Salicylic acid encourages mild shedding of the skin. The shedding of the skin helps unclog the pore and prevents sebum from being trapped. Keeping the pores open discourages the formation of whiteheads and keeps down the population of the bacteria that causes redness and inflammation. Salicylic acid can be used to exfoliate the skin daily as long as the concentration is less than 1%, ideally it should be 0.5% to avoid too much skin dryness and flaking. For better skin hydration and keeping down skin dryness, add topical niacinamide in your salicylic acid treatment. This topical vitamin is much better than Vaseline when it comes to moisturizing your skin. Topical niacinamide helps tone down the redness and inflammation of pimples because of its anti-inflammatory action. It can also protect the skin from UV damage.
Materials:
0.5% Salicylic acid gel or solution
5% Topical Gel ( Metazine) or Homemade Niacinamide solution
Procedure:
1. Clean first the affected area with soap and water.
2. Apply 0.5% Salicylic acid gel or topical solution on the affected area and allow it to dry for 15 minutes.
3. Apply 5% Topical Niacinamide Gel or solution on the affected area.
Notes:
This acne treatment combination works very well for mild acne. It keeps your skin renewed at a faster rate, shedding old skin cells and exposing younger skin cells with smoother texture.
Precautions:
Consult your doctor first if you are pregnant, lactating or could become pregnant during the use of this type of acne treatment. This acne medication is not intended to be used on children.
References:
1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a603020.html ( Last update - 10/01/2003 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. )
2. Salicylic Acid Peels in Polyethylene Glycol Vehicle for the Treatment of Comedogenic Acne in Japanese Patients Dermatologic Surgery (OnlineEarly Articles). doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.34055.x
3. Treatment of acne vulgaris with salicylic acid pads.Zander E, Weisman S. Medical Affairs, Sterling Winthrop Consumer Health Group, Sterling Winthrop Inc., New York, New York.
4. Using copper peptide, and niacinamide for skin care. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 24, Issue 1, Pages 83-J. Carraway
Last update: December 31, 2008
