Professional Salicylic Acid Peels in Nottingham

A salicylic acid peel is a professional chemical exfoliation treatment that uses a beta hydroxy acid solution to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve the mixture of excess sebum and dead skin cells that causes congestion, blackheads, and breakouts. Unlike many other chemical peels, salicylic acid is oil soluble — which means it works inside the pore rather than simply on the skin's surface. It also has well established anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it one of the most comprehensively effective professional treatments available for oily, acne prone, and congested skin. At The Skin Studio I offer two professional strengths here in Nottingham, and I'll always recommend the most appropriate option for your skin during your consultation.

The 10% salicylic acid peel is a gentler, more accessible formulation with a pH of 3.5, making it ideal for clients who are new to chemical peels, those with mildly congested or oily skin, or those looking for a regular maintenance treatment. It can be used more frequently — up to once a week — and works at a superficial level to keep skin clear and refined over time. The higher strength peel has a lower pH of 2 and works more intensively within the pores, making it more suitable for clients with persistent acne, significant congestion, or more established blackheads. A course of 4–6 sessions is typically recommended for this strength. I'll always assess your skin carefully on the day of your appointment to confirm which option is right for you.

Salicylic acid peels are particularly well suited to oily, acne prone, and congested skin types — but they can also be beneficial for a wider range of concerns including post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and uneven texture. They are generally not recommended for very dry or sensitive skin, or for clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.  A lactic acid peel is a great alternative if you have dry skin. I always carry out a thorough skin assessment before every treatment at The Skin Studio to confirm suitability, and I'll always be completely honest with you if I feel the timing or strength isn't right for your skin on that particular day.

Salicylic acid is one of the most well researched and clinically recognised professional treatments for acne, and it's something I recommend regularly to clients across Nottingham who are struggling with persistent breakouts. By penetrating deep into the pores to dissolve congestion, reduce inflammation, and eliminate acne causing bacteria on the skin's surface, a course of salicylic acid peels can deliver significant and meaningful improvements in both active acne and the post inflammatory marks it leaves behind. Results build progressively over a course of treatments, and many of my clients notice a real difference in their skin's clarity and texture within their first few sessions.

Most clients find salicylic acid peels very well tolerated. During the treatment you may experience a mild tingling, warm, or slightly prickling sensation as the solution works within the pores — this is completely normal and settles quickly once the solution is neutralised. The intensity of the sensation varies slightly between the two strengths, with the higher strength peel producing a more noticeable but still very manageable sensation. I'll always talk you through exactly what to expect before we begin, and your comfort throughout the treatment is always my priority.

Following your salicylic acid peel it's normal to experience some degree of redness, mild sensitivity, and in some cases light flaking or peeling of the skin in the days that follow — particularly after the higher strength treatment. This is simply your skin's renewal process doing exactly what it should, and it settles naturally within a few days. I include full, detailed aftercare advice with every single treatment at The Skin Studio, so you'll always know exactly what to expect and how to care for your skin during the recovery period.

This depends on which strength you're having. The 10% maintenance peel can be used up to once a week as part of a regular skin health routine, making it one of the most accessible professional treatments available for keeping oily and congested skin consistently clear. The higher strength peel requires more spacing between sessions to allow the skin adequate time to respond and renew — typically every three to four weeks as part of a course of 4–6 treatments. I'll always recommend a treatment schedule during your consultation that is safe, appropriate, and genuinely tailored to your skin and goals.

Proper aftercare is essential following a salicylic acid peel, and it's something I take very seriously at The Skin Studio. In the days following your treatment I'll advise you to keep your skincare routine simple and gentle, avoid active ingredients such as retinol, AHAs, and BHAs for at least five to seven days, avoid direct sun exposure where possible, and apply a high factor SPF every single day without exception. You should also avoid picking or forcibly removing any flaking skin, as this can cause irritation and affect your results. I'll walk you through your complete aftercare routine in detail before you leave your appointment.