How Long Does It Takes for Skin to Be Back to Normal After a Salicylic Acid Burn? (photo)

Question

I just had a salicylic chemical peel for my acne. Its 2nd day now, and my face is burned in all the areas treated. The skin is getting dry, patchy and sensitive. Not sure what should i do to get it back to normal. Is it Normal? how long will it take to get better? will it leave scares on my face? please advice.

Ligaya H. Buchbinder, MD · Answer

Chemical peels come in many different strengths, without knowing the percentage of salicylic acid and how it was buffered and neutralized its hard to say how deep the peel will be. Its very important not to further irritate the skin by using any harsh chemicals or exfoliants. Use a chemical free sun block made for post procedure, I recommend Elta MD. Its also imperative that you keep the skin moistened, a vaporized water such as Avene is helpful and a gentle moisturizer is recommended. 
Do not pick or peel the skin, it must heal from the deepest layer first to avoid scaring or pigmentation discoloration.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Do not pick or scrub and you must avoid the sun for at least the next month.  Once you have stopped peeling, your skin will be pink and you can then apply sunscreen, and makeup if you like.  You should return to your doctor who performed the peel for assessment. Best of luck!

Onir Spiegel, DDS, PhD · Answer

Patients need to be extremely careful when trying to use these products at home.  Yes some are available for retail but you still need to use as directed.  If a patient uses this type of product at home and creates a burn, they need to keep the area moisturized and PLENTY OF SPF! As for how long it will take to heal, everyones skin responds differently.  This could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months.  Unfortunately you are going to be left with PIH, and if the area isnt treated properly after the burn occurs, this post inflammatory hyperpigmentation could be much worse and last a lot longer.  Best from BostonKayla- LME

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Wash gently with a mild cleanser and keep your skin moist with Aquaphor.  Do not pick or scrub and you must avoid the sun for at least the next month.  Once you have stopped peeling, your skin will be pink and you can then apply sunscreen, and makeup if you like.  You should return to your doctor who performed the peel for assessment.

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

There are different strengths and concentrations of peels, and many different types of skin, all which can react differently.Benadryl can help with itch a redness, cool cloth over your skin may be soothing, but I would contact the person who did the peel for their recommendations.Best. Dr Brecht Seattle, Wa

How Long Does It Takes for Skin to Be Back to Normal After a Salicylic Acid Burn? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Salicylic acid peel and burn

Answer: Salicylic acid peel and burn

Answer: Chemical peels

Answer: Chemical peels

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Everything you need to know about Salicylic Peel

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How Long Does It Takes for Skin to Be Back to Normal After a Salicylic Acid Burn? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Salicylic acid peel and burn

Answer: Salicylic acid peel and burn

Answer: Chemical peels

Answer: Chemical peels

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Salicylic Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.