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
Read All About Salicylic Acid
Compare To Other Treatments
5
32.8%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:

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August 22, 2015
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)
it's whatever
This product is way too harsh for daily use and it worsens your acne. I had this product for like ever and only used it like once a week or twice a week when I didn't have acne. I honestly didn't see any difference on my skin. Then one day I started breaking out and it wouldn't stop. So I started using this product daily and I noticed my whiteheads started getting inflamed. These whiteheads was getting red and big and very noticeable. Since most of my whiteheads was on one side of my cheek... it looked like one side of my cheek was swollen. At that time I really didn't know it was because this product was just too harsh for my skin.
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August 13, 2015
Product used: La Roche-Posay (Effaclar K)
Best Decision of My Life!
I used the Acne clearing system, cleanser, toner and moisturizer- a wk and a half in, I have no breakouts! all old pimples are healed. Blackheads reduced in size significantly to almost normal pores. I had bad scarring on cheeks- red 3inchs, bumpy and darker shades from more recent breakouts- cleared scarring! left with 2cm of slight redness- in 1 1/2 wks! ive seen other people had redness etc- but as I had severe acne I was already using a harsher product (dermalogica- which reduced my entire face of pimples to 5-7 consistently). this product had a great PH 5.5, left my skin feeling moisturized, while you can still notice the drying effect for acne- skin felt fresh, soft and amazing!
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August 2, 2015
Product used: Neutrogena (Pink Grapefruit Cream Cleanser)
LOVED this product!!!
I have combination skin that tends to lean towards the oily side of the spectrum. Trouble is, my skin is also pretty sensitive so I've had difficulties finding a skin care routine that works nicely for me. Either the products are too drying or they turn my face into an oil slick....gross. Being a teenager and all, waking up and finding a big juicy pimple somewhere blatantly obvious is not an uncommon occurrence. Well, until I found this product of course. My skin was being a bit cheeky when I decided to purchase this and I had around 7 new whiteheads pop up around my mouth, chin and nose. Within 3 days of using this, I couldn't even see them anymore. And even better than that? I haven't had a single one since! And I've been using it for almost 4 months! My skin is glowing and looks as clear as when I was 10 years old! And my skin was flawless then! The product is a smooth and creamy consistency (it's a cream cleanser duhh) and a small amount is needed, meaning that it lasts for ages as I'm only half way through my bottle. It feels lovely and tingly on my skin but it does sting a little when it gets in my eyes. The scent is gorgeous, a little strong but the fragrance has no effect on the results. It didn't dry my skin out as most acne products do and my skin stayed relatively oil free for the majority of the day! As for makeup removal, I can't comment because I remove my makeup before cleansing. Very impressed Neutrogena, the first product from you that I have loved. This will be a skincare routine staple now for many years to come!!
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July 13, 2015
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
Do Not Buy This Product!
I rarely get pimples and it so happen that I had a major event coming up and i did not want to resort with make up. Well, i made a terrible mistake. This product left dark burn marks all over my face. I didnt leave the house for 10 days because of embarrassment. The burn marks hasnt healed yet, and this product has traumatized me. I dont think i can ever trust any product to put on my face ever! This literally ruin my face! Be cautious! Urgh. It doesnt even worth the 1 star! I would pick no star at all if i could!
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jessicast
July 30, 2015
Hi, unfortunately this happened to me as well, have the burn marks gone away?
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jessicast
July 30, 2015
Hi, unfortunately this happened to me as well, have the burn marks gone away?
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jessicast
July 30, 2015
Hi, unfortunately this happened to me as well, have the burn marks gone away?
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jessicast
July 30, 2015
Hi, unfortunately this happened to me as well, have the burn marks gone away?
Report
June 2, 2015
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
Not too shabby!
This works pretty well for me in helping keep acne at bay! I spread a thin layer on my trouble areas after washing and toning, then I use my moisturizer and tadah, super soft clear skin that i can't stop touching! Although most of the suppleness is due to the other 4 ingredients in my regimen, this is still a valuable soldier in my acne fighting army!
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March 22, 2015
Product used: Oxy (Balance Maximum Deep Pore Cleansing Pads)
Love this!
Any salicylic sacid with 2% does wonders for me. Sadly my face gets too sensitive for this stuff but it ALWAYS promises to clean my face up when I need it. I like to test out acne products and use Oxy as a back up in case I break out too much. I just apply this a lot and I guarantee myself that this always works. Stings a little but beauty is pain!
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January 30, 2015
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)
horrible
i dont have sensitive skin but this really iritated it. it just made pimples bigger and t=not the ones thaat you can pop but the ones that just blow up really big. this isnt one of those fast treating ones either it burns but doesnt do anything
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January 2, 2015
Product used: Sea Breeze (Actives Deep Clean Astringent)
At least it smells good...
I have fairly sensitive skin. Just changed my whole routine and added this. It smells amazing, has a slight tingle. Not drying at all, if anything helps me to retain moisture. My skin looks better after three days twice a day ( but im also using other new products). If its not whats making my face better at the very least it smells great
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January 26, 2014
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Rapid Action Pads)
Whitehead Wonder

Pros:

gets rid of white heads
makes face feel clean

Cons:

does not prevent blemishes
leaves skin red momentarily

Ive been using this product for probably about 2 years. I love this product. No, it does not cure your acne. But something it does do is clean your face & reduces your whiteheads. I use this product pretty much everynight or in the morning. I especially use it whenever i have an annoying whitehead that needs to be popped but i dont like using my fingers so I use this pad &warning if you use it for that it will sting. But i figure that that means its also getting cleaned out. :p So i recommend this product mainly for annoying white heads.
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October 27, 2013
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)
Acne is terrible

Pros:

Smells good
removes some blakcheads
removes dead skin cells

Cons:

over drying
tightening face

It works good it makes your face smells good , once you wash it your skin looks clear . To small wish it had more but its working great! People used to call me pizza face , not anymore!
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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.
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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.

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  • 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:

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  • 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