🏥 This page is supervised by specialist physicians at IC Clinic Shibuya, located just a 3-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station.
“I want to get to the root of my acne and enlarged pore concerns“
“I haven’t noticed any real difference with over-the-counter peeling products“
“I’m looking for a peeling treatment that is gentler on my skin“
If these thoughts sound familiar, our clinic recommends salicylic acid macrogol peeling.
Conventional peeling treatments can be harsh on the skin, often causing prolonged redness and flaking. Salicylic acid macrogol peeling is formulated with a macrogol base, which allows the acid to act only on the stratum corneum and prevents deeper penetration into the dermis. This means it can maintain effective exfoliation while minimising downtime.
On this page, our specialist physicians explain salicylic acid macrogol peeling in detail—from how it works and what the treatment involves, to how it differs from other types of peeling—drawing on their clinical experience.
We propose a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient and focus on delivering meaningful results.
We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.
🎯 Why Choose Salicylic Acid Macrogol Peeling? | The Key Differences From Conventional Peeling
💡 Here we explain in detail this next-generation peeling treatment that achieves both effectiveness and safety.
There are several types of chemical peeling, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Our clinic uses salicylic acid macrogol peeling because of its excellent balance of effectiveness and safety.
Conventional salicylic acid peeling uses an ethanol base, which has the drawback that the acid can penetrate as deep as the dermal layer, making strong pain and prolonged redness more likely.
In salicylic acid macrogol peeling, salicylic acid is dissolved in a macrogol (polyethylene glycol) base. Macrogol has a high molecular weight and is less likely to penetrate beyond the stratum corneum. This property means that the action of the salicylic acid can be confined to the stratum corneum, reliably removing only unwanted dead skin cells while preventing damage to the dermis.
✨ Normalising Skin Turnover and Addressing the Root Causes of Skin Concerns
Healthy skin renews itself approximately every 28 days, but this cycle can easily become disrupted by factors such as ageing, UV damage, stress, and lack of sleep. When turnover slows down, old skin cells that should naturally be shed accumulate on the skin’s surface, leading to the following concerns:
- 📌 Dead skin cells clog pores, causing acne and blackheads
- 📌 The skin looks dull and loses its luminosity
- 📌 Skin texture becomes uneven and make-up does not apply smoothly
- 📌 Sebum oxidises inside pores, causing dark plugs
Salicylic acid macrogol peeling physically removes accumulated dead skin cells, helping to promote the normalisation of skin turnover. Rather than simply managing symptoms, it addresses the root causes of skin concerns—which is one of its key advantages.
💊 Potential Effects and Indications | Based on Clinical Trends at Our Clinic
🔍 Here we introduce the specific improvements that may be seen for your particular concerns.
Below we explain the main concerns of patients who receive salicylic acid macrogol peeling at our clinic, and the potential effects for each.
🦠 Recurring Acne and Stubborn Acne Scars
Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can help inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It also dissolves the keratin plugs that clog pores, helping to prevent new acne from forming. For existing acne scars, promoting skin turnover can help accelerate the elimination of pigmentation, gradually reducing its appearance.
🔸 Enlarged Pores, Blackheads, and Clogged Pores
Because salicylic acid is oil-soluble, it mixes easily with sebum and can penetrate deep into pores. It dissolves the sebum and dead skin cells clogging the pores, removing blackheads and keratin plugs. With continued treatment, pores can become tighter and their appearance may improve.
💧 Dull or Rough Skin Texture
By removing accumulated dead skin cells, the skin surface becomes smoother and light is reflected more evenly. Dullness may diminish and skin luminosity may improve, with make-up application also becoming easier. Many patients notice a difference in skin texture after just one session.
📌 Bumpy Texture on the Upper Arms (Keratosis Pilaris)
Keratosis pilaris is a condition caused by dead skin cells clogging the hair follicles, and chemical peeling is recognised as one effective treatment option. As salicylic acid macrogol peeling can be applied to the body as well as the face, it is also suitable for those who are bothered by the bumpy texture on their upper arms.
📋 Number of Sessions and Expected Progress | Why a Course of Treatment Is Recommended
⚠️ A planned treatment approach is important for improving skin quality. Here we explain the reasons why.
