Salicylic Acid

What it is: Salicylic acid is an ingredient used in many over-the-counter acne medications. It is often found with pads as applicators (such as Stri-dex pads). It is also used to treat other skin disorders including dandruff, psoriasis, calluses, corns, warts, and more.

What it does: Acne is formed when skin cells inside hair follicles shed too fast and clump together, plugging up the follicle and causing a pimple. Salicylic acid helps slow down shedding of the cells inside the follicles, preventing clogging. Salicylic acid also helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.

Things to be aware of while using it:
(see full story for details)		 Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, people should avoid the other over the counter medications I list: sulfur, resorcinol, or benzoyl peroxide, while using salicylic acid, as it may be overly irritating.

People often report a mild stinging when applying the product.

Return to over-the-counter medications

References

Fry, Lionel. The Encyclopedia of Visual Medicine Series: An Atlas of Dermatology. New York: The Parthenon Publishing Group, 1997.

"Salicylic Acid (Topical)." MedlinePlus. 2006. Thomson Healthcare. 2000 link.

Shalita, A.R. "Comparison of a Salicylic Acid Cleanser and a Benzoyl Peroxide Wash in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris." Clinical Therapeutics 11.2 (1989): 264-7. Abstract. PubMed. 15 Apr. 2005 link.