Salicylic Peel 15%

TherapDerma Clinical Decision System™

Transforming Scientific Knowledge into Clinical Decision-Making
Modern aesthetic medicine requires far more than simply understanding the characteristics of a product.
Every patient presents different biological needs, clinical manifestations, expectations and recovery capacity. For this reason, treatment selection should never be based solely on personal experience or on the automatic application of standardised protocols.
The TherapDerma Clinical Decision System™ (TCDS™) has been developed as a structured clinical reasoning framework designed to help professionals transform the information obtained during patient assessment into individualised, scientifically based clinical decisions.
Its objectives are to facilitate:
✔ clinical assessment;
✔ identification of indications and contraindications;
✔ definition of therapeutic objectives;
✔ selection of the most appropriate procedure;
✔ personalised treatment planning;
✔ clinical observation and reassessment;
✔ clinical documentation;
✔ continuity of patient care.
The system does not replace professional judgement, the applicable professional scope of practice or the official technical instructions for each product.
________________________________________
STEP 1
CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS
Every treatment protocol begins with a comprehensive patient assessment.
Before selecting a chemical peel, the practitioner should identify the skin’s needs and the factors that may influence its biological response.
The assessment may include:
✔ reason for consultation;
✔ patient expectations;
✔ medical and dermatological history;
✔ current medication;
✔ known allergies;
✔ history of allergy to aspirin or other salicylates;
✔ previous medical and aesthetic treatments;
✔ skin type and functional characteristics;
✔ sebaceous activity;
✔ presence of excessive shine;
✔ condition of the stratum corneum;
✔ integrity of the skin barrier function;
✔ skin sensitivity and reactivity;
✔ skin phototype;
✔ presence of comedones;
✔ appearance of pores;
✔ type and severity of acne;
✔ presence of lesions, irritation, infection or inflammation;
✔ superficial post-acne marks;
✔ home skincare routine;
✔ lifestyle and sun exposure;
✔ ability to comply with post-treatment care.
A thorough assessment enables practitioners to recognise indications, identify potential contraindications and establish treatment planning tailored to each patient’s characteristics and needs.
________________________________________
STEP 2
IDENTIFICATION OF THE CLINICAL OBJECTIVE
Following the initial assessment, the primary therapeutic objective should be clearly defined.
For patients who may be candidates for Salicylic Peel 15%, objectives may include:
✔ progressively regulating excess sebum;
✔ reducing skin shine;
✔ promoting pore purification;
✔ reducing follicular congestion;
✔ improving the appearance of comedones;
✔ supporting protocols for acne-prone skin;
✔ progressively refining superficial skin texture;
✔ promoting greater visual skin uniformity;
✔ improving the appearance of superficial post-acne marks;
✔ progressively optimising Skin Quality;
✔ sequentially preparing the skin for additional procedures where clinically indicated;
✔ maintaining the balance of oily skin within personalised treatment programmes.
Defining the objective beforehand allows the practitioner to select the most appropriate procedure, establish follow-up criteria and communicate realistic expectations to the patient.
________________________________________
STEP 3
PEEL SELECTION
The practitioner should determine whether Salicylic Peel 15% represents the most appropriate option for the patient being assessed.
This decision should take into account:
✔ sebaceous activity;
✔ presence of comedones;
✔ degree of follicular congestion;
✔ appearance of pores;
✔ type and severity of acne;
✔ presence of active inflammation;
✔ skin sensitivity and reactivity;
✔ integrity of the skin barrier;
✔ thickness and functional condition of the stratum corneum;
✔ presence of uneven skin texture;
✔ superficial skin tone irregularities;
✔ post-acne marks;
✔ skin phototype;
✔ risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation;
✔ previous experience with chemical peels;
✔ response to previous treatments;
✔ recovery capacity;
✔ established therapeutic objectives;
✔ ability to comply with post-treatment care.
Salicylic Peel 15% may be considered when the objective is to promote selective superficial exfoliation, progressively control excess sebum and improve the appearance of oily, congested or acne-prone skin.
The final indication should always be established through an individual clinical assessment.
