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4 Lovely Reasons To Try Salicylic Acid Peel For Your Skin
There’s so much potential in this underrated acid.
Researched, written by 
Amber & The Team
Updated on July 9, 2023
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Direct acids and chemical peels are still very popular in the beauty world.
They are remarkably effective at treating various skin conditions, and they’re pretty easy to use either at home or at a specialist’s office.
Today, we want to talk about an acid called Salicylic acid and how your skin can be improved with a Salicylic Acid peel.
Turns out, it’s much better than we thought!
Salicylic Acid Peels – What Are They and Why We Like Them a LOT
The Difference Of Skincare Acids
Before we dive into the salicylic acid peel benefits, let’s take a quick look at the active acids and their function.
The acids used in skincare are divided into two broad categories: Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). Glycolic acids and Lactic acids are prime examples of AHAs.
Salicylic acid is a BHA, and its structure is slightly different from AHAs, which makes it act uniquely on the skin.
While both of these acid groups help to exfoliate the skin surface, the change in chemical structure means that the salicylic acid molecules can penetrate deep into the skin, while AHAs work mostly on the upper layers of the skin.
When salicylic acid penetrates to the deepest layers of your skin, it acts on clogged pores to clear them out, works as an anti-inflammatory agent, and reduces redness and swelling caused by acne.
On the surface, it dissolves the bonds that hold skin cells together and helps to remove the old skin cells.
That’s a lot of science!
Now that you have this background information about skincare acids, let’s take a look at the benefits of a salicylic acid peel.
4 Lovely Reasons To Try Salicylic Acid Peel For Your Skin
1. Salicylic Acid Peel Is HIGHLY Effective At Treating Acne And Blackheads
Salicylic acid is most renowned for its ability to absorb deep into the pores and reduce acne, blemishes, and blackheads.
It is a comedolytic agent, and as described above, it acts to unclog the pores, which then helps to reduce any breakouts and acne.
Salicylic acid peels are quite potent, therefore they’re usually performed by dermatologists or skin estheticians.
It’s quite important to not experiment with strong acid peels at home.
When you get a salicylic acid peel, you will notice an immediate reduction in the size and redness of existing breakouts thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects that reduce the appearance of zits.
The salicylic acid peel can also help to regulate oil production, and regular treatments are proven to improve cystic acne and blackheads.
2. Salicylic Acid Peel Can Really Improve Your Skin Texture
Our skin has a fast turnover rate, and it renews the cells every day.
This process leaves old skin cells on the surface.
To avoid clogged pores, you need to remove old skin cells to expose the fresh, new skin underneath.
Salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliant for that, as it helps to break down old skin cells by breaking the bond between these cells.
You can use a salicylic acid toner for gentle exfoliation at home, but if you want big results quickly, a salicylic acid peel can be useful.
When you get a salicylic acid peel, you will notice that your skin immediately looks brighter and smoother.
This peel will help to remove textural irregularities, dry patches, and roughness to leave you with fresh, soft, and glowing skin.
3. Salicylic Acid Peel Can Reduce Acne Scars And Hyperpigmentation
If you have acne-prone skin, you probably know that the post-acne scars are just as annoying as the breakouts themselves.
Salicylic acid is almost a revolutionary ingredient for acne-prone skin, because not only can it reduce active acne, but it can also improve the appearance of acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Most acne scars are in the superficial layers of skin, and when you get a salicylic acid peel, these layers are sloughed off to reveal new, clean skin.
You may not see a significant improvement in a single treatment though. Get these treatments regularly and pair them with a good antioxidant like Vitamin C, to see a significant improvement in the appearance of acne spots and hyperpigmentation.
4. Salicylic Acid Peel Helps To Minimize Fine Lines And Wrinkles
When you stay in the sun without adequate sun protection, your skin is damaged over the years, and the result is fine lines, wrinkles, and spots.
These irregularities only get worse with time, but a salicylic acid peel can help to smoothen out the skin and reduce the signs of skin aging.
Now, it won’t erase years of sun damage magically, but with each consequent salicylic acid peel, you’ll notice that the wrinkles and spots start to fade.
However, you should be extremely careful about going outside without sun protection because salicylic acid can cause more harm than good by sensitizing your skin to the sun (that is IF you don’t wear your sunscreen).
Use at least SPF 30 every day and reapply every 2 hours.
Salicylic Acid Peel For Skin – Our Verdict
It’s pretty clear that salicylic acid peel is a great way to renew your skin and get rid of acne.
Just make sure to apply adequate sun protection after the treatment, stay away from physical exfoliants, and you’re all set to reap all these benefits.
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