Salicylic Peel: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

The daily skin ailments like acne,and clogged skin etc can occur due to the hair follicles getting clogged with dead skin cells. Salicyclic peel treatment is an effective cosmetic treatment procedure used to remove facial wrinkles, fine lines, scars and blemishes, whiteheads and blackheads. The salicyclic acid solution is often used for exfoliating purposes and helps remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil which lead to clogging of pores, prevents acne breakouts, and leaves your skin with a smooth and even texture. The salicylic acid when applied onthe skin, seeps deep into the pores to detach the dead skin cells, dirt and oil from the pores, thereby cleaning them. Usually people with lifeless and dull skin, sun damaged skin, dry or sensitive skin and uneven skin tones opt for a salicyclic peel treatment.

The salicyclic acid peel is a superficial peeling agent meaning that the first layer of the skin will be treated. Preparation for the treatment usually starts two weeks beforehand and one should avoid visiting swimming pool or sauna bath house, and sun exposure during this period. Depending on the condition of your skin, the doctor will use special solutions like creams and cleansing products to treat your skin carefully before the procedure. The chemical peel s taken from the bark extract of willow tree.

A professional salicyclic peel procedure follows these steps- The dermatologist will first clean your face with a cleansing product to remove dirt and oil before applying a solution. The solution makes the epidermis or outer layer of your skin softer, as a result of which your skin becomes more sensitive and the effects of the salicyclic acid peel becomes more beneficial. After cleansing the skin, a special solution is applied to disinfect and degrease your skin and to minimize the risk of abrasive side effects of the treatment. The next step involves applying the paste or solution of salicyclic acid on the concerned area. Since the solution contains chemicals, the individual may feel a stinging or burning sensation which is quite normal. These chemicals act like effective scrubbers on the outer surface of your skin wherein the hardened outermost layers of the skin are removed effectively. However, if the reactions are too aggressive, then the peel must be removed immediately in order to avoid further complications. In some cases the peel can be removed with the use of water, but in other cases special neutralizing products must be applied to terminate the treatment. So, in this procedure the salicylic acid peel is applied on the skin affected due to tan or sunburn, acne, whiteheads and blackheads, clogged pores etc. The concentration of the salicylic acid applied will dpend upon the extent of damage done on the skin and the particular part of the body. For example, for face its concentration can be 10 to 20% whereas other parts of the body can be treated with concentratin of 30%.

People with signs of ageing, wrinkles and fine lines, scars and blemishes, whiteheads and blackheads, enlarged pores, lifeless and dull skin, sun damaged skin, dry or sensitive skin and uneven skin tones are eligible for a salicyclic peel treatment.

If you’re allergic or prone to burning sensation and itchiness, then consult a doctor before going for the treatment. Also, anybody who is prone to aspirin allergies or is pregnant, should not get the treatment done.

Salicylic acid treatment on skin can have several side effects. But these side effects usually go away in 3-4 days on their own. The common side effects include redness of skin which may resolve eoither in a few hours or may take a few days. Salicylic acid peel can also cause side effects like burning sensation when the chemical is applied because it penetrates into the skin to unclog the pores. Hence, this ac tion of penetration in the skin causes the buring sensation. You can also experience swelling, flaking, peeling, pigmentation, scarring, sensitivity to sun, purging and breakouts and the patient may also require multiple treatments before acheiving a flawless skin.

Post treatment guidelines for salicyclic peel primarily involve staying indoor and avoiding sun exposure. If you need to step out then make sure you use a good SPF sunscreen to keep yourself protected from the UltraViolet rays. In order to avoid flaking or peeling after the treatment, keep your skin moisturized. Avoid using facial masks and hair dyes. Also, make sure you follow the prescribed medications to keep away from allergy and bacterial infections.

Recovery after a salicyclic peel treatment does not take time. The burning or itching sensation usually goes away in a few minutes after the treatment. However, peeling of the skin normally occurs about 3 days after the treatment, and can last for up to a week.

The price for each session of laser resurfacing treatment in India roughly varies between Rs.1500 to Rs.3000 depending on the severity of your skin condition.

Although the results of the treatment are not permanent, 4-6 sessions of salicyclic peel can help restore the damage done to your skin, and ensure long-lasting results. However, you will need to follow a skin care regime and post treatment guideline to avoid further complications.

Alternatives to laser resurfacing include- Laser resurfacing treatment, Intense Pulsed Light treatment, Microdermabrasion makeover, and scrubbing. If you’re not willing to go for a salicyclic peel treatment, you may opt for any of these alternative treatment procedures. But these treatments will cost you more than the peeling method.