Salicylic Acid, one of the most common acne fighting ingredients, is derived from willow bark. Willow Bark is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, powerfully fighting those cystic, deep, and large lesions and is also a super immune system booster. On the skin, salicylic acid helps to correct the abnormal shedding of cells. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores to resolve and prevent lesions.
Salicylic acid can help improve the following skin conditions:
– Clogged pores
– Oily and congested skin
– Acne
– Blackheads
Salicylic acid is one of the main ingredients in CosMedix’s Clarity Serum ($49), our favourite acne fighting product (it also contains witch hazel and vitamin A/retinol). Salicylic Acid is also the main ingredient in our Jungle Brew Detox Peel ($130). This clinical strength beta hydroxy acid works to deep cleanse pores of those accumulated impurities and stale oils and also works deep to detoxify, calm and perfect the look of excessively oily, congested and blemish prone cosmetic concerns.
What to Expect from a Salicylic Acid Peel
Your skin will first be primed with a prepping solution. This removes any residual facial oils to allow the peel to be more effective. After the prep solution dries, the salicylic acid peel is applied to your skin. Your therapist will set a timer for how long it should be left on your skin. When the time is up, the peel will be neutralized and then gently removed with some water or a cleanser.
During the salicylic acid peel, your skin will feel warm and prickly. It will probably also turn red. Facial redness, or erythema, post-peel should subside in a few hours. For some people, the redness can linger around for a couple of days later. It is likely that after a salicylic acid peel your skin will turn dry and flaky. Your skin won’t peel off in sheets, but some light peeling might take place.
If you get salicylic acid peels for active acne, you might experience some post-peel purging. As the acid exfoliates away the surface of your skin, it brings clogs you have underneath closer to the top, which may erupt as more active pimples.
Pre and Post Peel Care
Salicylic acid peels can be done once every 2 weeks. If you are using any products containing AHAs, BHAs or vitamin A, these must be discontinued for 48 hours pre and post peel.
As with all exfoliating treatments, salicylic acid peels will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, it is very important to stay indoors and wear a good sunscreen when you go outside, especially the first two days after you get the peel.
