Salicylic Peel Q&A
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20% Salicylic Peel for Mild Acne?

asked 2 years ago by PrincessPeach84 in Minneapolis, MN
Latest answer by Dina D. Strachan, MD
Question viewed 1,674 times
Tags: acne

I have regularly used over the counter (Neutrogena) salicylic acid to treat my acne (my skin is not sensitive at all and I have never had irritation using this daily for my acne in the past). This past winter, I had flare-ups of acne due to stress. They are now mostly gone, and I have some red marks or mild acne scars left (nothing more than superficial ones). Would a 20% Salicylic acid peel would be safe for me to try out?

2 answers to 20% Salicylic Peel for Mild Acne?

+2

Salicylic peels are very effective and safe for mild to moderate acne

Salicylic acid 20% or 30% is generally safe for most people and can be very effective in clearing up mild to moderate acne. They are generally spaced 2 weeks apart, and I usually recommend 3-6 peels initially, depending on the severity of acne. For the red marks from old acne, I would recommend the pulsed dye laser, which can help them to clear up more quickly. I would recommend seeing a dermatologist who performs peels and laser therapy on a regular basis. Good luck!...
Mary Sheu, MD

Lutherville Dermatologist
+1

Salicylic acid peels are excellent for acne!

Salicylic acid peels have been shown in scientific studies to be helpful in the treatment of acne.  Compared to glycolic acid, which is also helpful, salicylic acid seems to be better at getting into the hair follicles where acne occurs.  They are also helpful in clearing up the blemishes that can accompany acne in patients with darker skin.  If the acne is very mild, sometimes a  monthly peel is enough to keep things under control but usually it should be paired with an... more
Dina D. Strachan, MD

New York Dermatologist

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