Hello, dear blog visitors! Treatment of acne is a pressing problem for a significant part of the world's population, both in adolescence and adulthood.
Many of us think that this is an expensive process, requiring the purchase of expensive drugs and visits to beauty salons to clean and treat the skin.
However, there are time-tested pharmaceutical products that can cope with the problem no worse than new developments by pharmacists and cosmetologists.
In this article we will tell you what an effective and affordable drug zinc paste is for acne, and learn the basic rules for its use.
Complete “dossier” on zinc ointment for acne
Compound
The active ingredient is zinc oxide - a white powder, insoluble in water. It is mixed with Vaseline in a ratio of 1:10 and a thick white suspension is obtained. Does zinc ointment help with acne, how effective is the drug? Doctors prescribe this remedy for dermatitis, diaper rash and prickly heat. Zinc oxide binds epidermal proteins, heals damage, but is not absorbed into the blood.
The main drawback of the product is discovered the first time you use zinc ointment for acne. Vaseline forms a water- and air-tight film on the skin. Vaseline base in the ointment - 90%. It is a product of petroleum distillation, a fatty substance with a high content of mineral oil and paraffins.
Zinc ointment is not absorbed and leaves a greasy white layer that is difficult to wash off with water.
Vaseline is gradually being replaced from dermatological and cosmetic products by more expensive silicone. Due to the high price, polyorganosiloxane gels are not available to everyone. The famous cosmetologist Anna Margolina wrote in one of her articles that it is too early to write off Vaseline. This means that ointments with zinc, salicylic acid, birch tar, and sulfur will be in demand for a long time to combat acne, scars and spots on the skin.
Reviews
The active component and the Vaseline base have little effect on bacteria and fungi in the sebaceous hair follicles. This is one of the main reasons why doctors do not consider the ointment to be a highly effective acne treatment. However, dermatologists include zinc oxide in recipes for so-called chatterboxes - suspensions for acne.
Is it necessary to wash off salicylic zinc paste?
The drug is otherwise called “Lassara paste”. It is named after the dermatologist Lassar, who lived in Germany in the 19th century. Includes:
- salicylic acid;
- zinc oxide;
- petrolatum;
- starch.
Zinc oxide is a common substance used in cosmetic formulations. It is a white powder. It is obtained by heating zinc to high temperatures. This produces steam, which mixes with air to form an oxide powder. It does not dissolve in water and forms solutions in acids.
Zinc oxide is found in:
- cosmetic creams designed to protect against ultraviolet radiation;
- foundations;
- baby powders;
- shampoos;
- hygiene products;
- deodorants and antiperspirants;
- products intended for the care of children's skin.
Salicylic acid is a substance first obtained from willow bark. Its most famous derivative is known as Acetylsalicylic acid.
Salicylic acid stimulates the removal of dead epidermal cells. This is especially true for people whose faces are prone to acne. Acid helps:
- remove dead cells;
- restore the dermis;
- dissolve sebum, cleanse pores from it (a large amount of sebaceous gland secretions accumulate in them);
- tighten pores;
- dissolve blackheads;
- relieve the inflammatory process.
Vaseline in the composition of salicylic-zinc paste eliminates scars, softens them, relieves irritation, and protects from the influence of weather.
You can often come across the question of whether a paste is different from an ointment. There are no differences between them.
It is effective if it is applied to fresh inflamed areas. If they are treated in a timely manner, the pimple will not grow or, at least, will not leave a mark. An indispensable condition for the effectiveness of treatment is applying the drug to clean skin.
The ointment is indicated for;
- pimples, blackheads, acne;
- warts, eczema;
- shallow wounds, boils;
- skin growths (to soften them);
- therapy of skin infectious diseases.
Salicylic-zinc ointment can effectively cleanse pores by dissolving fat deposits.
When using this drug you must follow the following recommendations:
- Wash your face or other area of the body, clean it of dead skin.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- Treat the rash with an antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine is suitable for this).
- If there are bubbles, they are opened using a thin needle treated with hydrogen peroxide.
