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%

Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:

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August 11, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

Helps calm down pimples
Clear and doesnt show

Cons:

Stings!
Tiny bottle

Get past the stinging and it's great! I know that not everything works the same on all skin types but i really liked this product and will use it when i need it.
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August 9, 2011
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne + Marks Spot Lotion)

Pros:

smells good
contains salicylic acid

Cons:

doesn't seem to be effective with scarring

Overall, it seems to be a good acne cream but does not do much more than that. I have used almost the entire tube and have not seen a difference with the scarring.
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July 30, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Mark Treatment)
It really didn't do anything for me. When applied, it felt weird, kinda sticky or oily... I don't really know how to describe it. It also rubs off if you touch it or apply moisturizer over it. My scars are still visible, and even if I didn't expect them to completly vanish, I haven't seen any imrovement. The product also stings and smells kinda weird... and you don't get a lot of product for the price, because it rubs off and you have to apply it over and over again.
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July 27, 2011
Product used: Clearasil (Maximum Strength Pore Cleansing Pads)

Pros:

-Really cleans your skin
-easy to use
-comes with a lot of pads
-helped control and minimize my breakouts
-gets rid of dirt and oil

Cons:

-Your acne will flare up for a few minutes
- stings a litte

I strongly recommend this product for anyone who has Oily skin and is trying reduce there breakouts. A lot of reviews for this product are saying they got more acne when using it, that's because they didn't stay consistent on using it. To get the best results of any acne product, you have to stay on top of using it for a few weeks.
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July 25, 2011
Product used: Neutrogena (Body Clear Body Wash)

Pros:

-Clears pores
-Cleans skin
-Makes skin feel soft :)
-Cleared up acne

Cons:

-May be a bit drying for those with dry skin, but I have oily skin, and it worked G.R.E.A.T.

I used the scrub one, I'm not sure if this is it or not, but i lovedddd it.
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July 20, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

Made my skin feel nice
Works well as a basic cleanser
Didn't really dry out my skin

Cons:

Didn't do anything for my blackheads

This is a good cleanser if you want skin that feels nice and clean. However, it didn't do much for my blackheads. It might have kept some developing blackheads at bay, since I developed a few since I stopped using this. However, in the end it just didn't do what it promised.
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July 12, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

Worked the first couple of times.

Cons:

took a couple weeks to take full effect
costed a lot for one small tube
didn't for-fill what it said it would.

worked on few, but didn't really give me the effect i was wanting. it got rid of the swelling but didn't remove the entire blemish. I would recommend it if you wanted the swelling of your acne to decrease.
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July 8, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

Helps prevent and treat acne
Not greasy
Light smell
Refreshing feeling
Gentle

Cons:

None(:

This is a great product that has an awesome cooling feeling after every use, very refreshing! The salicylic acid really helps prevent and treat breakouts. This moisturizer is gentle and looks light not greasy. I love to use this product after using the Neutrogena wave sonic!
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July 7, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)

Pros:

* Stops pimples and cysts from emerging.
* Stops skin from getting oily.
* Dries out pimples.
* Good consistency (not too much has to be applied to cover the whole face).
* Leaves skin feeling soft.

Cons:

* Can dry out skin.
* Can cause skin to be slightly itchy.
* Doesn't help with scarring.

I used this product for about a week and saw pretty good results. Pimples were drying out and cysts were decreasing in size although after about 2 weeks to a month i realised that each pimple that emerged would dry out and disappear but red scars were left in their place. I started getting breakouts in places that i usually don't (chin area) and i felt like it spread the acne. I feel like every time i use it the scars get redder and redder and more pimple emerge in their place. Bottom line: If this product feels too harsh on your skin switch to cetaphil. I thinks it almost the same just better. Bottom Bottom line: Don't use it if you have a problem with scarring. I feel it just increases the redness of them.
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June 30, 2011
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Cream Cleanser)

Pros:

-smells great
-does not dry skin
-zits are gone
-skin feels softer than ever
-lasts a long time
-reduces redness
-gentle but effective!

Cons:

sudden appearance of blackheads on my left cheek...

This is the best acne product I have ever used. My zits are gone and my skin feels really soft. However, in place of the zits there are lots of little tiny clogged pores on my left cheek and around my hairline that are not red or inflamed, I guess they are like blackheads. That's kind of weird, but not very noticeable and surely better than the old acne. I have always had kind of light acne, mostly around my hairline. I live in a very humid climate which usually breeds acne and this product keeps the right amount of moisture in and doesn't make my face shiny or anything.
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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

Finding a Doctor

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.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website