We are often asked, “Will I really see results after just one session?” To answer directly: we recommend a course of around 5–6 sessions for meaningful skin improvement.
Many patients do notice smoother skin and a more even tone after a single session. However, skin turnover operates on an approximately monthly cycle, which means addressing the skin across multiple cycles is necessary for more fundamental improvement.
The standard treatment frequency is once every 3–4 weeks. This interval is aligned with the skin’s natural turnover cycle, allowing each subsequent session to build on the results of the previous one.
| Session | Expected Changes |
|---|---|
| ✅ Sessions 1–2 | Improved skin texture, reduced dullness, smoother make-up application |
| ✅ Sessions 3–4 | Reduction of clogged pores, decrease in acne, more even skin tone |
| ✅ Sessions 5–6 | Tighter pores, improvement of acne scars, more fundamental change in skin quality |
As results vary depending on the severity of each person’s concerns and their skin type, we will propose a specific treatment plan at the time of your consultation.
⚠️ Side Effects and Risks | Possible Symptoms and How to Manage Them
🚨 Important information we ask all patients to understand before undergoing treatment.
Salicylic acid macrogol peeling is a relatively safe procedure; however, the following side effects may occur. Please make sure you understand these before proceeding with treatment.
| Symptom | Details and Management |
|---|---|
| 🔸 Redness | In most cases this subsides within a few hours immediately after treatment. In rare cases it may persist for around one day but will resolve naturally. |
| 🔸 Dryness | Removal of the stratum corneum can temporarily reduce the skin’s moisture-retention ability. Thorough moisturizing after treatment is important. |
| 🔸 Tingling sensation | A mild tingling may be felt during the procedure. This typically settles after the solution is removed. |
| 🔸 Temporary acne | The stimulation from peeling may push sebum from deep within pores to the surface, temporarily causing acne breakouts. |
| 🔸 Scabbing | Scabs may form on acne lesions. Please do not pick at them; allow them to fall off naturally. |
Serious side effects are extremely rare; however, if you experience significant swelling, blistering, or persistent pain, please contact our clinic promptly.
🚨 Who Cannot Undergo This Treatment
Treatment is not available for individuals in the following categories:
- ⚡ Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Due to the potential for effects on the foetus or infant
- ⚡ Those with an aspirin allergy (including aspirin-induced asthma): Salicylic acid belongs to the same salicylate family of compounds as aspirin and may trigger an allergic reaction
- ⚡ Those with active warts or herpes in the treatment area: There is a risk of worsening the condition
- ⚡ Those who are currently sunburned or planning significant sun exposure: The risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is increased
If you are unsure whether any of the above apply to you, please discuss this at the time of your consultation.
🔍 Treatment Process | Approximately 30 Minutes
💡 Here we walk you through the detailed treatment process so you can feel confident about what to expect.
The treatment proceeds as follows. The total time required is approximately 30 minutes.
- ✨ Cleansing
Make-up and sebum are removed, and the skin is prepared so that the solution can penetrate evenly. - ✨ Skin condition check
The condition of the skin on the day is assessed and a final check is made to confirm that treatment can proceed. - ✨ Application of the peeling solution
The salicylic acid macrogol preparation is applied to the entire face (or the area being treated) and left for approximately 5 minutes. - ✨ Removal and cleansing
Once the time has elapsed, the solution is carefully wiped off and the skin is cleansed. - ✨ Moisturizing and soothing care
A mask or similar treatment is applied to calm the skin, followed by moisturizing to complete the session.
Immediately after treatment, point make-up only is permitted. For cosmetic products applied over a larger area, such as foundation, please allow approximately 12 hours after treatment before use.
📝 Pre- and Post-Treatment Precautions | Maximising Your Results
💡 Important points to help you get the most out of your treatment.
📌 Before Treatment (From 2–3 Days Prior)
- 🔸 Do not shave your face or use wax hair removal
- 🔸 Avoid using scrub cleansers or exfoliating skincare products
- 🔸 Avoid sun exposure (if you are sunburned, your appointment may need to be postponed)
📌 After Treatment (12 Hours to 1 Week)
- ⚡ For 12 hours after treatment: Facial cleansers, sunscreen, and foundation cannot be used. If you need to cleanse your face, rinse gently with lukewarm water only.
- ⚡ For 1 week after treatment: Avoid face masks, hair colouring, and perming.
