Salicylic acid is an antiseptic. Salicylic acid instructions for use. What does salicylic acid do?

On the modern cosmetology market there is a huge selection of specialized drugs for the treatment of acne, blackheads and other types of dermatological defects. But the point is that each of them contains quite simple substances, which are enhanced by auxiliary components and have a positive effect on human skin. One of the most common substances of this type is salicylic acid 1%. Also among modern users, the product is known as salicylic alcohol.

Salicylic acid often found in various pharmacies in pure form. It is a clear liquid in a (often) clear bottle. The medicine is quite cheap compared to other cosmetic products. It is worth considering that many of the “elite” skin medications for acne and acne are based specifically on salicylic acid. Therefore, in some cases, it makes no sense to overpay for not quite key auxiliary components and a popular developer brand.

What is salicylic acid

According to the reference book, salicylic acid (from the Latin salix “willow”, from the bark of which it was first isolated) is 2-hydroxybenzoic or phenolic acid. Formula: C6H4(OH)COOH; colorless crystals, highly soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether and other polar organic solvents, poorly soluble in water (1.8 g/l at 20 °C).

Isolated from willow bark by the Italian chemist Rafael Piria and then synthesized by him. At the moment, the substance is found in natural conditions. Mainly essential oils, which are derivatives of the basic salicylic alcohol. The developers isolate the substance, synthesize it to the desired type and is used as a component for cosmetic preparations. The so-called “pure” salicylic acid, which can be purchased at the pharmacy, is a solution with water. The substance isolated from the plant and synthesized is not recommended for use in its original form. Acid can damage the skin, which will only negatively affect its further condition.

What is salicylic acid solution most often used for?

There are specific purposes that the drug, without auxiliary components, copes with best. According to statistics, professional dermatologists most often prescribe a one percent solution of salicylic acid for:

  1. Treatment of papules and pustules.

One of the most common types of neoplasms on human skin, which are often symptoms of the development of serious dermatological pathologies. Often filled with fluid, sebum, etc.

  1. Eliminate blackheads.

The entry of dust, sebum and sweat into the inflamed sebaceous canals provokes clogging. As a result, comedones are formed. These are acne that appear mainly on the nose and forehead. They look like nasty blackheads because oxidation of the dirt turns it black. The contents of the pores are easily removed with physical impact, but squeezing out comedones on your own is highly not recommended. A solution of salicylic acid helps to better cope with the problem.

  1. Treatments for pigmentation.

Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color and shade of human skin. Moles and birthmarks that can form on the body over time are nothing more than an accumulation of melanin. This often happens due to exposure to direct ultraviolet rays on the skin. And the worst outcome is the development of melanoma, a pathology also known as skin cancer. Salicylic acid helps eliminate spots and normalize melanin levels.

  1. Optimizing skin oil levels.

An increased amount of sebum provokes the appearance of pimples and blackheads. The skin weakens and becomes loose, and wrinkles appear faster. By regularly treating your face with salicylic acid, you can normalize the amount of sebum secreted by the glands. The main thing is to use the product on the clear recommendation of a specialist and carefully monitor the dosage. Otherwise, you may dry out your skin, which can lead to serious damage. The cover should not be greasy or dry, but moderately moisturized.

How to use salicylic alcohol correctly

Often, patients, on the recommendations of dermatologists and cosmetologists, combine a solution of salicylic acid with other substances beneficial to the skin. For example, with glycolic acid. This method of application, for example, helps well in the fight against comedones. This combination, when it hits the surface of the skin, creates a peeling effect. The upper layer of the dermis, the epidermis, is slightly damaged, as a result of which dead cells are completely eliminated and the regeneration process is accelerated. The “plugs” of blackheads dissolve and the contents come out. Thus, after the first treatment you can notice a significant improvement in the condition of the skin.

Salicylic acid, if used incorrectly, can negatively affect the condition of the skin. To avoid this situation, you first need to make sure whether the product is suitable for your skin type. Next, it is recommended to adhere to the basic recommendations from experts.

