What is chlorhexidine, a description and purpose of the drug, how it helps to fight acne, possible contraindications, ways of using an antiseptic. Chlorhexidine is a new generation antiseptic that has a pronounced antimicrobial effect. It is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. In addition, the concentrated chlorhexidine solution can kill viruses.
Is it possible to wipe acne with chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine bigluconate is a drug that has a bactericidal and antiseptic effect on the skin. In the pharmacy, you can buy a clear, colorless solution at a concentration of 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.5%, 5% and 20%. It is used in the treatment of acne, venereal diseases, as well as for the disinfection of hands and instruments in surgery and cosmetology. A concentrate of 0.05% is capable of destroying not only bacteria, but also various viruses.
Also on sale you can find the drug in the form of a gel (concentration 0.5%), ointment (Sibicort 1%), a bactericidal patch. In addition, you can be offered an imported analogue of chlorhexidine - "Miramistin". Its composition is no different from the domestic antiseptic, but the price is much higher.
Getting on the skin, the drug first changes the properties of the bacteria, suppressing its ability to divide and multiply. After that, the active components violate the integrity of the membrane of the microorganism, and it dies. The dead bacterium begins to decompose, however, under the influence of chlorhexidine, the decay products do not have a toxic effect on the body.
The drug fights only against certain types of bacteria - gram-negative and gram-positive. For the rest, he does not pose a threat. Chlorhexidine is effective in the fight against such types of microorganisms: Bacteroids Fragilis, Treponema pale, Chlamydia, Gonococcus, Gardnerella vaginal, Trichomonas vaginal, Ureplasma. Has a weak effect on Proteus and Pseudomonas.
When applied externally, the agent does not penetrate into the bloodstream, which means that it does not have a general effect on the body. It goes deep under the skin and remains there for a certain time, which is necessary for therapeutic effects. Therefore, chlorhexidine is an indispensable antiseptic in the fight against acne.
The gel form and chlorhexidine solution against acne can be used both in the early stages of the formation of boils and acne, and for treating the epidermis before and after mechanical cleaning of purulent formations to avoid subsequent inflammation.
Chlorhexidine can destroy not only pathogens, but also those that are necessary for healthy skin microflora. Without them, the epidermis remains unprotected against external adverse factors. For this reason, it is not recommended to use the drug without a doctor's prescription.
Benefits of using chlorhexidine for acne
The scope of application of the drug in cosmetology and dermatology is quite wide. Chlorhexidine is used to treat various pustular diseases (pyoderma, impetigo), acne, and inflammation of various etymologies. Chlorhexidine has the following beneficial effects on the skin:
- Penetrates into deeper layers and destroys microbes and bacteria that provoke inflammation;
- Stops inflammatory processes;
- Helps remove dead cells from the surface of the epidermis;
- When an abscess breaks out, it cleans the wound and disinfects it.
Chlorhexidine solution and gel is a great alternative to brilliant green and iodine. This drug is in many ways superior to their effectiveness. At the same time, it is more suitable than other antiseptics for use on visible areas of the skin, since it does not stain it, does not lead to burning, is quickly absorbed, and also does not leave an oily sheen. In addition, chlorhexidine does not leave marks on objects in contact with it.
When you can not wipe your face with chlorhexidine for acne
To use the drug for the treatment of purulent skin rashes should be prescribed by a doctor, since, like most drugs, chlorhexidine has a number of contraindications:
- The presence of dermatitis - atopic, contact, seborrheic;
- Active eczema;
- Pregnancy and lactation period;
- The presence of individual intolerance;
- Hypersensitivity of the skin, dryness.
- Elimination of rashes in childhood (up to 12 years).
You should also be aware of certain side effects that can be caused by rubbing your face with chlorhexidine for acne. If you use the drug uncontrollably, then the following reaction is often noted: itching, peeling, skin tightness, the appearance of new rashes.
Therefore, it is important to strictly adhere to dosages and use moisturizers after rubbing your face with chlorhexidine. In addition, it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the course of treatment with this drug, as the skin becomes more sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Instructions for the use of chlorhexidine for acne
Chlorhexidine can be used both separately and as part of complex therapy for acne. At the same time, it is important to choose the right drugs that can enhance the effect of the antiseptic.
How to clean pimples with chlorhexidine
If you intend to undergo a course of treatment for purulent rashes at home, then you need to consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist. The specialist will advise you on the concentration of the chlorhexidine solution, the form of release, the duration of the course and the frequency of use.
Using chlorhexidine for single acne is fairly straightforward. You need to follow these instructions:
- We wash without soap and disinfectants.
- You should not first apply a scrub, cleansing milk or tonic.