- The drug should be applied to the entire face in a thin layer. Avoid areas around the lips. The ointment should not be applied to the lips. Apply to shoulders and décolleté only when necessary.
- Some doctors recommend doing a lotion. To do this, apply the paste to the affected area and then cover it with a napkin. The napkin must be secured with a bandage or adhesive plaster.
The duration of treatment with zinc-salicylic ointment is about a month. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Salicylic-zinc paste is quite difficult to wash off. That is why it is recommended to apply it to the face in the evening and remove it with a clean paper napkin. The very next morning, some notice the first positive changes.
For the treatment of comedones and post-acne, the drug is used as follows:
- Cleanse the skin by washing your face with warm water.
- Treat the affected areas with Miramistin or another antiseptic.
- Apply salicylic-zinc paste in a thick layer, leaving overnight.
- Wash thoroughly in the morning.
The effect of the drug will improve if you steam the skin before applying it. This will soften it, and the active components will penetrate even into the deepest layers.
Effect of zinc paste
Has a combined effect. Prescribed for external use.
Lassara paste has the following properties:
- reduces the amount of fat produced by the sebaceous glands;
- disinfects the skin;
- relieves inflammation, dries affected areas;
- reduces the intensity of irritation;
- restores damaged areas;
- increases tissue elasticity.
Otherwise it is called “salicylic-sulfur-zinc ointment.” 20 g of the drug additionally contains another 5 g of pure sulfur. The drug is effectively used to get rid of juvenile acne. Suitable for treating deep-seated acne that is difficult to respond to other types of therapy.
Lassara paste with sulfur has a pronounced antiseptic, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Zinc paste has the following pharmacological actions:
- regenerating (heals and restores);
- protective (creating a barrier from UV radiation, preventing sunburn);
- drying;
- astringent;
- adsorbent (reduces the release of fluid from affected areas of the skin);
- antiseptic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- emollient (thanks to Vaseline, the skin smoothes and becomes soft).
The instructions for the drug regulate its use for the treatment of irritated skin during inflammatory processes. Vaseline increases the penetration time of zinc into the skin layers, so the product can be used under a bandage.
Zinc ointment has side effects that appear at the sites of its application:
- itching;
- rash;
- burning;
- redness.
Other Applications
Salicylic-zinc ointment can effectively get rid of calluses. Before applying the drug, the callus must be carefully opened. The needle must be treated with an antiseptic, otherwise an infection can easily be introduced into the wound. The drug should be applied in a thick layer to previously cleansed, dried skin treated with an alcohol solution.
The paste prevents the growth of bacteria, dries the skin, and prevents the formation of new calluses.
If a person has sweaty feet, a paste containing zinc oxide and salicylic acid can also be applied. It works much more effectively than advertised remedies against sweaty feet. The medicine prevents the growth of bacteria, which causes an unpleasant odor.
The medicine helps fight demodex mites. In this disease, it relieves inflammation and itching well. During treatment, you should limit the consumption of sweets and starchy foods, and completely stop drinking alcohol.
Sometimes acne can be combined with areas of increased pigmentation. To lighten the skin and even out its tone, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of the medicine to the face. It is advisable to mix it with baby cream or cosmetic oil and apply it in this form not only to the face, but also to the arms, shoulders - all areas of the body where there is darkening in the form of spots.
Treatment of psoriasis
For psoriasis, you can achieve good results if you use salicylic-zinc ointment in combination with other medications. Oral use of drugs prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis is allowed. In order to strengthen the body, it is recommended to take decoctions of medicinal herbs and black cumin oil.
When is pasta contraindicated?
Despite its benefits, the ointment has contraindications. It is prohibited to use in the following cases:
- the presence of an allergic reaction to any of the components;
- kidney and liver failure;
- vascular diseases;
- anemia;
- ulcerative processes in the stomach;
- diabetes;
- pregnancy;
- lactation.
It is not recommended to use the paste simultaneously with cleansing scrubs and skin care products containing alcohol, resorcinol or benzoyl derivatives. Failure to follow this recommendation may result in severe skin irritation.
