Problematic skin, prone to acne, negatively affects a person’s appearance and is often the cause of complexes that limit communication. The cause of rashes can be lifestyle, eating habits, but most often acne occurs due to increased activity of the sebaceous glands and improper care.
You don't have to use expensive products to get rid of acne. Boric acid has been used for acne and other dermatological problems for decades; a cheap drug from a pharmacy has proven itself well.
Benefits and harms
Before you start using it, carefully study what its use may lead to.
Pros:
- Pronounced antiseptic and antibacterial effect.
- remarkably not only to eliminate problems, but also as an effective solution for prevention if used regularly.
- It affects the cause of acne, completely eradicating its formation.
Minuses:
- It tends to accumulate in the body. That is why it is so important to follow the dosage, apply it only pointwise and after the troubles have passed, stop using it. Be attentive to the symptoms: if you feel nausea, diarrhea, or have a rash, this is a signal that you have exceeded the dose. Stop using the drug immediately.
- It will not be possible to remove a quickly popped up abscess , because acid heals gradually and removes exactly the cause that causes inflammation, and not its consequences.
- If used carelessly, it can cause irritation of mucous membranes.
- The product should not be applied to large areas of skin , otherwise it will dry out and crack.
How much does it cost and where to buy?
Ointment, alcohol solution and “talk” are sold only in pharmacies . Moreover, if the first two products are available without a prescription, then the suspension, as a rule, is prepared individually for you according to a prescription from a dermatologist. Such drugs can only be ordered from state pharmacies.
Here are the current prices of Moscow pharmacies for products containing boric acid.
The average cost of a 3% alcohol solution per 25 ml ranges from 9 to 36 rubles. depending on the manufacturer and markup. A similar volume of boric ointment 5% costs 30 - 50 rubles.
The price of acne milk depends on the cost of other drugs included in the composition . You need to keep in mind that the pharmacist prepares this product specifically for you. Therefore, they are more expensive, but quite affordable.
- A ready-made suspension with trichopolum will cost about 180 rubles.
- Boron-resorcinol lotion (“Resorcinol”) - 350 rub.
- Vidal milk - 350 rub.
Attention! Self-prepared “chatterboxes” will be 50-60% cheaper.
Indications and contraindications
If you decide to undergo a treatment course using boric acid, you should know exactly what it helps with and when its use is unacceptable.
Indications:
- an extremely positive effect on the epidermis: it perfectly removes blackheads and acne on the face and back.
- Fights isolated ulcers.
- Helps those with oily and combination skin and copes with excessive oiliness.
The following contraindications are worth noting:
- Individual intolerance. If you find yourself allergic to the drug (rash, irritation, etc.), you will have to abandon this treatment method.
- Prohibited for people who have any kidney disease.
- Not for use during pregnancy.
- Strictly contraindicated for children under one year of age.
- The product should not be applied if your skin is too dry.
Advantages
The use of boric acid in the fight against rashes has the following advantages:
- high efficiency due to deep penetration into the pores of the skin, cleansing them of any impurities, as well as suppressing inflammatory processes;
- no skin addiction throughout the entire period of use;
- normalization of sebum production, eliminating shine without excessive drying of the skin surface;
- narrowing of enlarged pores;
- eliminating acne marks.
Mode of application
There are several forms of application.
What exactly to prefer is up to you to choose:
- Boric alcohol can be directly applied to areas of the body and face. It's very easy to do. To do this, just moisten the disc in its solution and simply wipe your face overnight. You need to use it for as many days as it takes for the pimples to completely disappear. Do not wipe healthy areas of the skin so as not to dry it out and cause intoxication.
- With the help of acid, medicinal lotions and so-called mash are made with the addition of other medications, which can also be purchased at the pharmacy. Other additives only increase the drying effect of boric acid. They are not rubbed into the skin, but simply wiped over the face, lightly touching with a cotton pad. Before use, it is always necessary to thoroughly mix the mixture, since when standing, some of the components settle at the bottom of the container. For gentle application, use cotton swabs: even a small amount is enough to treat infections overnight.
- Acid is used in disinfectant masks. In the presence of large or very deep abscesses, such a targeted effect will be very effective.
Characteristics of the drug
Boric acid has been used in medical practice since the 60s of the 19th century, when various substances began to be widely used for treating wounds. The antiseptic properties of boron were discovered by Jean Baptiste Dumas. The popularity of boric acid is associated with its high effectiveness against most pathogenic organisms and low concentration.
The use of the drug is safe for the skin, does not damage clothing and does not cause discomfort if it comes into contact with an open wound.
Boric acid (orthoboric) is a substance in the form of transparent crystals, somewhat reminiscent of small fish scales, absolutely odorless. Widely used as an antiseptic, sold in any pharmacy in the form:
- powder in bags of 5 grams or more;
- alcohol solution with a concentration of 0.5 to 5%.
