How does deep heat (tm) and other similar products work???

Hi there,





Im studing A-level chemistry and would like to know about how 'deep heat' spray creates that warm feeling on your body.





From what ive researched so far i believe that the alcohol in the spray drys your skin and expands the blood vessles below. Then the two active ingrediants (methanol %26amp; Methyl Salicylate) are absorbed more rapidly into the skin creating redness and heat.





Am i along the right lines here??? or have i got it completely backwards???





Thanks





Me

How does deep heat (tm) and other similar products work???
The alcohol is a vehicle agent and quickly evaporates upon contact. The other two ingredients, specially the Methyl Salicylate are vaso-dilators, they cause the blood vessels in the applied areas to expand. More blood flow, more heat! It is a physiochemical response.