Salicylic Acid Peels

Chemical Peeling with Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is the most common Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) used in cosmetics and as a chemical peeling agent. Its greatest application is in the treatment of the most common of all skin diseases, acne vulgaris.

Salicylic Acid in a Skincare Routine

Aside from chemical peels, there are many other ways that salicylic acid is used in cosmetic treatments. It is also used in products such as cleansers and moisturizers, anti-aging creams, eye creams and gels, sunscreen and liquid foundation. To find out which level of salicylic acid concentration should be used to treat your skin, ask your doctor. For everyday use, it is recommended that you use only one salicylic acid-based product on your skin, in order to prevent over-exfoliation and other side effects.

After using a product containing salicylic acid, your skin will have a red and somewhat shiny appearance for the few hours following treatment. There may also be skin flaking as well as itchiness for the first few days. To protect your skin during this time, it is important to use sunscreen with a high SPF when outdoors, as your skin will be sensitive.

For patients with darker-colored skin, the repeated use of products containing salicylic acid might cause hypo-pigmentation and possibly scarring. For the best results, six to 10 chemical peels are recommended. A single chemical peel facial costs around $100.

The Salicylic Acid Peel is a light peel with a 3-5 day recovery cycle that targets oily skin and breakouts associated with acne. This peel can also be used to refine pores and retexture scars, reducing their appearance over time with repeat treatments and Salicylic acid Micro Peel Plus™ which is an oil-soluble acid derived from birch bark, willow bark, or wintergreen leaves. This acid primarily breaks up oil and is used in low concentrations in a number of acne products on the market. Skin plagued by acne and acne scars may benefit most from higher concentrations of salicylic acid peels, but photo- or sun-damaged skin also responds well to this treatment.


Salicylic acid peels generally come in two concentrations; treatments do not increase these concentrations, but rather add additional layers of the peel. Salicylic acid also neutralizes itself, reducing the possibility of damage. We recommend a series of six peels, three to four weeks apart. Please note, this acid contains an ingredient similar to aspirin. Individuals with allergies to aspirin should avoid this type of acid treatment.

Although the New Salicylic Acid Peel is a light peel with a quick recovery, it is at its best in the treatment of common acne. Salicylic Acid is the ideal peeling agent for this condition because the salicylic acid itself is keratolytic. This means it dissolves away the outermost, rough, calloused, and oily skin layers through enzymatic action. This peel deeply cleanses the pores and promotes removal of the dead cells which is necessary for skin rejuvenation.


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Please contact The Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center or call (727) 522-3223 for more information and a personal consultation.

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