I applied 30% salicylic acid peel to my face for 3 minutes. Is it normal for it to be red & dry? It's only been 48 hours (Photo)

Question

When will I start to see results? Will the dark spots on my cheeks fade or peel away? Does this look like a burn? If so, how can it be treated?

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

30% sal acid is the maximum I use and is an excellent treatment for whiteheads and blackheads. If you have sensitive skin I would start at 9% and work upwards.It is normal for 30% to have some kind of skin irritation. When I do a peel at 30% and see immediate redness I remove it straight away, this prevents prolonged redness. Now to address your question, the best thing you can do now is to use a bland moisturiser frequently. Cleanse with Cetaphil 2-3 times a day and avoid sun exposure for the next 2 weeks. I would also recommend not having long hot showers for the next days as it can dehydrate your skin. Next time if you undertake a sal acid peel, I would suggest 9% working up to 18%.Hope this help, all the best.Dr Davin LimDermatologist

I applied 30% salicylic acid peel to my face for 3 minutes. Is it normal for it to be red & dry? It's only been 48 hours (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Salicylic Peel

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I applied 30% salicylic acid peel to my face for 3 minutes. Is it normal for it to be red & dry? It's only been 48 hours (Photo)

Answers (1)

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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.