Salicylic Acid peel

Overview: Various concentrations of salicylic acid exfoliate thickened skin, one of the common problems in acne.

Expected results: Diminished acne activity, fresh glow.

Preparation: The effects of salicylic acid peels and the efficiency of the peel can be potentiated by following your dermatologist's instruction for medical acne treatment, which often includes topical retinoids. If used, any retinoid must be stopped the night before the peel and can be resumed the night after the peel. The morning of the peel, there is no necessity to apply any product other than your daily sunscreen.

Post treatment instructions: Resume your daily skin care regimen the day after the peel.

Time to desired results: Smooth texture of the skin is noted the day after your first peel but full effects are most obvious after a series of 3-6 peels, spaced 3-4 weeks apart.

Lasting results:  Several months

Contraindication: Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past six months, allergy to salicylic acid (aspirin), history of phenol peel, pregnancy.

Downtime: Mild redness for several hours (you should be able to return to work immediately), fine scaling for several days.