At the initial stage, boric acid was used for external and internal use, but after proving its toxicity when taken orally, the product is used only for antiseptic treatment of the skin and mucous membranes. A solution of boric acid is absorbed into the skin, penetrates the circulatory system and is excreted naturally within 1-1.5 days.
The principle of action of boric acid is to intensively cleanse the skin and pores of all pathogenic microorganisms and natural secretions. The drug is effective against bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, acting at the cellular level, destroying protein. Microorganisms do not get used to its action, so the results of using the drug are long-lasting.
Boric acid has a number of useful properties:
- removes all types of contaminants;
- regulates the intensity of the sebaceous glands;
- has a strong antiseptic effect against all known pathological microorganisms;
- dries out existing acne;
- prevents the appearance of comedones and pimples.
The advantages of boric acid over other products for problem skin are:
- low price;
- versatility and ease of use;
- effectiveness proven over generations and recognized by official medicine and cosmetology.
The disadvantages of the product include a strong drying effect and the likelihood of intoxication if used incorrectly.
Efficacy and adverse reactions
It is worth noting that the result of treatment depends on the cause of acne. If the functioning of your sebaceous glands is disrupted, if you have had insufficient cleansing and as a result, pathogenic microorganisms begin to grow and develop, leading to not very pleasant consequences, then in this case boric acid is your number 1 assistant.
Don’t forget to regularly use products based on it, and within a week, you will notice how well the product works. If acne is caused by a malfunction of internal organs, for example, the gastrointestinal tract or hormonal problems, then in this case this treatment method will not help you.
If you don't see any results within a few weeks, seek out the cause of the rash from a doctor.
Side effects:
- Pure boric alcohol should be used carefully, preferably only once a day, applying it, for example, before bed, so as not to dry out healthy areas.
- Often, those who use this remedy notice an exacerbation in the first days. The fact is that it simply completely disinfects the pores, bringing to the surface all hidden infections, even those that have just begun to appear in the deep layers. In this case, there is no need to be afraid. You just need to keep wiping your face.
- Sometimes, with uncontrolled use and overdose , unpleasant side reactions occur. If you feel nausea, headaches and severe migraines, be sure to consult a cosmetologist.
What are the benefits of boric acid for facial skin?
The drug helps solve many cosmetic problems, namely:
- Regulates the acid-base balance on the skin surface.
- Tightens enlarged pores.
- Prevents them from clogging.
- Whitens and improves skin tone.
- Eliminates sweat odor.
- In combination with certain components, it acts as a conditioner and moisturizer.
- Included in many ready-made cosmetics. Acts as a preservative, slows down the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and prevents spoilage of cosmetics.
When to use the product
- If the skin is oily, prone to the appearance of pimples, blackheads, comedones, ulcers.
- With increased sweating.
Contraindications
- Caution must be exercised for sensitive skin types.
- Long-term use of the product may reduce skin hydration.
- It cannot be used in case of individual intolerance.
- Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Is it possible to wipe your face with boric acid? Cosmetologists claim that this is possible, but it is necessary to apply a solution of low concentration and wipe problem areas, preferably pointwise, and not the entire surface.
Features of application
- First you need to wash off all makeup.
- Do a drug sensitivity test.
- It is recommended to prepare the product in glass or porcelain containers.
- Boron masks are used no more than twice a week.
- Do not apply them to the delicate areas around the eyes.
- Rinse off with cool water.
Chatterboxes
If you decide to cook them for future use, increase the volumes of the components without changing their proportions.
Recipe No. 1:
- 1 part aspirin powder;
- ½ part boric acid;
- 1 part chloramphenicol;
- ethanol;
Mix all the ingredients in a dark glass jar and add alcohol in such an amount to obtain a liquid mixture. Use exclusively at night.
Recipe No. 2:
- 25 ml boric alcohol 2%;
- 25 ml salicylic acid;
- 2 g erythromycin;
- 1.5 g zinc oxide;
The components are mixed and only the inflamed areas are cauterized. Here, erythromycin is used as another antibacterial ingredient.
Recipe No. 3:
- 5 ml boric acid;
- 5 tablets of chloramphenicol;
- 20 ml salicylic alcohol;
- 5 metronidazole tablets;
Grind the preparations well and mix with the remaining ingredients. Shake the mixture before each use.
