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Glycolic Vs. Salicylic Acid - Which Peel is Better for Acne?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Channing R. Barnett, MD
Question viewed 36,688 times
Tags: acne, comparison, pimples, zits

I have light to moderate acne, and a friend suggested that I start getting monthly chemical peels.  I've read up on glycolic acid peel and salicylic acid peel but they seems so similar I don't know which one would be a better acne treatment.  Please tell me which one works best.

13 answers to Glycolic Vs. Salicylic Acid - Which Peel is Better for Acne?

+4

Salicylic acid slightly superior

You are asking whether the alpha-hydroxy acid, Glycolic acid, or the beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is superior. In this case I am going to have to go with the Beta dog, sal acid. A study published in Dermatologic Surgery last year compared the two types of peels and gave the nod to the salicylic acid peel. This study, performed by dermatologists at the St. Louis University confirmed the impression that most dermatologists have had for years: that the Beta peel is preferred for... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+4

Salicylic acid peels typically better for acne

Typically, Salicylic acid peels are better for acne, but glycolic peels in higher concentration can be also very effective. Sometimes, alternating them is a good idea to see how your skin will respond to each of them. Remember that a series of peels will be necessary and maintenance peels to keep your acne under control. Usually not one peel or treatment works for acne, so multiple different treatments, sometimes combined with prescription medication will help.
Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+3

Salicylic acid or glycolic acid for acne

Both of these acids are used for minor "peels" and often used as "adjuvants" for treating acne. However, not convinced that either alone are any more beneficial than the other. To be most effective , either glycolic or salicylic need to be combined with an appropriate acne regimen that consists of prescription creams and oral antibiotics for more severe cases.
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

Acne and Salicylic Acid Peels

Salicylic acid peels penetrate deeper into the oil gland than the glycolic acid peels do, and cause less inflammation on your face---so go with the Salicylic acid.  It comes in a number of different strengths, and can be customized just for you.  You might also speak with your dermatologist about using some prescription topical medications at home every day to maximize your best skin.
Tobi B. Richman-Steinhardt, MD

Boca Raton Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Salicyclic Acid and Glycolic Acid Peels Can Both Improve Acne

Both a salicylic acid peel (beta hydroxy acid) and glycolic acid peel (alpha hydroxy acid) can be helpful in improving acne and I am not sure that one is necessarily better than the other. It often depends on the acne type and severity as well as the skin type. They should also not be used as stand-alone treatments, but rather as additive to other treatments being done such as over-the-counter and topical prescription creams and possibly oral medication. In darker skinned... more
Channing R. Barnett, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Salicylic acid better for lighter skin types, Glycolic better for darker skin types

Generally, I prefer salicylic acid peels for patients with lighter skin types. For patients with darker skin types, who have acne, they usually also want to lighten dark spots left behind from acne spots. Glycolic acid peels are best for patients with darker skin tones, since they even out pigmentation and treat acne.
Samantha Toerge, MD

Fairfax Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Salicylic acid peel better for acne

I agree with my colleagues who have given salicylic acid peels a thumbs up for acne! These peels are definitely superior to glycolic acid peels. A couple of inherent reasons- salicylic acid is a superior anti-inflammatory agent than glycolic acid (and acne is an inflammatory condition). Second reason, salicylic acid is lipid or fat soluble which allows it to penetrate acne better because of the sebum unlike glycolic acid which is water soluble.
Aparna Ambay, MD

Tampa Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Choosing Your Chemical Peel

Both Glycolic and Saliylic Acid peels are affective for acne. Choosing the right peel also depends on your skin type. Salicylic peels are very affective for treating the acne itself, while Glycolic peels treat the acne as well as some of the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks that sometimes occur on the skin after the the acne resolves.
Adam J. Mamelak, MD

Austin Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

SAHA Peels

While almost all peels help with acne, depending on the type, I have to say that I have wonderful results from SAHA peels for my patients with acne. The other nice thing is that there's very little, if any, down time, very little risk and they are sometimes even covered by insurance.
Victoria W. Serralta, MD

Arlington Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Both peels work for acne

Both peels work for acne. Salicylic acid peels work for average, regular acne. Glycolic acid peels work better for those with acne and acne marking. A series of glycolic acid peels works well for those with post-acne marking even if their acne has resolved.
Patrick McElgunn, MD

Charlotte Dermatologist
+1

Salicylic Acid is Probably a Bit More Effective for Acne

Both glycolic acid peels and salicylic acid peels are helpful when part of an overall treatment plan for acne. Salicylic acid has been shown to be somewhat superoir for treating acne, probably because it is "lipophilic". In other words it can penetrate the "grease" that is clogging your "pores" and causing the acne. One peel by itself is not very effective (just like going to the gym one time is not very effective). Peeling must... more
Todd Minars, MD

Miami Dermatologist
+1

Both peels are equally effective for treating acne

Both a glycolic and salicylic peel may be equally effective as both are light peels to help unclog pores.  It is best to go to a dermatologist's office for these peels to be sure the right concentration and agent is chosen for your skin type. 
Kimberly Butterwick, MD

San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Salicylic acid peels are better for acne

Although both glycolic and salicylic acid peels are effective for acne, salicylic acid peels have been shown to be better. They better penetrate the oily hair follicles where acne starts. They also seem to be more effective in treating acne associated hyperpigmentation. Peels alone, however, may not be enough to treat your acne, so talk to a board-certified dermatologist about your options.
Dina D. Strachan, MD

New York Dermatologist

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