SALICYLIC PEEL

Your provider will thoroughly cleanse your skin and then apply the salicylic acid solution. Depending on the concentration of the peel and what your provider deems appropriate for your skin, they’ll apply up to three layers of the solution. It may mildly burn or sting, but the peel is left on for just three to five minutes. Once the time is up, your provider will neutralize the peel with water or another solution before washing it off. 

This peel may be just one step of a longer facial.

For a few hours after the peel, your skin will likely be red and may still sting, similar to the sensation of a sunburn. Avoid skincare products with other acids and retinoids for at least 24 hours. Within a few days, your skin will start to flake and peel, continuing for about a week. 

“Any dark spots you had to begin with tend to get darker before they peel,” says Dr. Michael Contreras, a dermatologic surgeon in Greenwood Village, Colorado, in a RealSelf Q&A. “Redness and darkening can last for four to seven days while the peeling takes place.” 

Be very gentle with your skin during this time, using mild cleansers and moisturizing diligently. Your newly revealed skin will be more sensitive and salicylic acid increases sun sensitivity, so use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and stay out of direct sunlight while your skin is peeling.

With a superficial chemical peel like a salicylic peel, results will last a few months. Wear sunscreen every day and take good care of your skin to help maintain your results.

It’s not recommended to perform high-concentration salicylic peels at home. When they’re left on too long or used too frequently, salicylic acid peels can cause burning, scarring, scabbing, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots).

However, there are a number of widely available exfoliants that feature salicylic acid, typically at 2% concentration, as liquid solutions, gels, or presoaked pads. Skincare brands might use “peel” in the name of such products, but your skin shouldn’t actually peel. They work slowly over time to unclog pores and slough off dead skin cells. 

While they’re considered safe for daily use, 2% salicylic acid exfoliants should still be used with some caution, as they can cause irritation. Overuse and interaction with other active ingredients (retinoids, AHA acids, vitamin C) can compromise your skin’s moisture barrier, leading to painful flaking, redness, and even infection. Follow the directions and stop using it if your skin gets irritated.

Spread the use of active ingredients out in your skincare routine (2% salicylic acid in the morning and Retin-A at night) and take care to hydrate and moisturize your skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. 

At-home salicylic peel products can be found at up to 30% concentration, but if you choose to use them, don’t leave the solution on your skin for any longer than instructed and don’t perform the peels more than once every few weeks. You’ll only get more irritation, not better results.

Your cost will depend on the strength of the peel, where you have it done, and whether an esthetician, nurse, or doctor performs the treatment. 

Some providers offer package deals if you buy a series of peels. It may also be more cost-effective to get a facial that includes a salicylic peel as one of the steps.