Recipe No. 4:
- 2 tablets of streptocide;
- 25 ml of 2% salicylic acid solution;
- 3 g sulfur;
- 25 ml boric acid:
Recipe No. 4:
- 5 streptocide tablets;
- 15 ml boric alcohol;
- 2 tablets of chloramphenicol;
- 40 ml camphor alcohol;
Release forms
Boric acid is used to eliminate emerging inflammatory processes on the skin
Boric acid began to be used as an antiseptic in the 18th century. With its help they fought burns, eczema and wounds of the epidermis. Currently, the product is used externally to eliminate skin infiltrates. Pharmacies offer the following forms of release of the composition:
- powdery crystalline substance packaged in bags or in a jar;
- 3% alcohol solution, packaged in bottles;
- glycerin emulsion containing 10% active substance.
Masks
Recipe No. 1:
- ½ spoon of ordinary powder;
- 2 tablets of trichopolum;
- 3-4% hydrogen peroxide;
- ¼ spoon of boric acid:
Having previously ground the tablets, mix them with the remaining ingredients and add hydrogen peroxide to obtain a viscous mass. It should be applied with a stick to the areas of inflammation and wait until the mass dries. However, do not leave it on for more than 15 minutes. This mask is applied every other day until the acne goes away.
Recipe No. 2:
- ½ spoon of boric acid;
- a little glycerin and water;
Using glycerin and, if necessary, water, make a paste of boric acid, which you apply to problem areas. Wait for it to dry, and then carefully remove it with a damp cloth.
Recipe No. 3:
- 1 cucumber;
- ¼ spoon of boric acid;
The cucumber is grated or in a blender and mixed with acid. The container with this mixture is placed in hot water and kept for 5 minutes. Place the mixture on gauze and place it on your face or back. 10-12 minutes are enough to thoroughly disinfect the pores. After this, apply a light cream.
Rating of branded cosmetics
Antiseptic cosmetics containing boric acid
Boric acid is found in mass market cosmetics as the main active ingredient. These are numerous antiseptic gels, tonics and lotions for acne. According to EU Regulations, its maximum concentration in them should not exceed 5%.
- Velor Wash - cleansing sebol lotion with lemon balm, Homework series (home care). Premium (Russia). $8.7.
- Elixir Kumkumadi - tonic. Ayurveda (India). $8.4.
- Anti-Acne toner for problem skin. Solange (Russia). $7.3.
- Boric Soap is an antibacterial soap for acne-free facial cleansing. Weiser (Germany). $5.5.
- Stopproblem ultra control is a salicylic gel for acne and acne for local use. Michel Laboratory (Russia). $2.4.
- Acnacid is a deep facial cleansing lotion for problem skin. Elfa (Russia). $1.9.
- Sea buckthorn is a soothing toner for the face and eyes. Bielita-Vitex (Belarus). $1.7.
- Clearwin is a cream for scars and stretch marks. Fitosila-Bios (Russia). $1.6.
- Boro Plus is an antiseptic cream from Himani (India). $1.4.
- Muravivit-FOS Face Operative Cleaner is a gel with sea minerals and formic alcohol for acne and blackheads. Shuster Pharmaceutical (Russia). $0.9.
Often, beauty industry concerns use boric acid in their cosmetics only as a preservative, as it prevents the growth of bacteria. It prevents emulsions from separating and controls the maintenance of their thick consistency.
How to search? In cosmetics, boric acid is most often listed on packaging as Boric acid.
Lotions
For those whose skin is still prone to dryness and flaking, you can use lotions that are milder in action.
They wipe the face before going to bed:
- Mix boric alcohol in equal proportions with infusion of calendula or St. John's wort. To prepare the infusion, brew a spoonful of any herb with half a glass of boiling water.
- Mix 1 spoon each of boric alcohol , prepared calendula tincture, water and glycerin.
- Boric alcohol can simply be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2.
Acne
Let's take a closer look at this problem, as well as the reason for its occurrence.
When the sebaceous glands become blocked and the hair follicles become inflamed, a disease called acne or acne occurs. Doctors name a variety of reasons for their appearance. The main elements of the disease are comedones, acne, cystic cavities and the formation of nodules.
Acne is directly related to the general condition of the whole body. In addition to the traditional rash during puberty, the causes may lie in infections, disorders of the immune or endocrine systems, at the genetic level, in the digestive tract, or may be caused by mental disorders.
They appear both in infancy and in old age. Of course, most often this problem concerns boys and girls. Among the most common reasons are the following:
- hormonal changes in adolescence;
- rashes before menstruation;
- persistent acne after adolescence (which indicates disorders associated with the reproductive system);
- thickening of the stratum corneum of the skin;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- individual microflora;
- stressful conditions;
- immunity disorders;
- using inappropriate cosmetics;
- hot climate with high humidity;
- sun and ultraviolet rays;
- contact with toxic substances;
- extrusion;
- taking medications;
- washing your skin too often.
Whatever the reviews of boric acid for acne from those who have tried the product, the treatment, of course, should be comprehensive.