The paste should be used with caution by persons under 12 years of age.
It is not recommended to use the medicine if a person has dry skin. In this case, the treatment will lead to even greater drying of the skin, constant peeling, and redness.
special instructions
You should apply the paste to your skin regularly to improve the condition of your skin. It is advisable to continue therapy until the normal appearance of the face and other parts of the body is completely restored. If it is not possible to apply the medicine daily, then you need to do it at least every other day. When it becomes noticeable that after the paste the pores begin to become clogged and the skin becomes dry, it is possible that it is not suitable.
If blackheads, acne and other formations appear on the skin as a result of improper functioning of the intestines or endocrine glands, then the paste will not work. You should consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of acne on the skin.
If it is discovered that the rash or acne appears as a result of improper functioning of the digestive organs, then in parallel with treatment it is necessary to follow a diet. Spicy and fried foods, pickles, marinades and smoked foods are strictly prohibited. Alcohol is completely excluded.
Easily digestible carbohydrates should be excluded to a minimum.
Correction of endocrine system disorders is carried out only under the supervision of a physician. It is forbidden to take any hormonal medications on your own.
The paste should be applied to the skin only with clean, thoroughly washed hands. Otherwise, the infection will constantly spread to the affected areas and treatment will be ineffective.
Are there any alternatives to salicylic zinc pestle?
Zinc-salicylic paste costs from 15 to 25 rubles. per bottle 20 ml. It can be used for a long time and with virtually no breaks. However, if there are contraindications, there is no need to leave the skin with acne, age spots and other defects. The following home remedies work well to whiten and remove acne:
- lemon juice;
- baking soda (sodium bicarbonate);
- hydrogen peroxide;
- decoction of parsley leaves;
- sage decoction;
- dandelion decoction;
- berry juices.
Salicylic-zinc paste is an excellent medicine for fighting acne. It is distinguished by its affordable penny price, almost complete absence of side effects and high effectiveness of treatment. If you follow all the recommendations, you can completely get rid of acne, rashes, redness and other defects in a relatively short time.
Source: https://karameljka.ru/nuzhno-smyvat-salitsilovo-tsinkovuyu-pastu/
Ointments with the same active ingredient. Price
Zinc oxide is part of zinc paste for acne. This drug differs from the ointment in the presence of starch, zinc oxide accounts for 25% and petroleum jelly 50%. Names of other drugs with the same active ingredient: “Desitin”, “Diaderm”, “Tsindol”.
Desitin ointment and cream contain 40% zinc oxide, the remaining ingredients are white petroleum jelly, anhydrous lanolin, cod liver oil, talc.
The price for all products is affordable:
- Zinc ointment - 34–47 rubles.
- Zinc paste - 42 rubles.
- Cream "Desitin" - 240 rubles.
Reviews and results
Marina Letova, 24 years old I have been using salicylic-zinc paste since I was a teenager. As soon as the pimples appeared, I immediately started applying it. It was thanks to this product that my skin remained clean and velvety.
Ivan Korneev, 18 years old Teenage acne almost drove me crazy. Whatever I have used, I have been using zinc-salicylic ointment for about six months. Thank God, my face became normal, there weren’t even any traces of acne left.
Lyudmila, 35 years old, two children, I keep zinc ointment in my first aid kit for any occasion. Only apply it to small children carefully so that they do not touch the sore spots with their hands.
Salicylic-zinc paste or ointment should be in every family's home medicine cabinet. The drug is a universal remedy for acne, dermatitis and other skin problems.
The benefits of zinc ointment and paste to combat acne
Doctors note that the use of zinc oxide against acne is justified by its antitoxic effect, anti-inflammatory and astringent effect. Acne occurs when the functions of the sebaceous glands are disrupted and the horny scales of the epidermis are exfoliated too quickly. Such changes occur as a result of hormonal processes during adolescence, pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome. Microbes blocked in the sebaceous gland begin to multiply rapidly, and in response to the accumulation of toxins, a local inflammatory reaction appears.