  • Do not use pure salicylic acid solution if you have sensitive skin. In this situation, the product can burn the skin, which is why the glands will not be able to function normally for a long time. Of course, it is generally not recommended for people with dry skin types. this drug.
  • The maximum required amount of salicylic alcohol in the solution is 2%. In most cases, one percent liquid is sufficient. But sometimes the quantity active substance needs to be doubled. There is no need to exceed the limits. Practice shows that this will definitely lead to burns of the dermis of even patients with the oiliest skin.
  • Do not combine salicylic acid solution with other products that dry out the skin. The exception is the recommendations of professional dermatologists, who independently calculate the exact optimal dosage of both drugs. Moreover, it is prohibited to use the solution together with medications that already contain salicylic acid. Carefully study the composition of the products before using them.

Possible side effects from improper use of salicylic acid alcohol solution

The product, like any other dermatological drugs, can negatively affect the condition of the skin for various reasons - from individual intolerance to overdose. If you notice that the drug has a bad effect on the condition of the dermis, immediately stop using it and consult your doctor for recommendations on further actions. It may be necessary to correct the defects with additional medications.

Among the main side effects are:

  • Skin irritation. The dermis becomes dry and becomes covered with an unpleasant crust. The areas become sensitive, and any touch leads to significant discomfort.
  • Redness of the dermis. This side effect often accompanies the previous one, but can also occur alone. Unlike significant irritation, redness may not cause any discomfort at all.
  • Itching. More often it occurs due to an overdose of salicylic acid. The skin becomes noticeably itchy, which can lead to physical damage. If the skin begins to itch, immediately treat it with soothing, proven products that you have already used before. This will eliminate itching and put the dermis in order before consulting a doctor. Do not scratch irritated skin under any circumstances, so as not to provoke the appearance of the following side effect.
  • Pain on damaged skin. This is already a serious deviation, which is generally undesirable to allow. If damaged skin begins to hurt, you should absolutely not use salicylic acid. Regardless of the concentrate of the solution and the percentage of the active substance in it. So, if you have painful sensations, consult a doctor immediately without using any additional dermatological products.

Appearance side effects– this is a negative consequence of the use of salicylic acid, which can lead to the development of additional pathologies. To avoid such a development of events, carefully study the contraindications of the product and do not use it if you notice at least one of them.

Contraindications for salicylic acid

  • It is prohibited to use salicylic acid during pregnancy in the first trimester.
  • The product may have a negative effect on the skin of children under three years of age.
  • Experts do not recommend using the product if the patient has kidney or liver problems.
  • Individual intolerance to active substances is rare in patients, however, such a development of events is quite possible.

How to properly use medications containing salicylic acid

The product itself can leave negative effects on the skin if the patient uses it incorrectly. But salicylic alcohol is one of the most common active ingredients in modern cosmetic products for removing acne from the skin of the face. Therefore, their use must be treated no less carefully than a pure solution of salicylic acid.

Each type of drug must be analyzed separately:

  • Salicylic alcohol is used by professional dermatologists to perform one of the most recent procedures in the last few years - peeling. The substance, in the right quantities and when used correctly, acts on the top layer of the skin, slightly damages it and penetrates inside, providing positive influence on the condition of the dermis. It is recommended to carry out the procedure only in a clinical setting and under the supervision of a specialist. Even if your dermatologist allows you to perform salicylic acid peels yourself at home, you must follow specific instructions.
  • Salicylic acid is included in many skin care lotions. If you have your eye on just such a drug, keep in mind that using it randomly when you have a few free minutes will not work. Active substances strongly affect the epidermis, the top layer of skin, so it is not recommended to wipe with the selected salicylic acid-based lotion more than twice a day. An overdose can lead to side effects even if you have no contraindications for salicylic acid.
  • Dermatologists and patients themselves claim that preparing masks at home is an excellent solution for eliminating pimples, blackheads and other skin blemishes. To do this, you need to find the optimal recipe that is suitable for treating your particular problem and the final product will be completely compatible with your skin type.

