Salicylic Acid Peel
Clear blemishes and refine pores
At a Glance
Pain Level
Mild tingling
Downtime
Light flaking for 3-5 days
Sessions
Course of 3-6 recommended
Duration
45 minutes
Results
Visible after the first session
Frequency
Every 2-4 weeks
What is Salicylic Acid Peel?
A Salicylic Acid Peel is an exfoliating facial that uses salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), to break down the bonds between skin cells, allowing dead skin to shed and revealing fresh, new skin. As a lipid- soluble acid with Anti- Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory properties, it works effectively to unclog pores, treat acne, and improve overall skin tone and texture. Salicylic peels come in two types: At-home peels: Mild salicylic acid products (up to 20%) gently exfoliate the top layers of skin. Professional peels: Stronger treatments (30%-50%) used by dermatologists or estheticians for deeper skin rejuvenation.
Benefits
- Brighter, Smoother Skin: Removes dead skin cells, improving texture and creating a more radiant complexion.
- Shrinks Pores: Unclogs pores and helps reduce their size, promoting clearer skin.
- Treats Acne and Blackheads: Reduces acne and prevents future breakouts by keeping pores clear.
- Reduces Sun Damage and Fine Lines: Softens fine lines and helps improve sun-damaged skin.
- Fades Dark Spots and Uneven Skin Tone: Helps reduce melasma, freckles, and post-acne pigmentation.
Is This Right for You?
Adults with oily, acne-prone skin, blackheads, whiteheads, enlarged pores, or post-inflammatory marks from past breakouts, particularly those whose congestion sits deep within the pores where oil-soluble acids are needed..
You may benefit if you have:
- Acne-prone skin
- Oily or congested skin
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Enlarged pores
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation
Pre-Treatment Care
- Drink 1.5-2 litres of water daily for 48 hours before
- Discontinue retinoids, other AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, and exfoliating scrubs 5 days prior
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure and tanning for 1 week before
- Do not wax, thread, or epilate the area for 48 hours before
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
- If you have a cold sore history, start antiviral prophylaxis 24 hours before
- Tell us about any aspirin allergy, photosensitising medications, or isotretinoin use
Post-Treatment Care
- Drink 2 litres of water daily for a week to support skin renewal
- Apply an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser 1-2 times daily until peeling completes
- Apply SPF 50+ (mineral, oil-free formulations for acne-prone skin) every morning for at least 2 weeks
- Expect mild peeling, dryness, or tight feeling for 3-5 days, more localised around congested areas
- Do not pick, scrub, or squeeze any breakouts
- Pause retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and acids for 5-7 days
- Avoid heat (saunas, hot yoga, intense cardio with sweat) for 24-48 hours
- Skip makeup for 24 hours; mineral makeup thereafter
- Book your next session in 2-4 weeks for cumulative clearing of congestion and pores
Who This Treatment Is Not Suitable For
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This treatment may not be right for you if any of the following apply. Please discuss your full medical history with us during consultation.
- Active infections or open wounds
- Allergy to salicylates (aspirin)
- Pregnancy (relative contraindication)
- Severe skin sensitivity
- Recent aggressive treatments
- Use of isotretinoin within 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is salicylic acid so good for acne?
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.
How is it different from glycolic or lactic acid?
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.
What strength do you use?
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.
Will it help with acne scars?
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.
Can I use it if I'm on acne medication?
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.
Is it safe if I'm allergic to aspirin?
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.
Ready to Book?
Start with a personalised consultation. Our experts will assess your skin and recommend the best approach for you.
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