How to Have a Salicylic Acid Peel

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is synthetically made. It is used in a variety of cosmetic applications, but its primary use is to treat acne. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments. Salicylic acid peels can be used to treat acne, fine wrinkles, minor skin discoloration and sun damage. A salicylic acid peel is an alternative to glycolic peels, which are more common. Salicylic acid peels can be done at home or by a skin professional.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
• Mild cleanser

1. Determine how deep you want your peel to go. Salicylic acid peels are available in concentrations up to 30 percent, but lesser concentrations can be purchased and applied by the user. If you have more than just minor skin issues that you want addressed, stronger peels are recommended.

2. Avoid exfoliating your skin for a few days prior to the peel. The peel will exfoliate your skin, and you don't want it to be absorbed too deeply into the dermis.

3. Wash your skin thoroughly with a mild cleanser before applying the peel. You skin needs to be clean so that nothing irritating comes in contact with the new skin immediately after the peel.

4. Apply the salicylic acid to the skin and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. If you have the peel done in a spa or doctor's office, the appropriate amount of time should be monitored for you. Speak up if the acid is causing discomfort, as it should not produce any more than a minor tingle.

5. Have between 6 and 10 treatments for best results. The number of peels in your series depends on the severity of your skin condition, but this is average.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are prone to skin irritation, choose a salicylic peel over a glycolic peel. Salicylic peels are often less irritating, as they have anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties.
• Salicylic acid can also be found in combination products that include glycolic acid, lactic acid and other chemicals. Combination products give you the benefits of both types of chemicals.
• Wear a full-spectrum sunblock to protect the new skin from sun exposure. Choose a product that has at least a 30 SPF.
• It's not recommended for pregnant women to get salicylic acid peels.
• Dark-skinned people should avoid deep salicylic acid peels, as they can cause hypopigmentation, or skin lightening.
• Your skin should not be severely damaged from the acid peel, but it may be red and shiny immediately after the peel and for several days.

[Blondiespice]

on 7/23/2009 As a medical aesthetican who performs salicylic peels on darker skin, I disagree that they can't be done on this type of skin. It depends on each individual, and each treatment should be started with a mild lactic, to see how the skin responds. Two weeks later, I would do a 20% salicylic peel, especially if the person has acne/acne scars and hyperpigmentation. If the client does not pick, pull or scatch the skin in the next 7 days while it's peeling/flaking, there will be very little chance of hyperpigmenting and scarring.
A lactic or glycolic peel works superficially, and it feels slightly itchy or tingley. There should be no redness or peeling with this peel. A salicylic works under the skin, and it's self-neutralizing after 5 minutes, so it can't be taken off. It heats up, and then it cools down in a few minutes. It's oil soluable so it's great for getting into the pores and ...