The most popular recipe for a face mask based on salicylic acid

People often prefer mask recipes based on natural vegetables, fruits, cereals, milk and other products. But experts recommend paying attention to special substances for preparing dermatological masks. In this case, we are talking about special colored clay, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. These substances are sold in powder form and dissolved in water. Clay can be white, black, blue and even green. Each of the proposed types has individual properties. Choose the option that exactly suits your goals.

Clay is the main component on which the mask is based. Excipient- badyag. As you know, this drug is used by patients even in its pure form to treat, for example, blackheads. In combination with the right type of clay, the properties of badyagi are further enhanced. The third essential substance is salicylic acid. Stir the clay and badyagu in a deep bowl and add half a teaspoon of one percent salicylic acid.

The properties of the finished product are very useful even for healthy human skin. First of all, this is an excellent prevention of comedones. The oil content of the skin is significantly reduced, but at the same time the dermis is actively moisturized. Of course, in the end the result depends on what type of clay you choose, what proportions you use, and so on. It is recommended to use the product on average once a week.

Special instructions and properties of salicylic acid

  1. Considering the principle of the effect of salicylic alcohol on human skin, it is highly not recommended to apply the liquid to moles and warts. Especially when it comes to formations in which sebaceous bulbs are actively functioning. Damage to them, even by salicylic acid, can lead to pigment accumulation and the development of melanoma, a serious pathology.
  2. The skin of children under three years of age is too sensitive. Therefore, experts categorically prohibit the use of not only salicylic acid solution, but also other drugs based on this substance.
  3. When treating older children (under 16 years of age), it is not advisable to apply salicylic acid to wide areas of the skin, especially intact ones.
  4. During pregnancy, only salicylic acid derivatives are allowed to be used. In this case, the goal should be specific - soothing the skin or treating calluses. Even in this case, application only to specific areas of the skin is allowed. To keep both yourself and your fetus as safe as possible, be sure to consult your doctor before using salicylic acid during pregnancy. Please note that we are only talking about the second and third trimester here. In the first three months, use of this remedy is prohibited.
  5. It is strictly forbidden to allow salicylic acid to come into contact with mucous membranes. Especially in the eyes. If you come into contact with these surfaces, immediately rinse them under cool running water for several minutes. If you feel discomfort after this procedure, be sure to seek help from a specialist.
  6. Salicylic acid tends to be absorbed into the skin. Take this into account if you are going to treat the cover during the development of any disease within the body. It is not recommended to use the drug in the presence of several dermatological pathologies. Among them:
  • ichthyosis;
  • dermatitis;
  • eczema;
  • psoriasis.

The list below is based on the experience of hundreds of patients and recommendations from qualified specialists. Be sure to read before using the product:

  • Be careful when using alcohol tincture

Firstly, this particular drug is allowed to be used only by patients with oily skin. Even combination dermis will react negatively to salicylic alcohol. Secondly, even in this case, the skin can easily become dry using this drug. The alcohol tincture is prescribed by a doctor, so wipe your face with it yourself without consulting a specialist.

  • Carefully monitor the concentration of the active substance in the solution

If you prepare a salicylic solution yourself, accurately calculate the amount of acid itself in the finished liquid. To achieve the desired effect, only one or two percent is enough. Excessive amounts of acid are absolutely useless and have no effect additional effect will not provide. At least positive. The fact is that if you overdo it with acid in the composition, you can burn your own skin.

Using a self-prepared solution - a budget option treatment. But it is far from the safest and most time-saving. Therefore, it is much better to use ready-made preparations based on salicylic acid. Fortunately, in a modern pharmacy you can find options for literally any skin type and any purpose. Even if there is no ready-made option that you need, you can always create it yourself from multiple components that neutralize each other’s negative effects.

  • Do not use salicylic acid-based products with other drying agents.