________________________________________
STEP 4
EXCLUSION OF CONTRAINDICATIONS
Before planning the procedure, the practitioner should confirm that no circumstances are present that could compromise treatment safety.
Particular attention should be given to excluding:
✔ pregnancy or breastfeeding;
✔ aspirin allergy;
✔ hypersensitivity to Salicylic Acid or other salicylates;
✔ hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation;
✔ active skin infections;
✔ active herpes simplex;
✔ wounds, abrasions or erosions;
✔ sunburn;
✔ active dermatitis or eczema;
✔ active psoriasis in the treatment area;
✔ inflammatory rosacea;
✔ extremely reactive skin;
✔ significant impairment of the skin barrier;
✔ incompatible recent medical or aesthetic procedures;
✔ recent use of retinoids or other keratolytic agents;
✔ inability to comply with post-treatment care.
Whenever clinical uncertainty exists, the procedure should be postponed, modified or avoided until appropriate assessment has been completed.
________________________________________
STEP 5
PROTOCOL PERSONALISATION
The concentration of a chemical peel represents only one of the factors influencing the skin response.
The treatment protocol should be adapted by considering:
✔ skin preparation;
✔ temporary discontinuation of potentially irritating active ingredients;
✔ cleansing and degreasing where indicated;
✔ protection of sensitive areas;
✔ quantity of product;
✔ number of layers where permitted by the protocol;
✔ size of the treatment area;
✔ contact time;
✔ application technique and sequence;
✔ clinical observation throughout the procedure;
✔ neutralisation according to the official technical instructions;
✔ complete product removal;
✔ immediate post-treatment care;
✔ home skincare;
✔ recovery intervals;
✔ treatment frequency;
✔ integration with complementary procedures;
✔ response observed during previous sessions.
Personalisation allows the procedure to be adapted to the skin’s functional characteristics, improving predictability while reducing avoidable risks.
________________________________________
STEP 6
PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION
Application should always follow the official technical protocol for Salicylic Peel 15% TherapDerma.
During the procedure, the practitioner should monitor:
✔ appropriate preparation of the treatment area;
✔ protection of the eyes, lips, mucous membranes and sensitive areas;
✔ quantity and distribution of the product;
✔ number of layers;
✔ uniformity of application;
✔ contact time;
✔ patient comfort;
✔ development of erythema;
✔ sensations of warmth, stinging or burning;
✔ variations in skin response between different anatomical areas;
✔ the need to terminate the procedure earlier than initially planned;
✔ neutralisation where indicated;
✔ complete removal of the product.
Patient safety and the observed skin response should always take priority over automatically following a predetermined contact time.
________________________________________
STEP 7
RECOVERY AND INTEGRATION OF OTHER PROCEDURES
Following the peel, sufficient time should be allowed for physiological skin recovery.
Before introducing any additional procedure, the practitioner should confirm:
✔ restoration of skin barrier function;
✔ absence of persistent irritation;
✔ resolution of significant erythema;
✔ resolution of relevant desquamation;
✔ absence of open lesions;
✔ absence of unexpected reactions;
✔ compliance with home care recommendations;
✔ clinical suitability for the next therapeutic stage.
Where clinically indicated, subsequent treatment may include:
✔ personalised mesotherapy;
✔ sebum-regulating protocols;
✔ professional PDRN solutions;
✔ biostimulation;
✔ blue LED therapy;
✔ red LED therapy;
✔ compatible medical-aesthetic technologies;
✔ radiofrequency;
✔ professional home skincare.
Procedures should never be combined automatically or necessarily within the same treatment session.
The sequence and intervals between procedures should always respect the characteristics of each treatment, recovery of the skin barrier and the patient’s individual biological response.
________________________________________
STEP 8
CLINICAL FOLLOW-UP AND REASSESSMENT
Clinical decision-making continues after every treatment session.
