Salicylic Acid Peel

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) — uniquely oil-soluble, meaning it penetrates into the sebum inside clogged pores rather than just working on the skin surface. It dissolves oil and dead cell debris from within the pore, kills acne-causing bacteria, and reduces inflammation — addressing acne at the source.

Glycolic and lactic (AHAs) are water-soluble — they exfoliate the surface. Salicylic (BHA) is oil-soluble — it cleans out pores from within. For oily, congested, acne-prone skin, BHA is often more effective; for dry, dull, pigmented skin, AHA is usually preferred. Your therapist will recommend based on skin type.

Professional salicylic peels range from 20% to 30%. We start at 20% for beginners and may progress to 30% depending on tolerance and results. Stronger in-clinic than over-the-counter products.

It helps fade post-inflammatory pigmentation (the flat dark marks left after breakouts). For textural acne scars (pitted, rolling, boxcar), stronger treatments like microneedling, TCA cross, or fractional laser are needed. Salicylic is excellent for active acne and PIH.

Most topical acne medications pair well with occasional salicylic peels — in fact, they are often combined. You must stop them 5 days before each peel. If you're on oral isotretinoin, we do not peel — wait at least 6 months after completing the course.

Salicylic acid is chemically related to aspirin. If you have a true aspirin allergy, we use an alternative peel (mandelic, alkaline). Always mention allergies at consultation.