Acne is a serious problem that worries not only teenagers, but also many adults. The fact is that after puberty it does not always disappear forever: some people suffer from acne all their lives. And, of course, no one likes this situation: people want clean, beautiful skin and are ready to use any product that, at least theoretically, can help. In this section , we review various drugs that are used to combat acne, and today we will talk about whether boric acid can help with acne on the face and body. We will talk about the use of this product, composition and main properties. At the end, we will summarize and finally answer the question of whether it is worth using this acne remedy.
Let's say in advance: the results of our research into the properties and use of the drug shocked us. We do not recommend this product for acne treatment or for any use on the body at all. This is an extremely toxic and dangerous substance, which we will prove in this review.
Compound
Boric acid in its pure form is a substance with weak acidic properties, odorless and tasteless. It occurs naturally as a white mineral, from which it is extracted.
In medicine it is used in the form of an aqueous or alcoholic solution, mixed with glycerin, as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and antifungal agent.
Is it possible to burn pimples with this product?
If small, new pimples with a white purulent head appear on the face, then cauterization will be effective. The acid will kill bacteria, relieve swelling and dry the skin. But this technique should only be used on fresh pimples. If there is too much pus, then cauterization is useless. You need to pull the contents of the pimple out and only then treat it with alcohol.
Boric acid will not help with black, clogged pores and fatty deposits . It will expand and cleanse the pores, but they will again become clogged with dirt and sebum.
Important! Acne can be a sign of a serious illness, and not just a cosmetic defect. Therefore, boric alcohol alone cannot cure acne and pimples.
Release form
For ease of use, boric acid is sold in dry and liquid form.
Available on sale as:
- bagged powder: packaged in 10, 25, 40 g;
- glycerin-based solution, concentration 10%. Sold in 25 ml bottles;
- alcohol solution containing 70% alcohol and the main component, depending on the recipe, from 0.5 to 5%. Packaged in jars of 10, 25, 40 ml.
Aqueous suspensions are not sold. They are prepared from powder immediately before use.
Using boric acid for acne
For the treatment of acne, boric acid is recommended by dermatologists and cosmetologists. They consider it an affordable and acceptable option for home use.
It should be understood that the product is effective at the initial stage of acne. In advanced cases, antibacterial medications, retinoids, and ointments are needed. The treatment period is about 3 months.
Rules of use:
- thoroughly clean the skin;
- wet a cotton pad;
- Gently wipe the affected areas with gentle movements;
- repeat the procedure daily for a week (allowed in the morning and evening);
- after a break, use for preventive purposes 2 – 3 times a week;
- if the skin becomes dry, use a moisturizing mask or cream.
In addition to being used in its pure form, chatterboxes are made from boric acid. They add other pharmaceutical and folk remedies that expand the spectrum of action of the main active ingredient.
Basic rules for using talkers:
- Mix the mixture well with the medicinal ingredients.
- Shake thoroughly before applying to skin to avoid sediment.
- Apply pointwise with a cotton swab or disk.
In some cases, people who use products containing boric acid for treatment note an increase in rashes.
Indeed, they appear as a result of the action of the drug, but within a day the situation should improve, because the microflora is affected.
As a result, the pus is gradually drawn out, the inflamed area dries out, a therapeutic effect appears, and recovery occurs.
During the treatment period, the main thing is to be careful not to touch areas with damage to the epithelium, not to allow the solution to get into the mouth, and to avoid recipes with a high concentration of the active substance.
Use with other components
Boric acid against acne is often used in masks, mash and lotions. The combination of an antiseptic with other components enhances its therapeutic effectiveness.
Masks
Boric acid powder is most often used in masks due to ease of use. There are many recipes with this antiseptic that help cope with the following skin problems:
- remove excess greasiness;
- prevent the appearance of blackheads;
- reduce the number of rashes;
- even out skin tone;
- get rid of acne marks.
Before using this or that product, a sensitivity test to the active components is mandatory.
With trichopolum
A remedy that requires the following ingredients is very helpful for acne:
- powdered boric acid – 0.25 tsp;
- Trichopolum tablets – 2 pcs.;
- unscented baby powder - 0.5 tsp;
- 2 percent hydrogen peroxide – 5 ml.
The dry ingredients are mixed, after which hydrogen peroxide is added to them. The mixture can be diluted with a small amount of boiled water. Apply directly to inflamed skin fragments without affecting healthy tissue.
The product helps to get rid of not only acne, blackheads, but also acne spots.