Follow-up allows practitioners to evaluate:
✔ recovery of the skin barrier;
✔ tolerance to the procedure;
✔ occurrence of unexpected reactions;
✔ progression of oiliness;
✔ reduction in skin shine;
✔ evolution of comedones;
✔ appearance of pores;
✔ progression of congestion;
✔ changes in superficial skin texture;
✔ evolution of post-acne marks;
✔ visual uniformity of the skin;
✔ progression of Skin Quality;
✔ adherence to home care;
✔ patient perception and satisfaction;
✔ the need to continue, modify, postpone or discontinue the treatment protocol.
Every review provides valuable information that supports adaptation of subsequent treatment stages.
Continuation of the programme should never be considered automatic.
________________________________________
STEP 9
CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION
Every procedure should be documented appropriately.
Clinical records may include:
✔ initial assessment;
✔ professional diagnosis;
✔ clinical indication;
✔ treatment objectives;
✔ excluded contraindications;
✔ confirmation that aspirin and salicylate allergy has been excluded;
✔ informed consent;
✔ product and concentration used;
✔ batch number and expiry date where applicable;
✔ treatment area;
✔ skin preparation;
✔ number of layers;
✔ approximate quantity applied;
✔ contact time;
✔ observed skin response;
✔ timing and method of neutralisation where applicable;
✔ complete product removal;
✔ recommended post-treatment care;
✔ incidents;
✔ patient-reported progression;
✔ photographic documentation where authorised;
✔ follow-up date;
✔ protocol modifications.
Comprehensive documentation supports traceability, facilitates comparison between treatment sessions and contributes to continuity of patient care.
________________________________________
THERAPDERMA™ ALGORITHM
From assessment to clinical decision
Clinical Assessment
↓
Assessment of sebaceous activity, pores, comedones and skin barrier function
↓
Identification of indications and contraindications
↓
Exclusion of aspirin and salicylate allergy
↓
Definition of the clinical objective
↓
Selection of the peel and concentration
↓
Protocol personalisation
↓
Controlled professional application
↓
Neutralisation where indicated
↓
Complete removal and post-treatment care
↓
Recovery and reassessment
↓
Possible integration of complementary procedures
↓
Follow-up and documentation
↓
Personalised maintenance
This algorithm provides a structured framework within the TherapDerma Clinical Decision System™.
It does not represent a universal protocol.
Every stage should be adapted according to the diagnosis, the practitioner’s professional scope of practice, the official product instructions and the patient’s individual clinical progression.
________________________________________
CLINICAL DECISION TREE
Can Salicylic Peel 15% be considered?
1. Is oily skin, excess sebum, comedones, visible pores or acne-prone skin present?
NO
→ Consider another TherapDerma solution more appropriate to the clinical objective.
YES
↓
2. Is the condition predominantly superficial and compatible with a progressive BHA approach?
NO
→ Reassess the diagnosis and consider an alternative therapeutic strategy.
YES
↓
3. Is the skin barrier intact?
NO
→ Prioritise skin recovery and postpone the peel.
YES
↓
4. Is there any allergy to aspirin, Salicylic Acid or other salicylates?
YES
→ Do not perform Salicylic Peel 15%.
NO
↓
5. Is there active infection, significant inflammation, wounds or active dermatosis?
YES
→ Postpone or avoid the procedure and consider medical referral where appropriate.
NO
↓
6. Is the patient able to comply with photoprotection and home care?
NO
→ Reconsider the timing of the procedure.
YES
↓
7. Does Salicylic Peel 15% meet the defined clinical objective?
YES
→ Personalise and perform the professional treatment protocol.
NO
→ Select a different formulation, concentration or therapeutic strategy.
________________________________________
CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING BETWEEN SALICYLIC PEEL 15% AND 25%
Selection between the two concentrations should never be based on automatic progression.
Salicylic Peel 15% may be considered when the objective is:
✔ progressive superficial exfoliation;
✔ control of excess sebum;
✔ improvement of pore appearance;
✔ reduction of comedones;
✔ development of initial or maintenance programmes;
✔ prioritising a high level of clinical control;
✔ initial assessment of Salicylic Acid tolerance.
Salicylic Peel 25% may be considered when the objective is:
✔ more intensive superficial exfoliation;
✔ management of more pronounced superficial alterations;
✔ improvement in the appearance of selected post-acne marks;
✔ treatment of visible irregularities in appropriately selected patients;
✔ incorporation into advanced treatment protocols under professional supervision.