Bepanten and other panthenol-based preparations are the first thing that comes to mind for most specialists if the skin urgently needs to be dried. If you are already using such drugs, you should definitely hold off on using salicylic acid. The fact is that you will definitely dry out your skin, which will most likely cause even more acne to appear on your face.

Additional positive functions of salicylic acid in cosmetology

  1. Provokes accelerated restoration of the epidermis.
  2. Slows down the process of natural skin aging, the appearance of wrinkles and so on.
  3. It does not leave negative effects, so cosmetic products containing this substance can be used every day.
  4. Does not increase sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.
  5. Does not have a negative effect on immune system patient.

You need to understand that salicylic acid is not a magic cure for all dermatological diseases. It can have a bad effect on the patient's condition. And even if the acid suits your skin type, there is a possibility of disrupting some processes. See the video below for more details. This is a review from a real patient and detailed description Problems:

Salicylic acid solution 1% is just one of a huge number possible options use of this substance in dermatology. Choose the right tool that suits you exactly in all respects to achieve your desired goal.

Salicylic acid is very effective means from acne. The cost of the drug is low, but the effectiveness is high; it has exfoliating, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Salicylic acid is available in various forms, but to treat acne, a 1-2% alcohol solution (salicylic alcohol) is sufficient, since a more concentrated solution will cause a skin burn. For dry skin, it is better to use an aqueous solution so as not to dry it out even more. Apply the solution to a cotton swab and wipe the problem areas of the skin with it twice a day (you must first cleanse the skin). You can also use a combination of salicylic acid and glycolic acid: this peeling will cleanse the skin well and prevent the formation of new acne.

Salicylic ointment

The basis of salicylic ointment includes the active ingredient salicylic acid. The ointment is available in a dark jar and is used externally only. Salicylic ointment has a local irritant, antiseptic, keratolytic and anti-inflammatory effect and is used for wounds and burns, skin inflammation and infectious lesions. The scope of application is wide: it is used for eczema, calluses on the feet, pityriasis versicolor, diaper rash, warts. The duration of treatment should not exceed 20 days. Apply the ointment using a cotton swab or swab to the affected area of ​​skin, previously cleaned of dead skin and treated with an antiseptic. You can apply a bandage to the wound that has been pre-soaked salicylic ointment and change it once every 2-3 days. To treat calluses, it is necessary to use an ointment with a concentration of 10% of the active substance, and to treat psoriasis, seborrhea, use a low concentration (2%).

Salicylic acid for ingrown hairs

Ingrown hairs often appear in the bikini area, legs and armpits due to depilation. They become thinner and can no longer find a way out. A washcloth and scrub, as well as salicylic acid, will help get rid of this problem. It moisturizes the skin, relieves redness and inflammation and has a cleansing and exfoliating effect. This remedy should be used 2-3 times a day, moistening a tampon and applying it to the inflamed ingrown hair. The skin will begin to peel off and the hair can be removed using tweezers. You can also use salicylic acid for irritation: dissolve 2 aspirin tablets in warm water and apply as a compress on irritated skin.

Instructions for medical use

medicine

Tradename

Salicylic acid alcohol solution 1% and 2%

International nonproprietary name

Dosage form

Alcohol solution for external use 1% and 2%

Compound

100 ml of the drug contains

active substance: salicylic acid 1 g or 2 g

excipient: ethyl alcohol 70% up to 100ml

Description

Transparent colorless liquid with the odor of alcohol.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Antiseptics and disinfectants. Phenol and its derivatives.

ATC code D 08AE.

Pharmacological properties

It has an antiseptic, local irritant and anti-inflammatory effect. Suppresses the secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands. In low concentrations it has a keratoplastic effect, and in high concentrations it has a keratolytic effect. Has weak antimicrobial activity.

Indications for use

    infected skin lesions

Directions for use and doses

A swab moistened with a solution of salicylic acid is used to treat the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day. If necessary, treatment is repeated. The course of treatment is no more than 1 week.

Side effects

    skin irritation

    local reactions in the form of itching, burning, skin rash.

