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:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
August 28, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash 60 Second Mask Scrub)

Pros:

Love it! Right away i saw results-- i used it at night and do a spot treatment on my existing blemishes.

Cons:

If you stop using it acne slowly comes back.

This stuff works! I have very sensitive skin and this seemed to do the trick. I have tired everything- from proactiv,benzaclin, differn, facials, birth control, and laser treatments. I can't find it in stores, so i e-mailed neutrogena and said they did not discontinue it. You can purchase it on amazon or medshops. Best of luck to everyone!
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 27, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

Works very fast. I noticed that the blackheads were going away the first time I used it.

Cons:

At first, it hurt my skin. It was my first time using an exfoliant. If its your first time using it aswell don't use too much to start off with

Really good product. Keeps the blackheads out esp. the ones on your nose
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 22, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

It makes pimple looks slightly smaller.

Cons:

I don't like how your face is greasy/ rubbery from the gel. Sting from irritation. Smell like alcohol.

It doesn't work.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 22, 2008
Product used: Clearasil (Daily Face Wash, Sensitive)

Pros:

nice packaging

Cons:

new formula is very irritating to sensitive skin, look elsewhere for an alcohol free product

It used to be a great product, but the new formula is to uncomfortable for daily use. I don't like it at all.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 21, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion)

Pros:

Works really well! Saw a difference overnight!

Cons:

None. Only I wish it came in a bigger bottle.

A terrific spot treatment! The best I've used so far.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 20, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

it only works if you spread through a big are like your nose.

Cons:

if you use it as a spot treatment it will "buuurn" the zit and leave a a red mark (chemical burn) on where the pimple was..suuucks...and it neever leaves...mine havent left yet.

all of a sudden it turned into my worst nightmare. This product works fast ..that means..it burns fast..that meaaans...the little pimple you get turns into a huge one because what it does it brings the yellow stuff out and burns it. After that you get a red mark cause of the chemical burn and it never seems to fade away....since i used it for a lot of my pimples i had at the time..my face looks like I pressed ciggarete tips all over my cheeks....worst spot treatment eeever...DO NOT USE IT.!!
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 15, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

I just bought this product and it is working pretty well. My pimple got smaller and its redness is gone. I suggest use it twice for faster results.

Cons:

It burns but you get use to it.

This product is great do not use on sensitive skin. What ore can you as for. It's cheap it works I just bought it today and my skin is feeling great and it looks much better then it did before I used this.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 9, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

It reduced redness for me RIGHT away, it doesn't smell horrible, I saw pimple size go down in the same day as I bought it.

Cons:

It kinda stings the first few times you put it on... but it is tottaly worth it!

This is great... I accually saw the redness go away with my own 2 eyes, it is worth the $5-7 it cost. It stings pretty bad the first time you put it on but the second time only a little.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 6, 2008
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)

Pros:

Cleared up my severe acne! One of the best products I've used (I've tried ProActive and Murad and never got the results I experienced with this).

Cons:

Scrubbing beads clog my pores. I actually have gotten "green heads" from the beads becoming trapped in my pores under the skin.

My skin has never looked better (well, it did before I got acne... but...)! I really like the texture and smell of the product-- it doesn't smell medicinal and it makes my skin really smooth. The biggest negative is the fact that the scrubbing beads clog my pores... but the occasional clogged pore isn't enough to turn me away from the product given the other benefits. (But Biore... if you read this... please make those scrubbers bigger!!)
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 29, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment)

Pros:

No breakouts, very light and non greasy, great for day use, peels skin so my scars have been fading very gradually but noticeably over past 6 months.

Cons:

Long time to rub in completely, flaking gets a little out of control after a while, does not work when used alone, not crazy about the fragrance.

I've been using this in combination (but NOT AT THE SAME TIME AS) with Neutragena's On-the-Spot Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% (I do not use the BP as a spot treatment, but as Dan says to use it with the two zig zag lines and smear all over the face). The BP I use at night, and I use this Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 stuff with the 2.0% Salicylic Acid in the day time. I cleanse before applying in the morning with a generic brand of Cetaphil cleanser. I then fill two fingers full with one straight line of this stuff. Sorta made up my own regimen and it seems to work. I gently rub in and then moisturize if needed. Using it in combo with the BP Works better than using this alone, or the BP alone. For flake control I gently rub off excess skin as I cleanse and use my ~6% Zia Natural Skin Care Sulphur mask when it gets out of control b/c that seems to help get a lot off and is also part of my personal regimen. I am acne free for the majority of the time until a certain time of the month arrives...
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 150 151 152 153 154 … 375
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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