Salicylic Acid is much stronger than other acids, and therefore it is only available in lower percentage solutions. Salicylic acid is a proven and effective product for treating oily/acne skin that is prone to open pores and blackheads.

Salicylic Acid resides deep in the heart of Willow Bark and Sweet Birch trees, and is the key ingredient for restoring purity and clarity to the skin. It is a highly effective peeling agent and an excellent pore cleanser with anti-wrinkle and anti-acne properties. It works by gently removing old cells from the skin, and also boosts collagen production which in turn can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Salicylic Acid has an anti-inflammatory effect, making it useful for anyone with acne and Rosacea.

Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid and is unique amongst the Hydroxy Acids in that it can penetrate deeper into the oil glands causing exfoliation even in the oily areas of the face. For this reason it has been used for years by dermatologists (skin specialists) to help treat comedonal acne in people who have very oily skins. It has been found that Salicylic Acid is effective with as little as one-fifth the concentration typically found in products containing Glycolic Acid.

Although salicylic acid is a more powerful peel compared glycolic acid it is less of an irritant and so this solution may be suitable for people that find glycolic acid a little too harsh.

What is it used for? Salicylic Acid has been known to help the following conditions

*Acne
* Shaving rash
* Rosacea
* Scars
* Blackheads
* Dry skin
* Sun damaged skin
* Blotchy pigmentation (chloasma )
* Fine wrinkles
* Over production of sebum (oily skin)
* Age spots
* Open/enlarged pores
* Bumps under the skin (trapped oil)

What will I receive? A bottle of 5% Salicylic Acid solution and a pipette to measure out the correct amount of Salicylic Acid. You also have access to a qualified beauty therapist who will answer any of your questions about this home treatment.

What strength should I start with? If you have never used chemical peels or do not currently use any products containing AHA's/BHA's then we highly recommend you start with the 5% strength. If you already have a weekly peel using glycolic or salicylic acid or use products daily that contain AHA's/BHA's then you may want to try the 10% strength. Do not use the 20% strength unless you have already used the 10% with no adverse side effects.

Is it worth the money? This treatment would cost you £30-£80 in a beauty salon for one treatment (not including the creams you'd have to buy to go with it), a 10ml bottle should give you the maximum of eight facials.

What is the PH of this product? This is a mild peel and has a PH of 3

How does it work? Salicylic acid helps to break down the sticky bond that holds all the dead skin layers to the surface of your skin, this will occur naturally in your skin but takes time (the older you are, the longer your skin takes to shed the old skin), Salicylic Acid simply speeds up that natural process, helping your skin to naturally shed several layers of the old, dead skin over a period of days. Beta Hydroxy Acids are also excellent for being able to deeply cleanse the pores, penetrating oil and removing grime, leaving you with healthier, smoother looking skin. It also stimulates your skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin and keeps it firm, when this starts to disintegrate, skin begins to sag and wrinkle (A study by dermatologists, shows that smoking activates the genes responsible for a skin enzyme that breaks down collagen in the skin). Boosting collagen levels can help diminish crows' feet around the eyes, frown lines, and vertical lines around the lips.

How is this good for spots? The most common form of acne is caused as hair follicles get clogged by the oil your skin naturally produces. Normally the sebum (natural oil in skin) travels up the hair follicle and out to the surface of the skin. However, with acne, skin cell turnover is slowed, causing sebum to get trapped within the follicle, bacteria multiply within the clogged pores and so a spot is formed. Salicylic Acid helps by removing the old skin cells and the grime that's blocking up pores so stops the spot cycle. Salicylic acid will also help regulate the amount of oil your skin produces.

How does it reduce scars and wrinkles? When new layers of skin grow they are following the pattern, or blueprint of the skin above them, so if you have scars in your skin that is the blueprint the new skin is following. By removing the top layers of skin daily you are reducing that blueprint and so the scar will become less visible, slowly over time.
No topical treatments can reverse deep scarring but the Salicylic Acid peels will help to make your skin smoother, and the scars less noticeable. The treatment also stimulates the production of collagen which keeps your skin smooth and firm. It also allows your moisturiser to penetrate the deeper layers of skin, and so the skin’s own regeneration process can happen more efficiently

Will my face be sore and peeling? There is a possibility that you may notice some light flaking or dry patches with salicylic acid. Remember this is just speeding up a natural process that occurs in your skin, yes you will be applying an acid to your skin but it's left on for minutes only which will sting slightly but it's decreasing the bond of the old, dead skin only and not peeling off your healthy, living skin. You may experience some redness but this will fade. You skin may also feel slightly itchy after a treatment, this is perfectly normal as it's part of the regeneration process.

Do I need a neutraliser? Not with our salicylic acid, you simply need to rinse with plenty of cool or tepid water. Do not use hot water to rinse your face after a peel.

Is it easy to use? Our Salicylic Acid is in liquid form and very easy to use, you may use your fingers or a make-up brush to apply, although we do recommend the chemical peel brush we sell due to their superior quality and even application. Start by leaving the Salicylic Acid on for a few minutes and then build up the time every week, after six weeks you take a two week break and then begin the cycle again. The treatment is so quick and easy and takes about 10 minutes to do. Once you have achieved the desired effects you may want to reduce using the Salicylic Acid to every two weeks and then just once per month to keep your skin healthy and smooth. Your Salicylic Acid will come with full, easy to use instructions in a clearly marked glass bottle.

Is this safe for me to use at home? Yes, our Salicylic Acid is of high grade, professional quality, but it is very important that you follow the instructions carefully. As with all products some people may have a reaction to Salicylic Acid in which case they should stop using it immediately. We do recommend a patch test before using for the first time, or when you try a new strength peel.

Is your Salicylic Acid tested on animals? Absolutely not! We love our furry friends and would never endorse a product that would put an animal in pain for the sake of vanity.

Ingredients:Distilled Water, Salicylic acid, Propylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol and Sodium Hydroxide.

Note: If you're worried about having sensitive skin then you may find that you can still use this product, but do conduct a patch test first. If you are pregnant/breastfeeding, allergic to asprin or are worried that this may not be suitable for you then take a look at our Dermaflannels which give very similar results. If you are on medication, consult your doctor before use.

DO NOT USE If you are allergic or sensitive to Asprin (salicylic acid is asprin), If you're pregnant/breastfeeding, under the age of 17, if you are undergoing any kind of intense beauty treatment (microdermabrasion, glycolic acid treatment, Retin-a, laser therapy etc) or if you're on medication which increases the skins sensitivity such as Roaccutane, we recommend you do not use acid peels within 12 months of taking Roaccutane. People who commonly have cold sores may find that chemical peels can cause an outbreak of cold sores and may want to take their medication before use or avoid use altogether, do not apply any acids to your skin while you have an active cold sore.

BEFORE YOU BUY PLEASE READ THIS: Disclaimer -- Please remember our descriptions give details on the conditions that Salicylic Acid can treat, Salicylic Acid is a tried and tested product which when used correctly is safe enough for home use although please note we would never recommend this be used instead of any prescribed medication. If you are on any medication and are concerned if you can use this product in conjunction with your medication always consult your doctor. A very low percentage of people may experience an adverse affect to Salicylic Acid, should a reaction occur consult your doctor immediately and take along the Salicylic Acid so that your doctor will know what ingredients could have caused a reaction (our bottles of salicylic acid include a full ingredient list as required by law). Our Salicylic Acid is FDA regulated and comes with full, easy to understand instructions.

BHA's may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen and limit strong sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

We do not assume any liability for any adverse effects caused by the use (proper or improper) of this product, by buying this item you are agreeing to all stated in the disclaimer.