For those dealing with persistent breakouts, chemical peels can offer a targeted approach to treatment. One popular option is a salicylic acid peel, a time-tested treatment usually performed by a licensed aesthetician in a medical spa setting. This in-office treatment addresses the root causes of acne to promote clearer, smoother skin over time.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, and Director of LovelySkin Spa explains, “The beauty of salicylic acid lies in its ability to exfoliate but also serve as an anti-inflammatory. This makes it great for treating existing acne while also minimizing redness and preventing future breakouts.”
Interested in learning more about this trusted skin treatment? In this article, we’ll explore:
- What is a salicylic acid peel?
- How do salicylic acid peels help treat acne?
- What to expect during your salicylic acid peel treatment
- Is a salicylic acid peel right for you?
What is a salicylic acid peel?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its ability to deeply penetrate pores and dissolve oil, making it especially effective for treating breakouts and acne-prone skin. A salicylic acid peel is a type of chemical peel that uses this BHA to deeply exfoliate skin, clear clogged pores and eliminate excess oil.
During this peel, a specific concentration of salicylic acid is applied to the outer layer of skin in a controlled manner to eliminate buildup of dead skin cells, sebum and debris that can clog pores and contribute to breakouts. It works to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of skin, promoting cell turnover and delivering a smoother, clearer, brighter-looking complexion.
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, explains, “Salicylic acid peels are a great option for patients looking to reduce acne while also improving the overall tone and texture of their skin. These peels offer noticeable results without the recovery time associated with more intensive chemical peels.”
How do salicylic acid peels help treat acne?
At Schlessinger MD, our providers often recommend salicylic acid peels to patients with acne-prone skin as part of a comprehensive acne treatment plan. This peel, in combination with prescription medications and an at-home skin care regimen, can help our patients achieve the results they’re looking for.
We may recommend a series of salicylic acid peels—or other options, such as our afa® Clay Peel or Brightening Peel with glycolic acid—spaced several weeks apart for those with stubborn, persistent acne and recurrent breakouts. These blemish-fighting salicylic acid peels help address acne in a variety of ways, including:
- Clogged pores: Salicylic acid helps loosen and shed dead skin cells, preventing blockages that lead to blackheads and whiteheads.
- Excess oil: Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it penetrates deep into sebaceous glands to reduce excess oil.
- Post-acne marks: These peels also help fade post-acne discoloration (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and dark spots, leaving skin looking more even and brighter over time.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains, “Salicylic acid peels can support long-term acne management by promoting regular cell turnover. These peels can be particularly useful for patients who haven’t had success with topical products alone or are looking for a gentle, non-invasive way to boost their results.”
What to expect during your salicylic acid peel treatment
At Schlessinger MD, salicylic acid peels are an aesthetic service performed at our medical spa, LovelySkin Spa, by our team of licensed aestheticians under the direction of our board-certified physicians. The service takes approximately thirty minutes. During your peel, your aesthetician will apply the salicylic acid solution to your face using a brush or cotton applicator. You may feel a mild tingling or warming sensation as the peel exfoliates the top layer of your skin.
Once the peel has had time to activate and penetrate pores, the aesthetician removes it and applies soothing products to hydrate and calm your skin. After your salicylic acid peel, you may notice some mild redness, tightness or flaking for one or two days.
Downtime with salicylic acid peels is minimal and your aesthetician may recommend a soothing post-care routine, including a gentle cleanser and a daily sunscreen while your skin fully recovers. Most patients resume their normal activities right away, though it’s recommended that you avoid prolonged sun exposure, saunas, excessive sweating and exfoliating skin care products, such as retinols, AHAs and other active topicals, for four to six days.
Results are immediate and may continue to improve in the week following your peel. At LovelySkin Spa, a series of salicylic acid peels is recommended to achieve optimal results. These treatments are spaced four to six weeks apart.
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger shares, “Patients are often surprised at how much improvement they see after a salicylic acid peel. We tailor the concentration and frequency of these treatments based on the unique needs of a patient’s skin to ensure the safest and most effective results.”
Is a salicylic acid peel right for you?
If you’re struggling with mild to moderate acne and haven’t found success with at-home treatments alone, a salicylic acid peel may be a great next step. At Schlessinger MD and LovelySkin Spa, our aestheticians evaluate your concerns and curate a treatment plan that works for you. If you’d like to speak to a spa patient coordinator directly to learn more about this service, you can call us at 402-334-1226. If your acne is more severe and you’d like to schedule a medical consultation with Drs. Joel or Daniel Schlessinger, you can book online or contact us at 402-334-7546.