With cucumber
For one medium-sized chopped cucumber, it is enough to use half a teaspoon of antiseptic in the form of a 3% alcohol solution. You can also take the powder form in the same quantity. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and applied to the face. The treatment procedure is carried out within a quarter of an hour. It is not recommended to apply more often than once every 4 days.
The mask allows you to normalize sebum production, lighten the skin and relieve redness. With regular use, the dermis is completely cleansed and acquires a healthy appearance.
With soda and rolled oats
This mask recipe will require the following ingredients for preparation:
- powder antiseptic – 0.5 sachets;
- crushed rolled oats - 1 tbsp. l.;
- soda – 0.25 tsp;
- kefir – 1 tbsp. l.
All products are mixed until a pasty, homogeneous consistency is obtained. The resulting mixture is applied to the face in an even layer, avoiding the area near the eyes. Usage time: 15 minutes. Can be done no more than twice a week.
This mask has a good cleansing and whitening effect.
With cottage cheese
Cottage cheese with a high percentage of fat content is mixed with carrot juice in equal proportions. Add a packet of boric acid to the ingredients and mix everything thoroughly again. Distribute evenly over the skin of the face, leaving for 20 minutes. Apply at least once a week.
The product allows you to quickly get rid of inflammatory fragments on the face and normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, preventing the appearance of increased oiliness of the skin.
With tomato
A mask based on the following ingredients has gentle peeling properties:
- medium-sized tomato fruit;
- potato starch – 1 tsp;
- sachet of boric acid – 2 g.
The tomato is crushed to a pulp, adding the remaining active substances to it. The resulting mixture is smeared onto the skin, distributed evenly over the entire face. Just 15 minutes of use once a week is enough for your skin to look healthy and well-groomed.
With carrots
To effectively relieve inflammation in the skin, a product will help, for the preparation of which you will need:
- medium-sized carrots - 1 pc.;
- chicken egg – 1 pc.;
- boric acid – 1 sachet.
The root vegetable is first crushed using a fine grater and then mixed with other products. After applying to the face, the mixture is left for a quarter of an hour, allowing the ingredients to show their healing activity.
Chatterboxes
Most often, a liquid antiseptic is used to prepare such an effective acne remedy as mash. This composition can be used to wipe the face or cauterize individual inflamed fragments on the skin.
Treatment with medicinal solutions of this type gives a quick positive effect. However, before using the mash, a test is carried out to determine the tolerance of the active components.
With chloramphenicol
Salicylic, boric acid and chloramphenicol for acne have been used in dermatology for a long time. A mash based on these components gives very good results. To prepare it you will need 1 bottle of each antiseptic with a volume of 25 ml and 5 crushed tablets of chloramphenicol. The resulting solution is applied 1-2 times a day to the entire face for extensive rashes or directly to the affected areas for isolated acne.
The use of the medicine for more than 2 weeks in a row is not recommended due to the possible development of bacterial resistance to chloramphenicol. After a 10-day break, treatment can be continued.
With streptocide
Purified sulfur is mixed with streptocide in powder form. You will need 1 tsp of each component. Medicinal powders are mixed with a 25 ml bottle of boric and salicylic alcohol.
Before each application, the medicinal liquid must be shaken. Can be used for 1 month or more until acne is completely eliminated.
With erythromycin
For this mash you need to prepare the following medicinal ingredients:
- powdered zinc oxide - 1 tsp;
- erythromycin – 4 tablets;
- boric alcohol – 25 ml.
The tablets are pre-crushed to a powder and mixed with the remaining components.
This medicinal solution effectively eliminates acne, blackheads and removes excess sebum. Chatterbox is an alternative to the pharmaceutical drug "Zinerit".
Lotions
For very sensitive dermis, you can use lotions based on an alcohol solution. To prepare it, just dilute 3% antiseptic with purified water in equal proportions and wipe your face with the resulting composition in the morning and evening. Water can be replaced with chamomile decoction.
Another lotion recipe is prepared using boric alcohol, calendula tincture and water. The first two ingredients are taken in a volume of 25 ml and diluted with water in an amount of 50 ml. Use in the same way as the lotion described above.
A similar lotion can be prepared by replacing the calendula tincture with camphor alcohol. The cooking principle and proportions remain the same.
The advantage of lotions over talkatives is the absence of antibiotics in their composition, to which pathogenic bacteria can develop resistance. That is why they can be used for a longer period. At the same time, lotions are significantly inferior to chatterboxes in terms of potency and in severe forms of acne (cystic, conglobate acne) they may not give a positive result.