Almost immediately after application, zinc ointment or paste reduces redness, itching and other unpleasant sensations. These products protect healthy skin tissue from the irritating effects of exudate. Additionally, zinc oxide and petroleum jelly help with acne spots. The ointment protects the epithelium from ultraviolet radiation, dirt, and moisture.
Contraindications for use
Zinc paste is a natural product; it contains no artificial colors or flavors, so it rarely causes allergic reactions. However, sometimes they do occur. Here are the most common allergy symptoms:
If you experience similar symptoms after applying zinc paste, this indicates an individual intolerance to its components, you must stop treatment with this remedy and urgently seek medical help. Often, an allergy occurs if zinc paste is applied to wounds, which often occur with advanced acne.
Methods of using zinc ointment and paste for acne
How to use preparations with zinc oxide? Recommendations are in the instructions for zinc ointment, paste and creams; they come after the description of the pharmacological properties. In the “Indications” section there is no such disease as acne vulgaris. However, positive effects of acne treatment can be obtained.
You can use zinc ointment during pregnancy and lactation. A contraindication to external use of zinc oxide preparations is hypersensitivity to this substance.
Instructions for use of zinc ointment for acne:
- Immediately before application, treat the affected area with an antiseptic solution of chlorhexidine or lotion with an antibacterial effect.
- Apply the product to an area of skin or apply only to pimples (spots) 2-3 times a day.
- It is not recommended to put makeup on the ointment, so as not to mix cosmetics with Vaseline.
- 20 minutes or 2-3 hours after application, remove excess/residue of the product with a piece of cotton wool or a disk. In the evening, wash the skin with warm water.
Action of ointment, effect
Zinc ointment, or rather the zinc oxide included in it, has an antiseptic effect on the skin. The therapeutic effect is effective in the treatment of various etiologies of skin diseases, including infectious ones in a mild state.
Zinc ointment has been actively used for many centuries (in past times, skin diseases similar to cancer were treated with zinc), which confirms its effectiveness in healing and regenerating the skin in general. Now zinc oxide is found in almost any anti-acne product, baby creams, face and body masks.
The most famous and amazing property of zinc ointment is the absorption of ultraviolet radiation. It is this that leads to premature aging of the skin, as well as to the development of cancer.
The main characteristics of zinc ointment include:
- Antibacterial properties;
- Drying out inflammation;
- Controllability of subcutaneous sebum production and, as a consequence, the risk of pore clogging;
- Rapid regeneration of the skin;
- Improved skin elasticity thanks to Vaseline and zinc;
- Removal of inflammatory processes;
- An effective remedy for burns, bedsores, eczema, ulcerative lesions, dermatitis.
Instructions for use
- Before you start using the acne paste, you need to steam your face well so that the active substances better penetrate deep into the epidermis. This can be done using a decoction of herbs - chamomile, calendula, sage. Hold your face over a container of hot healing steam for 15-20 minutes.
- Because inflamed acne-prone skin is especially vulnerable to bacteria, it is important to thoroughly sanitize your hands with an alcohol wipe or antibacterial soap.
- Ointment for acne on the face is applied pointwise to each pimple using a cotton swab. If the acne is intense, you can spread it with a thin layer. Under no circumstances should you rub in the zinc paste, moving it from one area to another. This will only provoke new acne breakouts on your face.
- This is a very viscous substance, it is practically not absorbed. Therefore, soon after use, it is important to carefully remove excess by blotting your face with a napkin. If this is not done, the acne may become more noticeable and painful, and new acne breakouts will appear due to Vaseline clogging the pores.
- If daily makeup is an integral part of your look and you cannot give it up, ointment as a treatment for acne and pimples is not suitable for you. Under no circumstances should it be applied under makeup, as the skin will stop breathing and new rashes may occur. Cosmetics will not work well on such a basis.
- It should be used with caution if there are open wounds and cuts on the face. Also avoid contact with mucous membranes, especially the eyes.
- Not suitable for too oily skin. It is better to replace it with some kind of liniment. These preparations do not contain petroleum jelly, they have a softer texture and are easier to apply.