- Apply a 0.01% chlorhexidine solution to a cotton pad or stick and press it against the pimple for a few seconds.
- After the expiration of time, wash off the solution from the surface of the skin with cold water.
- We carry out the procedure 2-3 times a day.
If you have profuse rashes on your skin, then you can use the application method with chlorhexidine solution. To do this, moisten a piece of gauze or a disc with a preparation and apply it to the affected area of the epidermis for 1-3 minutes. After that we wash our face with cool water.
It is recommended to finish the procedure by applying a moisturizing cream with a light texture to the skin. This course of treatment lasts an average of 10-14 days.
If your skin is prone to frequent rashes or you have entered a transitional age and suffer from hormonal fluctuations that provoke the appearance of acne, then it is recommended to deal with the problem with complex methods. Chlorhexidine combines well with salicylic ointment or Skinoren gel.
You need to process damaged skin areas according to the following instructions:
- We wash with water without the use of cosmetics.
- Lubricate each pimple with an antiseptic and leave to dry.
- After 10 minutes, apply salicylic ointment or Skinoren to the pustules with a cotton swab.
- After 5 minutes, wash off with water without soap.
Inflamed areas need to be treated twice a day - in the mornings and evenings. The therapy should be carried out in a course of 2-3 weeks.
Remember, it is forbidden to wipe the skin with solutions with a concentration of chlorhexidine above 0.5%. This will provoke overdrying of the epidermis and disruption of its natural balance.
How chlorhexidine helps with acne when cleansing your face
Despite the fact that cosmetologists do not recommend squeezing out acne on their own, many still resort to mechanical cleaning of the face at home. If you intend to do this, then take care, first of all, about the sterility of the procedure. Chlorhexidine is perfect for this. Apply a solution with a concentration of 0.01%.
Follow these instructions:
- We wash our face thoroughly with purified water.
- We disinfect our hands with chlorhexidine.
- Wipe the area around the abscess with a cotton pad moistened with an antiseptic. We move from the edges of the pimple to its center.
- Before the procedure itself, we take out the needle of a disposable syringe. We pierce the edge of the pimple with it and carefully break through the skin over the formation.
- We collect pus with a cotton pad moistened with chlorhexidine.
- Carefully treat the area around the abscess with an antiseptic.
- Twice a day we apply the solution for 10 minutes, after which we lubricate with Levomikol ointment.
Chlorhexidine masks for problem skin
If your skin is oily, purulent rashes appear on it, then it needs frequent disinfection and light drying. There are several special cosmetic masks that contain chlorhexidine and help fight the above problems:
- Chlorhexidine Black Clay Mask … Black clay is an excellent remedy for removing oily skin, combating acne and comedones. Chlorhexidine enhances its positive effect and kills pathogenic bacteria on the surface of the epidermis. For the mask, you will need a couple of teaspoons of clay and the same amount of chlorhexidine (0.01%). We mix the components and apply to a pre-cleansed face. We soak on the skin for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and lubricate the epidermis with a moisturizer.
- Mask with white clay, bodyagi and chlorhexidine … This composition perfectly fights redness, traces of acne, active inflammation, blackheads. Bodyaga, included in the mixture, helps to dissolve hemorrhages and bruises, evens out the tone of the face. To prepare the mask, we take: one tablespoon of white clay, half a spoonful of bodyagi, a few drops of chlorhexidine (0.01-0.02%). We add so much solution that the mixture becomes like a thick gruel. Apply the mask to clean skin of the face with light circular movements and leave to dry for 10-15 minutes. After that, wash off with warm water without soap. At the end of the procedure, apply a moisturizer.
- Chlorhexidine baby powder mask … To carry out the procedure, you will need an ordinary domestic powder for children that does not contain fragrances. It contains talcum powder and skin-drying ingredients, so it will perfectly cope with the problem of oily skin, and chlorhexidine will eliminate bacteria that provoke acne. Prepare the mixture as follows: 1-1, 5 tablespoons of the powder, fill it with an antiseptic solution (0.01%) to the state of gruel. With a sponge, apply the composition to the entire face or problem areas and wait for it to solidify. After the mask has dried, we gently knock it over the washbasin. It is advisable not to wash off the remaining white dry "plaque" from the face for a while, and even better - go to bed with him for the whole night. In the morning, you can wash your face with warm water and lubricate your skin with moisturizer.
How to use chlorhexidine for acne - watch the video:
Chlorhexidine for acne on the face is an inexpensive and effective antiseptic. It can be used both independently and as part of complex therapy to eliminate various types of purulent skin rashes. In this case, it is important to monitor the dosage and follow the rules for using the drug.
