destroys bacteria and removes harmful substances from the body;
- stimulates skin regeneration;
- has a good drying effect, eliminates excessive oily skin.
One of the most effective masks that help with purulent inflammation is to mix 1 tsp. lemon juice, acid and white clay. The resulting cream should be applied to the face for 10 minutes.
Another effective mask is based on glycerin. It, in the amount of 1 tsp, is mixed with the same amount of gelatin and 1 g of acid. The mixture should be heated in a water bath and, while still warm, applied to the face. It is stored in the refrigerator.
For problem skin, you can prepare a special lotion. 25 g of calendula flowers should be poured with 100 ml of salicylic alcohol, insist for a day and add a glass of water. This lotion is good for acne and oily skin.
Salicylic Acid Chatterbox
To get rid of acne, a so-called salicylic acid-based talker works well. There are various recipes for its preparation, here are some of the simplest:
- One package of salicylic acid must be mixed with a package of chloramphenicol, then diluted with calendula tincture. You need to infuse the mixture for a day, before using it you will need to shake it.
- You will need 50 ml of a solution of boric and salicylic acid, as well as 7 g of streptocide and sulfur. Streptocide must be crushed into powder and mixed with all the other ingredients.
- Grind two tablets of chloramphenicol and trichopolum, pour the resulting mixture with a bottle of salicylic alcohol.
You can use such talkers no more than twice a day in order to prevent overdrying of the skin. It is best to do this in the morning and before bed. Before use, the face must be well cleaned, and after treatment, wipe it with a good moisturizer.
It must be borne in mind that such a talker has a good effect on minor skin inflammations. In difficult cases, you will most likely need another remedy. In addition, the treatment must be combined with a special diet.
Peeling with salicylic acid
Few people know that salicylic acid is one of the best exfoliants. Since it perfectly cleanses the skin and exfoliates dead cells, it is also a great way to rejuvenate. The growth of new cells contributes to a significant improvement in the health of the skin. This peeling helps to smooth out small wrinkles and remove age spots. The skin becomes smoother and fresher, even a blush appears on it.
This procedure can be carried out not only in the salon, but also at home. First, the skin must be well cleaned and degreased. After that, the solution is evenly applied to the face and remains for a certain time. The duration of its work is determined individually, taking into account the characteristics of the skin, as well as the number of sessions. Sometimes, to achieve the desired effect, it may take up to ten such procedures.
Despite all the attractiveness of salicylic peeling, it has contraindications. Such a procedure is unacceptable during pregnancy and feeding a baby, with acute forms of herpes and the presence of wounds on the skin (scratches, cuts). In addition, the next day after peeling, you need to protect your skin from the sun and try not to touch it again.
Salicylic acid is an excellent remedy for many problems, but it must be used with caution. Since its use has its own characteristics, it is best to first consult with a specialist.