Salicylic-zinc paste, also known as Lassara paste, is a budget-friendly remedy for the treatment of acne. The two-component drug gives the first positive results just a few weeks after regular use. The paste is used both in its pure form and as part of acne masks.
- 2 Methods of application
2.1 Contraindications and possible harm
Where do pigment spots come from?
To understand how salicylic zinc paste acts on dark spots, it is worth remembering the reasons for the appearance of pigmentation. The presence of skin defects can be caused by several factors:
- lack of microelements and vitamins;
- low-quality cosmetics;
- age-related changes;
- taking medications;
- diseases of internal organs;
- hormonal imbalance;
- mechanical damage (cuts, burns);
- tanning abuse.
If the coloring substance melanin is distributed evenly in the epidermis, then the skin color will be almost the same. If a large amount of this substance is produced, hyperpigmentation appears. It may look like freckles, dots and blotches, large spots of red or brown. Typically the defect appears on the cheeks, nose, forehead and cheekbones.
Paste composition
The drug contains salicylic acid and zinc oxide. These substances have the following properties:
- reduce fat content;
- prevent the appearance of rashes;
- exfoliate the skin;
- stimulate cell regeneration;
- relieve inflammation.
Some manufacturers include corn starch and petroleum jelly, vitamins, fish oil, lanolin, and preservatives for long-term storage in the formula.
Externally, the paste is a thick ointment of white or grayish color. Sometimes the consistency has a yellow tint. The product is packaged in glass jars or aluminum tubes.
Indications
Salicylic zinc paste is indicated in the following cases:
- dermatitis;
- freckles;
- mild burns;
- acne;
- acne;
- chloasma;
- ulcers.
The paste is also used for children. It helps with prickly heat, diaper dermatitis, and minor injuries.
Composition of the ointment
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.
Mode of application
To whiten age spots, you need to apply the paste to the dark spots. The face should be clean and dry. Do this 4-5 times a day until the desired result is achieved.
If there are acne along with pigment spots on the face, it is necessary to clean and steam the skin, then apply the paste in the area of the rash. This way the ointment substances are better absorbed into the tissue. There is no need to cover the surface with film or gauze.
The treatment period is a maximum of 2 months. It is advised to avoid simultaneous use of the paste with drugs containing the following substances:
- penicillin;
- phenacetin;
- sulfur;
- benzoyl;
- resorcinol.
It is not advisable to use other bleaching agents during therapy.
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.
Treatment of age spots
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. It is allowed to take antihistamines to help minimize the inflammatory process.
Contraindications
There are no serious contraindications to the use of salicylic zinc paste. The product cannot be used in some cases. These include:
- individual intolerance;
- presence of open wounds;
- childhood;
- ulcers and weeping wounds;
- pimples and acne of purulent form.
Some manufacturers do not recommend using the paste for boys and girls under 12 years of age. Pregnant women should consult a doctor. The drug is prescribed with caution to people with kidney problems, blood clotting, and stomach diseases.
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.
Side effects
In rare cases, the paste causes allergic reactions in the form of burning and itching. In this case, you must stop using the product and consult a doctor. The doctor will prescribe a different ointment and give recommendations regarding the negative side effect.
If salicylic zinc paste interacts with other pharmaceutical compounds, you must notify your doctor. This will avoid unpleasant consequences.
A negative reaction of the body can also be caused by an overdose of the drug. With increased absorption of substances, convulsions, hearing loss, the appearance of hemorrhagic diathesis, nausea, and increased sweating are possible. Applying the product to the mucous membrane is prohibited.
After the expiration date, the paste cannot be used. It can be stored for 4 years after the production date.
Before starting therapy, it is recommended to conduct an allergy test. To do this, apply a little of the composition to the inside of your wrist. If no irritation appears after 20 minutes, you can use the paste.
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.
Experts' opinions
Dermatologists confirm that zinc can whiten dark spots and can be used as an additional agent as part of a comprehensive pigmentation removal program. The paste itself is not always effective. It is important to identify the cause of the stains. To do this, you need to visit the following specialists:
- endocrinologist;
- gynecologist;
- dermatologist;
- gastroenterologist.
After a medical examination, the doctor will prescribe treatment that will eliminate unwanted defects.
Dermatologists do not recommend using the ointment for a long time. Before you go to the pharmacy for it, you need to consult with your doctor.
Reviews of salicylic zinc paste
Buyers speak positively about the drug. The paste is actively used at home against certain types of pigmentation:
- fresh sun spots
- marks after squeezing pimples
- freckles
In the case of birthmarks, moles, lentigo and vitiligo, the ointment “works” poorly. However, by regularly using this product, you can reduce the negative effects of external factors on the skin.
Thus, salicylic zinc paste has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:
- lightening pigmentation;
- drying out rashes;
- ease of use;
- decreased sebum production;
- low price.
Of the minuses it is worth noting:
- cannot be used under cosmetics;
- has a detrimental effect on sensitive and very dry dermis;
- does not eliminate the cause of stains;
- cannot be combined with certain medications.
How to apply the ointment?
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.
Preventive measures against pigment spots
In order for whitening ointments and pastes to bring the long-awaited effect, it is important to follow preventive measures. Experts advise:
- monitor health status;
- provide skin protection from direct sunlight;
- avoid frequent visits to the solarium;
- do not delay the treatment of existing pathologies;
- eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals;
- consume polyunsaturated acids.
As for nutrition, vitamins A, E, PP and C, B9 must be present in the body. They are contained in the following products:
- vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, eggplants);
- greenery;
- citrus fruits;
- boiled potatoes;
- beef liver.
These recommendations will help prolong the results of removing age spots and make the skin lighter and fresher.
Analogues of salicylic zinc paste
If salicylic zinc paste is contraindicated for the patient, or it is not commercially available, you can choose an analogue:
- Tsindol . The drug contains zinc oxide and provides an anti-inflammatory effect. It is prescribed for burns, bedsores, trophic ulcers, dermatitis and rashes. Tsindol gives the skin an even structure and precisely eliminates skin defects.
- Sudocrem . The product belongs to the group of dermatotropic substances. It has a pronounced antifungal and antibacterial effect. Contains zinc oxide.
- Salicylic ointment . The drug has high antiseptic and wound healing properties. It is used to accelerate tissue regeneration and prevent re-infection.
- Desitin . The cream is used for herpes simplex, purulent lesions, eczema, superficial wounds, and prickly heat. It is effective against pigmentation due to the presence of zinc oxide in the formula.
It is also worth taking a closer look at the drugs Mozoil, Akriderm-Sk, Belosalik, Betaderm A and Betasal.
Zinc ointment for the treatment of children
The drug is approved for use from 0 years. For diaper rash, diaper dermatitis and other skin problems, the ointment should be applied with light movements, treating all affected areas. The procedure is repeated after each diaper change and water procedures until redness and irritation disappear.
For older children, burns, abrasions, chickenpox blisters or mosquito bites are treated with zinc ointment, applying the product exactly to the affected area as needed. It is not advisable to use the medicine for more than 7 days in a row, so as not to dry out the skin.
Price of salicylic zinc paste
You can buy pasta at a price of 20-25 rubles. In some cities the cost reaches 45-65 rubles. The price tag varies depending on the region of purchase and the manufacturer. On sale you can find drugs produced by Pharmstandard and the Moscow Pharmaceutical Factory. The ointment is sold without a doctor's prescription.
To summarize, it is worth saying that salicylic zinc paste helps get rid of age spots without serious financial costs. The main thing is to remember the side effects, follow preventive measures and caution.