Contraindications

    hypersensitivity to the drug

    children under 15 years of age.

Drug interactions

Salicylic acid can increase the permeability of the skin to other drugs for topical use and thereby enhance their absorption.
Should not be used in conjunction with alkaline preparations. The solution is pharmaceutically incompatible with resorcinol (melting mixtures are formed) and zinc oxide (insoluble zinc salicylate).

special instructions

Do not apply the drug to birthmarks, hairy warts, warts in the genital area or face.

When treating children, it is necessary to avoid treating several areas of skin at the same time.

Pregnancy, lactation period

During pregnancy and lactation, the use of the drug for the treatment of calluses and calluses is permissible only on a limited surface (no more than 5 ml).

In case of contact with mucous membranes, rinse the affected area with plenty of water.
It must be taken into account that in case of skin diseases that occur with hyperemia and inflammation (including psoriatic erythroderma) or with superficial weeping lesions, an increase in the absorption of salicylic acid is possible.

Features of the drug's influence on the ability to drive vehicles and potentially dangerous mechanisms

Does not affect

Overdose

At local application overdose is unlikely.

Release form and packaging

20 ml, 25 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml, 60 ml in glass bottles with a screw neck, sealed with polyethylene stoppers and screw caps. The bottles are packaged in cardboard boxes or in stacks packed in wrapping paper with instructions for use in the state and Russian languages.

Storage conditions

Store in a place protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25 o C.

Keep out of the reach of children!

Shelf life

Do not take after expiration date

Vacation conditions

Over the counter

Manufacturer

Almaty, st. B. Bulkysheva, 4e

Registration Certificate Holder

Shansharov-Pharm LLP, Republic of Kazakhstan

Address of the organization accepting complaints on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding product quality

In everyday life, there is often a need to cleanse the skin of acne, comedones, and other impurities without the use of expensive products. Salicylic acid powder can help with this, which can also be effectively used to get rid of calluses, fungus and other defects of the human skin.

Compound

The composition of the product, which is produced in powder, includes only fine white crystals of orthohydroxybenzoic acid, odorless, which are the main active substance drug. The powder dissolves easily in various liquids - water, alcohol, and most oils.

Pharmacological action

Acid is powerful antiseptic, has keratolytic, keratoplastic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Due to its properties, it is able to soften the upper layer of the epidermis, so it is often used for skin peeling. The product is popular among dermatologists and cosmetologists.

It has the ability to suppress the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands.

Indications for use

The product is widely used for processing wound surfaces for burns of various etiologies.

The drug helps regulate the activity of skin sebaceous glands, therefore it is often used to treat oily facial skin, as well as seborrhea with increased greasiness of hair.

The powder is effective in the fight against chronic eczema and psoriasis.

The product can treat various inflammatory manifestations on the skin - acne, rosacea, comedones.

This powder is irreplaceable when getting rid of corns and calluses. In addition, it eliminates unpleasant odor when sweating. lower limbs.

Contraindications

There are several contraindications to the use of the drug. These are individual intolerance to components, age under 1 year, severe kidney pathologies, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Directions for use and dosage regimen

Believed to be safe daily dose powder diluted in any liquid should not exceed: for adults - 10 ml, and for children - 1 ml.

Before application, it is necessary to cleanse the skin of impurities.

In order not to dry out healthy areas of the skin, it is necessary to use the solution only pointwise, for example, using a cotton swab.

This product should not be applied to birthmarks.

For fungal diseases

For fungus, the affected area of ​​the skin is treated with 5-10% salicylic ointment, which is applied to the affected surface with a cotton swab or swab several times a day. The average course of treatment is at least 1 week.

When treating nail fungus, use a 3-5% acid solution, which is applied to the nail plate several times a day. The course of treatment can be 1-6 months.

For acne

Problem skin often has increased oiliness, which leads to an oily sheen, especially on the forehead, nose and chin. It is in these places that pimples and blackheads – comedones – appear. They must be carefully dried by applying an alcoholic acid solution to them. The exposure time is no more than 15 minutes, then the product must be removed from the face by simply washing.