Video: Anti-rash lotion
Chatterbox with streptocide
Of the many recipes for making chatterboxes, let’s pay attention to the option with streptocide. It is effective for teenagers, especially those suffering from acne during this period, including large, purulent ones.
The recipe includes:
- boric acid 3% (100 mg);
- sulfur ointment (2 tsp);
- powdered streptocide (14 g);
- salicylic acid 2% (100 mg).
All ingredients are mixed until smooth. The composition is stored in a dark place. If necessary, the amount of ingredients in the recipe is reduced by the required amount.
Important! This solution is ordered from a pharmacy with a prescription from a dermatologist based on tests. It can also be done at home, but after consultation with a doctor, agreeing on the concentration and treatment time.
Negative reactions
The use of boric acid for acne on the face can not only bring benefits, but also cause side effects, including:
- feeling of nausea;
- vomit;
- headache;
- confusion;
- loose stools;
- peeling of the epidermis.
User reviews also note that in the first week of using acid, acne increases. Further use of the antiseptic leads to a reduction in the rash and a gradual cleansing of the skin from inflammatory fragments.
Indications
The drug is actively used in medicine due to its bactericidal properties.
For the purpose of treatment, it is recommended if a person has:
- acne;
- eczema;
- comedones;
- pyoderma;
- dermatitis;
- red acne;
- pityriasis versicolor;
- inflammation manifestations on the epidermis.
Contraindications
Boric acid has long been used to treat people. When taking it, you should be aware that due to its toxicity, it is prohibited for internal use.
Contraindications include:
- substance intolerance;
- damage to the skin in the treated area;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- renal failure;
- Prescription for children under 15 years of age.
Read about the treatment of subcutaneous acne on the face. What to do with rosacea on your face? More details here.
Effect on skin
Acid can have the following effects on the skin:
- Antiseptic. It allows you to get rid of impurities from the surface of the skin over time. They usually manifest themselves as pimples or rashes;
- Disinfectant. The acid is used as a disinfectant. Due to its properties, you can treat your face and rid it of germs.
After regular use, your face will become brighter. The surface of the skin smoothes out and becomes much cleaner. The drug draws dirt to the surface and cleanses purulent areas.
Side effect
The drug is usually well tolerated. In some cases, the body may react negatively, which depends on the individual characteristics of the person.
Possible manifestations include:
- vomit;
- diarrhea interspersed with blood;
- anemia;
- decrease in body temperature;
- headaches;
- decreased amount of urine;
- disruption of the menstrual cycle;
- attention disorder;
- decreased appetite;
- swelling;
- stomatitis;
- skin rashes;
- disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract;
- deterioration of the circulatory system;
- redness of the skin.
In some cases, a person may go into shock.
Poisoning is indicated by:
- vomiting, diarrhea with bloody spots;
- lethargy, apathy;
- loss of appetite;
- abdominal cramps;
- redness and peeling of the elbows, feet, palms, buttocks;
- rash;
- convulsive manifestations, trembling of limbs;
- swelling of the genitals.
How it works
The effectiveness of boric acid appears gradually. A couple of hours after application, it exerts its effect on pathogenic microorganisms in the area of inflammation.
It should be borne in mind that pimple develops due to several factors:
- in case of disruption of epidermal cell renewal;
- in case of strong activity of the sebaceous glands;
- for allergies.
Preparations with boric acid neutralize infections and stop the growth of skin parasites. They have astringent properties and ensure coagulation of proteins in microbial cells.
Important! When you start using boric acid, acne may increase. You should not be afraid of this, as the effect on the infection begins to appear. Soon the situation will change and improvements will be noticeable on the skin.
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.
Precautionary measures
Before using any drug, you should carefully study the instructions, possible contraindications and relate it to your situation, the characteristics of the problem and your state of health.
Please note the following:
- Large areas of skin should not be treated.
- Do not treat mucous tissue.
- Therapeutic doses should be observed.
Although sold without a prescription, it is best to consult a doctor before use.
Face wipe product
Many people are interested in whether it is possible to wipe their face with boric acid: the answer is yes, but this must be done especially carefully in order to improve the complexion and not lead to dire consequences.
The drug is indicated for use in cases of excessive greasiness of the skin, excessive pigmentation, and for lightening the skin.
- Melanin levels are normalized.
- Acne disorders are eliminated.
- The face is cleansed.
- Pores become smaller.
- Peeling is prevented.
Be sure to read: Causes of acne on the forehead and how to treat them
Boric acid has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, and the results of this remedy can be seen after 5-6 procedures. How to use the medicinal product correctly?
