Is a Salicylic Acid Peel Safe?

All chemical peels have potential risks.  As chemical peels go, a 20% salicylic acid peel is a low risk peel.  One has to decide if the risk out weighs the benefit.  Salicylic acid peels are great for acne, fine lines, blemishes, sun damage, melasma, razor bumps or to just achieve a more beautiful, glowing complexion.  The risks of a salicylic acid peel are burn (if you have any dermatitis or have recently used an exfoliating agent at the time of the peel), infection, scar (very unlikely), discoloration, peeling and stinging.  That being said, a 20% salicylic acid peel is one of the most popular peels in my practice--particularly with the acne patients.  A salicylic acid peel can been done on patients of all skin colors and they usually get excellent results.  As a side note, as salicylic acid is related to aspirin, avoid the peel if you are aspirin or salicylic acid allergic.

In our daily lives, everything we do involves risk.  Every medicine, OTC or by prescription as well as food additives, hormones, pesticides and even vitamins can harm if in large dosages.  Unfortunately, that is just the world we live in.  As salicylic acid peels are not "required", of course it is important to carefully weigh the risks versus the benefits of this treatment and to not overdo it.  SAHA peels are generally considered very safe with minimal risk.  In my experience they work well and my patients enjoy the benefit they obtain from them.