Salicylic Acid, what it is and ingredients: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, which means it contains hydrogen and oxygen atoms. This acid is crystalline, colorless and is most widely used in cosmetics as an anti-aging cream or facial cleanser for acne. Salicylic acid is usually a skin care alternative to Glycolic acid.

How Salicylic Acid Works

Salicylic acid loosens and removes aging cells, oil and debris attached to the skin surface.

Salicylic is oil-soluble and lipophilic so it penetrates sebum filled follicles and clean out clogged pores, resulting in marked improvement in acne prone skin.

Stimulates new healthy skin cell production and increased collagen formation.

Salicylic Acid for at-home use:

Salicylic Acid Peels can be used in your own home and are the same strength that the professionals use. These peels can be done in your home at a fraction of the cost.

B. How to use Salicylic Peels:

When salicylic acid is used properly, it is excellent at exfoliating without irritation. As an exfoliate for the skin, salicylic acid sheds dead cells, removes acne and rejuvenates the skin.

When it seems that normal skin care methods are not working in clearing your skin, it may be time for you to try a more intense acne product that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid doesn't just fight against the acne that you can see with your eyes, but it also works by penetrating your skin and peeling and removing the dead skin cells that sit on the top layer.

  • Always follow individual peel instructions! Each kit includes detailed directions.

  • Begin with the lowest peel strength and gradually progress to an advanced concentration.

  • "Spot treat" a discriminate area of the face or neck to test for negative reactions.

  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen particularly during extended periods of sun-exposure.

  • Always consider user-tolerance, skin type and skin condition

As you prepare for your facial cleansing treatment, it is good to have a solid foundation. Before you put products on your skin, you should be aware of where they come from and how they are best used. A core ingredient in many skin care products is salicylic acid, which has been proven to be effective in the treatment of acne.

As always, take into consideration the four C's of chemical peels!

Chemical: Salicylic acid would be considered a mild to moderately abrasive skin peeling agent with a very superficial to medium depth of penetration

Concentration: The salicylic acid peel ranges upward from 10%, 20% and 30%.

Condition: The salicylic acid peel is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Hypersensitive skin conditions (i.e.: sunburned, dermatitis-prone or infected skin) should avoid all skin peels including salicylic acid. Otherwise, the salicylic acid peel is an excellent peel treatment for acne prone, oily, congested, hyperpigmented and photodamaged skin.

Conduct: The salicylic acid peel should always be handled with care!

Salicylic acid is very beneficial in the treatment of acne by means of unclogging pores and exfoliating the skin. Because it is an organic compound, salicylic acid is a natural ingredient that will not cause skin irritation or many side effects if used properly.

It's no surprise that numerous brands in the over-the-counter facial cleanser market use products that contain salicylic acid.

Not only has salicylic acid been used to fight acne, but it is also beneficial in the treatment of oily skin, skin that appears to be aging, and skin that has been damaged by the sun.

Salicylic acid has the unique ability of not only opening clogged pores, but also preventing pores from clogging in the first place.