Salicylic acid chemical peels are effective for the treatment skin that is affected by acne as it is an excellent exfoliating agent that will help to clear up whiteheads and blackheads and improve the appearance of the skin. They are also effective in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles and for improving the overall tone of the skin. Salicylic acid chemical peels are among the most well tolerated of the chemical peels and usually have the least side effects.
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a member of the class of acids called beta hydoxy acids which also included beta hydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid and trethocanic acid. These acids are made in the laboratory in contrast to the alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid which are extracted from sugar cane or fruits. Salicylic acid is similar to acetylsalicylic acid which you will be familiar with as it is more commonly known as aspirin and is synthesised from extracts from willow tree bark.
What is salicylic acid used for?
Salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliating agent and is used in both creams and lotions for the treatment of acne and in chemical peels. For creams and gels the concentration is usually less than 5% and for chemical peels much higher at 20-30%.
How does salicylic acid act as an exfoliant?
Salicylic acid is a small molecule that can penetrate the upper layers of the skin and reach below the dead cells. Here it can break the bonds that attach the dead cells to the skin thus allowing them to be removed easily. Once the dead cells are removed this leaves behind the newer, healthy cells which leaves the skin looking healthier and fresher. One advantage of the beta hydroxy acids over the alpha hydroxy acids is that they are soluble in fats so acne penetrate skin that is oily more effectively. This makes them more efficient at cleaning the pores of oils and sebum so they are more effective for those suffering from acne.
Are Salicylic chemical peels suitable for those with sensitive skin?
In general salicylic acid peels are well tolerated and can be used by most people with sensitive skin.
Can salicylic acid peels be used at home?
They should be used only by professional trained in their use as it is neccessary to take precautions against inhaling beta hydroxy acids.
How is a salicylic acid peel performed?
Before the peel solution is applied the skin is cleaned thoroughly then the solution applied and left on the skin for ten to fifteen minutes. Once removed mild lotion or cold compresses are applied to minimise any irritation. Over the next few days the top layer of dead skin cells will flake off. There may be some irritation during this time but it should be mild and temporary. After any kind of skin peel it is essential to use a good sunscreen as the skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Your therapist should give you detailed skin care instructions.
How much do salicylic acid skin peels cost?
These types of skin peel are not cheap! One treatment may be as much as $100 and usually two or three treatments are recommended for good results.
Salicylic Acid Chemical Peels
Written by janet
janet
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15 comments
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Tuesday, 11 May 2010 18:15
posted by
chemical peel
My clients tend to have more problems with blackheads. However, I am afraid to use chemical peels with them because they also have sensitive skin which turns red easily. Are there any types of chemical peels that are less irritating than others?
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Saturday, 29 May 2010 20:19
posted by
LA Skin
lactic acid or mandelac acid
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Wednesday, 23 June 2010 01:23
posted by
bridgetaddams
Some of my friends suffer from whiteheads and blackheads and they tend to use chemical peels like Salicylic Acid. Is there a side effect on this?I find this http://www.cadizlaserspa.com/ very useful too.
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Monday, 28 June 2010 15:33
posted by
chemical peel
Chemical peels can be very beneficial for evening out your skin tone. You should pay attention to the before and after procedures to maximize the results.
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Wednesday, 28 July 2010 13:43
posted by
email extractor
thanks for your answers,really helpful
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Friday, 01 October 2010 08:48
posted by
Dr. Alisha
A chemical skin peel involves the application of a solution to the entire face or to specific areas to peel away the skin's top layers. Our plastic surgery message boards are for all of us who want to talk for that visit
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http://www.plasticsurgeryadvisor.net/chemica_peel.html
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Comment Link
Friday, 01 October 2010 08:49
posted by
Dr. Alisha
A chemical skin peel involves the application of a solution to the entire face or to specific areas to peel away the skin's top layers. Our plastic surgery message boards are for all of us who want to talk for that visit
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.plasticsurgeryadvisor.net/chemica_peel.html
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Comment Link
Friday, 01 October 2010 08:49
posted by
Dr. Alisha
A chemical skin peel involves the application of a solution to the entire face or to specific areas to peel away the skin's top layers. Our plastic surgery message boards are for all of us who want to talk for that visit
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.plasticsurgeryadvisor.net/chemica_peel.html
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Thursday, 30 December 2010 21:05
posted by
Moses30Rachael
People in every country receive the mortgage loans from different banks, just because this is fast and easy.
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Thursday, 01 September 2011 19:08
posted by Eddie2
After having spent $150 a pop for glycolic peels at a doctor's office, I decided to try Made from Earth's Grapefruit Glycolic Scrub.
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Two weeks prior to my office peels, the aesthetician instructed me to use a glycolic face wash (Made from Earth brand, the best!) for two weeks prior in order to get my skin prepped and used to the lower level of glycolic acid.
I left on the Grapefruit Glycolic Scrub for only 3 minutes, and when I splashed my face off with the sinkful of water, I could feel that this was a deeper peel than I had received at the doctors'.
The next day, I could see that my skin looked better, but was tight and dry. Very happy with the results! Also, I barely put a dent in the bottle; for under $30, I will be saving well over $1,000 in doctor's office peels.