Progression from one concentration to the other should always be justified by:
✔ diagnosis;
✔ observed clinical progression;
✔ tolerance;
✔ recovery of the skin barrier;
✔ response to previous sessions;
✔ therapeutic objective.
________________________________________
BENEFITS OF THE THERAPDERMA CLINICAL DECISION SYSTEM™
Using a structured decision-making model may help practitioners to:
✔ organise clinical assessment;
✔ recognise indications and contraindications;
✔ identify allergies and risk factors;
✔ define realistic therapeutic objectives;
✔ select procedures based on sound clinical reasoning;
✔ personalise every treatment protocol;
✔ improve clinical observation during treatment;
✔ correctly integrate neutralisation and post-treatment care;
✔ promote safer clinical practice;
✔ improve communication with patients;
✔ facilitate continuity of care;
✔ reduce automatic or insufficiently justified decisions;
✔ document and reassess every treatment stage;
✔ adapt programmes according to the observed clinical response;
✔ make rational decisions between Salicylic Peel 15% and Salicylic Peel 25%.
Organised knowledge promotes clinical decisions that are more consistent with each patient’s biological characteristics.
________________________________________
TCDS™ PHILOSOPHY
At TherapDerma, we believe that no single product represents the ideal solution for every patient.
The value of clinical reasoning lies in understanding:
✔ when a treatment may be used;
✔ when it should not be used;
✔ for which patient;
✔ for which therapeutic objective;
✔ with which formulation and concentration;
✔ using which technique;
✔ for how long;
✔ within which therapeutic sequence;
✔ with which post-treatment care;
✔ when it should be modified or discontinued.
The TherapDerma Clinical Decision System™ does not replace professional judgement, education, responsibility or the applicable legal framework.
It provides a methodology based on:
✔ assessment;
✔ diagnosis;
✔ selection;
✔ personalisation;
✔ clinical observation;
✔ neutralisation where indicated;
✔ recovery;
✔ follow-up;
✔ documentation;
✔ reassessment.
Every decision should be based on skin physiology and functional status rather than solely on the technical or commercial characteristics of the product.
________________________________________
TCDS™ QUICK CHECK
Before performing Salicylic Peel 15%, confirm:
☐ A compatible clinical indication exists.
☐ The therapeutic objective is clearly defined.
☐ The skin presents sebaceous activity, congestion, comedones or characteristics compatible with the product.
☐ The skin barrier is intact.
☐ There are no open lesions or active infection.
☐ There are no active inflammatory dermatoses.
☐ Allergy to aspirin and other salicylates has been excluded.
☐ Recent medical and aesthetic treatments have been reviewed.
☐ Pigmentation risk has been assessed.
☐ The appropriate concentration has been selected.
☐ The treatment protocol has been individualised.
☐ The patient understands treatment expectations and post-treatment care.
☐ Clinical follow-up can be provided.
________________________________________
THERAPDERMA CONCLUSION
The TherapDerma Clinical Decision System™ provides a structured framework to support the assessment, selection and planning of aesthetic medicine treatments.
Rather than offering rigid protocols, it organises clinical reasoning and facilitates the transformation of scientific knowledge into individualised, justified and evidence-based clinical decisions.
Integrated within the TherapDerma Clinical Ecosystem™, it enables Salicylic Peel 15% to be incorporated into a therapeutic strategy that includes:
✔ diagnosis;
✔ appropriate patient selection;
✔ exclusion of aspirin and salicylate allergy;
✔ definition of clinical objectives;
✔ protocol personalisation;
✔ controlled application;
✔ neutralisation where indicated;
✔ skin recovery;
✔ follow-up;
✔ documentation;
✔ continuity of patient care.
This approach may contribute to the progressive regulation of excess sebum, purification of the pilosebaceous environment, improvement of the appearance of comedones and pores, and optimisation of Skin Quality whenever there is an appropriate professional indication.
Every decision, every procedure and every treatment stage should always be adapted to each patient’s individual needs, tolerance, recovery and biological progression.