- Darkening effect possible. This is a temporary phenomenon, and soon everything will return to normal.
More than a century ago, Lassar, a dermatologist from Germany, patented his invention - zinc acne ointment with salicylic acid. Its use is especially effective for fresh acne.
Reviews
“My teenage son started having problems with his facial skin. We went to the doctors and prescribed hormonal medications, but I didn’t dare give them to the child - I was scared of the consequences. We tried zinc ointment, guided by reviews from the Internet, and realized that it helps. Not immediately and not ideal, but after a month of use the acne became much smaller. And most importantly, new rashes stopped appearing.”
Marina, Ekaterinburg.
“I am delighted with the zinc paste! I buy it for my daughter, she is 14 years old, it really reduces pimples, and also evens out her face and leaves no scars. I was very afraid that my girl’s skin would deteriorate after all these teenage changes. But it’s okay, everything works out, we are very happy, especially since the ointment is very inexpensive.”
Alla, St. Petersburg.
“I use zinc paste from time to time. I get acne, especially during spring vitamin deficiency. After therapy, they dry out and gradually disappear.”
Irina, Novosibirsk.
“I tried the ointment after seeing photos before and after use and a description of how to use it on the Internet. I wasn’t impressed at all, maybe it’s just not suitable for me, but the rashes didn’t get smaller, only the inflammation decreased.”
Natalia Velikaya, Moscow.
“I bought zinc ointment by chance after seeing reviews on the Internet. It helped me, but it even hurt my sister – she also has teenage acne. We sent her to a dermatologist, it turned out that she had oily skin and this product could not be used. My acne has dried up and gradually disappeared.”
Vadim, Nizhny Novgorod.
“I have problem skin, so acne appears very often. Among the many reviews on the Internet, I saw several about zinc paste. I really liked the result of application: I applied it, after 15 minutes I blotted it with a napkin - and that’s it. The drug is cheap and accessible, produced in Russia, I am satisfied.”
Anton Skvortsov, Rostov-on-Don.
“I get rashes around my lips about a week before my period starts. They are very unpleasant and unsightly, and they cannot be covered with foundation. I found zinc ointment for myself. I apply it to each pimple at night, after three days they dry out and turn pale. I’m very glad that I know such a simple and cheap way.”
Emilia, Moscow region.
Zinc ointment is a widely used and inexpensive remedy intended for healing and drying superficial wounds. It consists of two components
, with zinc being the main therapeutic agent, and petroleum jelly playing a supporting role. The ointment is recommended for use for diaper rash, bedsores, acne and dermatitis of unknown etiology, and also as an effective treatment.
Zinc is an essential metal element for the full functioning of all systems of the human body. In nature, it is found in ore, and is also found in large quantities in living organisms, soil and the earth's crust.
Zinc has been considered a masculine metal since ancient times.
, since it is men who suffer most from its deficiency: the mortality of infant boys, infertility and dysfunction of the genital organs are observed with a lack of zinc in the body.
But women also need zinc, since this element is responsible for
normal pregnancy, infant survival, immune system activity, normal functioning of the autonomic nervous system. Most zinc is found in human blood, in particular in red blood cells, bones, liver, skin and hair. It has been noted that the course of diabetes mellitus is more difficult if replacement therapy with zinc preparations is not carried out, since in this disease the element is actively eliminated.
The lack of this metal leads to a weakening of the protective power of the immune system, which leads to slow healing of wounds, weakened vision, especially in the dark, and decreased insulin production.
Zinc ointment has the following mechanism of action:
- When applied to an area of damaged, inflamed skin, zinc begins to contact the cells, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect on them.
- The drying effect of zinc is very pronounced, so a significant effect can be seen from one application.
- By reducing the intensity of inflammation and at the same time drying the upper layer of the epidermis, zinc ointment has a beneficial effect on the course of acne, and thanks to Vaseline, it is quite difficult to remove from the surface of the skin.
In the fight against acne, it occupies a special place; it has a mild bactericidal effect and it is for this reason that it is included in many medications. Moreover, almost all of them are suitable for people with sensitive skin.