- ⚡ On an ongoing basis: Thorough sun protection and consistent moisturizing care are essential.
After treatment, the skin’s barrier function is temporarily reduced. As the skin is in a state where UV exposure can more easily lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, we recommend scheduling your appointment for the evening or later.
💰 Treatment Fees
💡 Detailed fee schedules are available by concern.
Fees for salicylic acid macrogol peeling at our clinic vary depending on the treatment area and the type of plan or course selected.
For detailed pricing by concern, please refer to the fee schedules below.
📌 Fee schedule: Body discoloration
📌 Fee schedule: Clogged pores
📌 Fee schedule: Acne
📌 Fee schedule: Skin beautification and radiance
📌 Fee schedule: Pigmented Spots & Melasma
👨⚕️ Clinical Trends at Our Clinic [Physician Comment]
From Dr. Kota Takakuwa (Head of Treatment, IC Clinic Shibuya)
We see many patients at our clinic who have not achieved the results they were hoping for with conventional peeling treatments. In particular, we have recently been receiving an increasing number of consultations from patients in their 20s and 30s with persistent pore concerns and acne scarring that have not responded to over-the-counter products—our impression is that this has increased by around 30% compared to last season. Salicylic acid macrogol peeling has proven to be a highly effective option for these patients, and continued treatment has allowed us to deliver results that many patients find satisfying.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
💡 Here we answer questions we frequently receive from patients.
Over-the-counter peeling products are classified as cosmetics, and their ingredient concentrations are adjusted to produce a mild effect on the skin. By contrast, peeling agents used at medical institutions are classified as pharmaceuticals and are formulated at concentrations designed to deliver more effective exfoliation. A further key difference is that clinics can assess the condition of the skin before treatment and adjust the type of solution and application time as needed. Many patients who have not noticed results from over-the-counter products find improvement with treatment at a medical institution.
We do not recommend self-administering high-concentration peeling products obtained through personal import. At a medical institution, it is possible to check the condition of the skin beforehand, manage application times appropriately, and respond to any problems that may arise—none of which is possible with home use, where everything becomes the patient’s own responsibility. Using a product with too high a concentration without the appropriate knowledge carries the risk of severe dermatitis, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or scarring. If you are considering peeling, we recommend consulting a physician first.
Yes, salicylic acid macrogol peeling can be applied to a wide range of areas beyond the face. Specifically, treatment is available for the neck, décolletage, back, upper arms, back of the hands, and underarms. It is particularly effective for those troubled by the bumpy texture on the upper arms (keratosis pilaris) or acne on the back. We are also seeing a growing number of patients using this treatment as part of their body preparation before a wedding.
Glycolic acid peeling is water-soluble and penetrates more deeply into the skin, which can be too stimulating for those with sensitive skin. Salicylic acid macrogol peeling, with its macrogol base, limits acid penetration to the stratum corneum, providing effective exfoliation while reducing irritation. In addition, because salicylic acid is oil-soluble, it can penetrate easily into pores, making it particularly well-suited for acne and pore-related concerns.
Some patients experience a mild tingling sensation during the procedure, though the level of discomfort is generally milder compared to conventional peeling. Very few patients need to stop the treatment due to pain. That said, sensitivity may be heightened if the skin is in a reactive state (for example, around the time of menstruation) or if there is active inflammation in acne-affected areas. Please feel free to discuss any concerns with us before your treatment.
🏥 For Salicylic Acid Macrogol Peeling, Visit IC Clinic Shibuya
✨ We provide safe, reliable treatment under the care of specialist physicians.
Salicylic acid macrogol peeling is a treatment that reduces the skin stress that was a drawback of conventional peeling, while still delivering effective exfoliation.
At our clinic, we offer salicylic acid macrogol peeling as a standalone treatment, and can also propose combinations with other therapies depending on your concerns and goals. For example, combining it with iontophoresis can help enhance the penetration of active ingredients, and combining it with laser treatment can enable a more proactive approach to skin care.
If you are troubled by recurring acne, enlarged or darkened pores, or dull and rough skin texture, please come in for a consultation. Our specialist physicians will assess your skin and propose a treatment plan suited to your individual needs.
We propose a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient and focus on delivering meaningful results.
We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.