If there are clusters of pimples on the face, it is recommended to carefully wipe these areas with a cotton pad soaked in an alcohol solution. It is advisable to use a small concentration so as not to dry out the skin.

To enhance the effect, boric acid can be added to the main powder. Treat your face with this mixture extremely carefully.

From blackheads

To treat and prevent the appearance of comedones, it is recommended to wipe problem areas with an alcohol solution of powder several times a week. Afterwards, you need to apply a product with a moisturizing effect to your face.

For calluses

Old formations (calluses and corns) are generously moistened with alcohol or aqueous solution the drug, after some time, carefully clean off the callus using pumice or a special brush. The procedure must be repeated until the callus completely disappears. If necessary, in order to soften the old stratum corneum, you can apply compresses with the drug to these places.

If the callus is weeping, it is treated with powder diluted in water to the consistency of a paste. Apply to the problem area and secure with adhesive tape.

Can I take salicylic acid?

You should not drink this remedy, as it can cause serious harm to the mucous membranes of the mouth, stomach and intestines. Such a chemical burn is difficult to treat.

If the product is accidentally ingested, you should immediately rinse your stomach and drink a large number of milk. In case of severe poisoning, call immediately ambulance.

Side effects

When using the drug externally, the following reactions are possible:

  • allergic manifestations;
  • redness and irritation on the skin;
  • burning, itching at the site of application.

In this case, it is necessary to stop using the drug, and in case allergic reaction consult a doctor.

With an overdose and too frequent use, the skin may become excessively dry.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms

Since this powder is used only externally, it has no effect on the ability to drive a car. It can also be used by people whose activities require quick reactions.

Salicylic Acid Powder Drug Interactions

Features of the use of salicylic acid powder

If you are prone to allergic reactions, use salicylic acid with caution.

During pregnancy and lactation

It is believed that it is unsafe for expectant mothers and nursing women to use salicylic acid, so the use of the powder should be abandoned.

In childhood

It is not advisable to use this powder to treat children under 1 year of age. When using the product in older children, you need to ensure that they do not have an allergic reaction.

When using the drug, you need to be careful, since the skin of children is much thinner.

Terms of sale and storage

A doctor's prescription is not required to purchase this drug.

It should be stored in a dry, ventilated area at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Care must be taken to ensure that the powder is not accessible to minors.

Price

average price salicylic acid powder Russian Federation settled at 150 rubles. An alcohol solution of 1 and 2% concentration can be purchased for 15-17 rubles.

Analogues of salicylic acid powder

Similar in pharmacological properties are drugs such as Viprosal, Griseofulvin, and others.

Terbinafine, cream "5 days", Lassara paste, Malavit solution for sweating feet

Belosalik spray is the most convenient treatment for PSORIASIS on the scalp

INSTRUCTIONS
on medical use of the drug

Registration number:

R No. 003081/01

Tradename: salicylic acid

INN: salicylic acid

Chemical name: 2-hydroxybenzoic acid

Dosage form:

solution for external use [alcohol] 1%, 2%

Compound:

salicylic acid 10 g or 20 g; ethyl alcohol

Description: colorless, transparent liquid with an alcoholic odor.

Pharmacotherapeutic group:

keratolytic agent.

ATX code: D01AE12

Pharmacological properties:

product for external use. It has an antiseptic, keratolytic, local irritant and anti-inflammatory effect.

Indications for use:

oily seborrhea, acne vulgaris, chronic eczema.

Contraindications: increased sensitivity to the components of the drug.

Mode of application: externally. The drug is applied to the affected surface 2-3 times a day.

Side effect: individual intolerance is possible, rarely - local reactions in the form of itching, burning, skin rash.

Release form: 1% and 2% solution for external use (alcohol) in 40 ml orange glass bottles.

Storage conditions: in a cool place, protected from light and out of the reach of children.