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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February 22, 2009
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

reduce whiteheads, makes skin softer, reduce oilness of my skin

Cons:

smells bad, it takes a while to work

It worked for me, basically all my acne was just whiteheads and it helped me to get rid of them. At first my whiteheads only reduce but after a couple of weeks they disappear and now I only use every 2 days, you should also use a moisturizer after it just to make sure your skin is not too dry.
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February 16, 2009
Product used: Philosophy (Clear Days Ahead Kit)

Pros:

It's something new, and everyone likes to try something new

Cons:

Expensive
Doesn't work

The only good thing I can really say about this kit is that the blemish serum helped clear up the tiny white bumps I had on my forehead. It did definitely help with the texture there, but after 4 months (yes, I used it for 4 MONTHS) I'm finally going to a dermatologist as I watch my skin get worse and worse. I switched from DK's BP gel because it seemed to stop being effective. Now I'm sorry I did. My acne has only gotten worse, and now I need a prescription.
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February 7, 2009
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

smells good, moisturizes very well and has salicylic acid to help with acne. you don't need to use a lot to moisturize your whole face~1 pump tops.

Cons:

my t-zone becomes oily-looking if i use too much, but then after half an hour, that goes away.
it also peels off if you have dry skin spots ( i use the target brand though, so maybe that has something to do with this.)

i think that this is a effective moisturizer that won't make you spend your paycheck for. i use this both night and day and it makes my skin so soft and refreshed after i use this. i have normal/combo skin and it doesn't leave my t-zone too oily, unless i use too much. i recommend this product if you want a good quality moisturizer without breaking your bugdet.
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February 2, 2009
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)

Pros:

easy to use & smells pretty good. after the first and second time you use it, you can feel it working.

Cons:

really dried out my skin & my pimples didnt go away completely. they came back after using it. it also burns when you put it on. after the second time you use it, it works less.

if you have incredibly oily skin, this would be good for you. but for most of us who dont, i dont recommend it. within a few days of using this product, my skin got really dry, flaky and itchy. this is probably best for those of you with a lot of pimples and a lot of oil.
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February 2, 2009
Product used: Burt's Bees (Natural Acne Solutions Kit)

Pros:

Works well, natural ingredients.

Cons:

Price can be high for the quantity.

I really like the garden tomato soap, it can be a little over-drying so I want to alternate with another one like the orange or poppy seed one in the future. The toner was too drying, I would say start with the soap first, then if more is needed try the toner. The blemish stick is my must-have secret weapon against acne!!! After having to use ProActiv's disgusting white mask this was fantastic, it works just as fast if not better, smells better and it's clear so I can put it on twice a day and not have to worry about looking like I have calamine spots all over my face! I love this company and will support however I can!
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January 31, 2009
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

Smells good
SHRINKS PORES
Clears blackheads

Cons:

Kinda small for the price

I added this into my regimen to clear up my pores, its been about a month and my face is getting clearer and clearer. Pores are smaller on the sides of my face (under my eyes) or whatever and on the nose. My forehead is clearning up, for a while it made my blackheads push up but they just poped and cleared out. THIN LAYER REMEBR
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January 14, 2009
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

it works well. it does reduce pimple size and redness. it's a pretty decent product.

Cons:

it stings as you put it on.

all in all, i really like this product. it's one of the few acne solutions that really work.
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January 2, 2009
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)

Pros:

smells nice when you first apply to your skin.

Cons:

TOTALLY dryed our my skin, also my skin started to flake and turn red. Also it become iritable and starts to go rough and feels dry.

just dont buy this product!!!! use clean and clear exfoliator.
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December 31, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Body Clear Body Wash)

Pros:

Helps Stop Those Pesky Little Whiteheads On Chest
Pink Grapefuit One Smells Great

Cons:

Does Nothing For Blackheads

It smells great and cleared up whiteheads at first but now prevents them. Still get a few but that's life...
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November 30, 2008
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

works so well and smells great. leaves your skin feeling amazing and soft.

Cons:

none. seriously.

i have moderate to severe acne and oily skin, and this make it smooth, clear and feeling GREAT!! ive used everything even accutane and this is the best cleanser ive ever had!
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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.
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