Salicylic Acid
Results
Side Effects

Widely available in over-the-counter skin care products in 0.5 - 2% strength, salicylic acid helps shed skin cells as well as reduce inflammation in the skin.

It's generally recommended to apply a salicylic acid-containing product 1-2 times per day, depending on your skin's tolerance and the product type.

3.6
6049
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
32.8%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

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July 27, 2007
Product used: St. Ives (Medicated Apricot Scrub for Oily or Acne Prone Skin)

Pros:

Smooths out your skin. It gives me a healthy glow if used with other parts of the line.

Cons:

it doesn't work to clear blemishes on it's own but it still works well.

For those who find skin red and irritated afterward: Try exfoliating gently. Don't rub really hard. That's just asking for bad skin!Take your time-Don't rush through it!
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March 17, 2007
Product used: Dermafina (Clear Skin Acne System)

Pros:

It actually works!

Cons:

None, other than it has been discountinued.

I have been suffering from acne for 17 long years. I have tried retin-a, benzaclyin, clindomycin, erthromycin, aknemycin, tetricyclin, proactive, murad, and other products, and they never really helped my skin at all. Two weeks ago, I saw this product and decided to take a chance on it. Now my skin is clear, and I have no redness. You have probably heard the expression, "it is the only product that has worked for me" too many times. But in my case, that is so very true. This product has healed my skin when all those other products did'nt. I encourage other people to try dermafina. This product is so good, that I drove 12 miles to buy the last kit available in the store. I thought that nothing would help my very stubborn acne, but this did. Like all of you, I am sadden that this product has been discountined, but I am an optimist, I am sure something will happen. This product REALLY, REALLY, REALLY works!
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January 12, 2007
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash 60 Second Mask Scrub)
LOVE IT!!!!!! I used this product before and it really cleared up my skin. I stopped using it (for no particular reason) and started breaking out again. My skin seemed like it was spinning out of control so instead of going back to this project, I tried others (Proactiv is one). The other products exascerbated my condition. I was scared to go outside. Then, I remembered Neutrogena and paid the $9 bucks for the jar. Almost overnight it cleared up my skin. I now know for sure that this product works for me. I hate that I've spent tons of money on other products, but I am so happy that I have found the one that works for me! Thank you Neutrogena!
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January 5, 2007
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

It gets rid of my pimples.

Cons:

It makes me fell a bit oily.

I would suggest it for a night but during the day use something that does not make you look oily.
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October 17, 2006
Product used: L'Oreal (Pure Zone Pore Tightening Astringent)

Pros:

Does help with pores a bit. That's about it

Cons:

Terribly drying and didn't help with acne. The drying made it worse

Not worth the high price at all.
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October 6, 2006
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

i like the product. it easily exfoliated my skin and i could notice the difference in my skins texture.

Cons:

i notice that with using this product you have to stay consistant. and us a light mosturizer. and a b/p acne spot treatment. i still will break out but not as much.

i always wanted to try the product and im glad that i did. it helps me to stabilize the acne. and after trying so many products i feel its the gentlest with out too much drying, and that has always been hard problem to solve.
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December 28, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
IRRITATES SKIN A LITTLE BIT.
This product makes your acne or pimples condition worse rather than curing it. It's kind of inflammatory and causes inflammation of the skin. It makes your skin red,blotchy and full patches and scars. Increases the number of blisters on your face. It's not an effective product. I'd prefer using the PERSA GEL-10 over this. If you sensitive skin, your skin condition will get really messed up! Upset with this product.
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August 26, 2017
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Rapid Action Pads)
Love these!
I've been using this product for quite a while now. I don't have much acne but I do get really bad blind pimples/boils and these pads seriously help. You're only supposed to put these on affected areas, NOT YOUR WHOLE FACE. I've never had any issues while using these. I find they work by drying out the pimple and bringing it to the surface (with my blind pimples). Eventually, the 'head' of the pimple will dry out and it falls off or you can pick it off. It take patience for my pimples or acne to go away, and these pads really help. I would recommend this to everybody with occasional spots but not severe acne, as the chemicals will completely ruin your skin. AND DONT PUT THIS PRODUCT ALL OVER YOUR FACE. Only dab a bit of it on the affected areas (not blackheads or whiteheads) and it works like a miracle.
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shannwow
August 9, 2018
what’s your skin type ?
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November 18, 2016
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)
Pretty good.
I've been using these twice daily for around 7 years now. They're really good for evening skin texture, brightening and getting rid of dry skin buildup and some clogged pores, but they don't seem to prevent my hormonal breakouts anymore. My skin looks better when I use them, so I use them for maintenance and bring out the big guns when needed.
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August 26, 2016
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)
Drying, but Ive only used it for a week
First things first, I have only been using Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser for about a week along with BP and tretinoin prescribed by my doctor and a very heavy moisturizer. Here is what I have to say about it so far. PROS: -is very gentle and non-irritating -non comedogenic -overall it is helping me clear my mild acne CONS: -VERY drying -Skin is feeling a slight burn when I wash my face I will update this review after I have been using this cleanser for more than a month so I can be more helpful.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
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Red flags:

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Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website