Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.6
6049 Reviews
Topical Keratolytic
Efficacy
55%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
Low
Topical Keratolytic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Easy to find and with low side effects, but don’t be surprised if you are left wishing for better results after using it for a while. Any acid on its own is unlikely to dramatically clear acne.
Topical Keratolytic
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
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
January 9, 2007
This product has worked for me by clearing up and reducing the size of the acne eventually (mostly in about 2 days for me) but as for preventing new breakouts it hasnt lived up to its promise. I still comes back in about 2 weeks time. I alternate using this product in the morning and clearasil at night. It does dry your skin but you cant see dryness..recommend it.
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December 31, 2006

Pros:

It has a faint floral scent. It starts off a gel, then it foams when you rub it on your face. It doesn't dry out my face! It does what it says it does..it gets rid of oil.

Cons:

Haven't found any.

Use it with the Clean and Clear Advantage On-the-spot medication...It works!
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December 25, 2006

Pros:

A few years ago, i noticed i got a pimple so parents gave me stridex and made most of it go away so i started using it everyday. But when i ran out of it i started getting more white heads. But i started using it again, and have very little acne.

Cons:

It might not make all of the acne go away, but it still works. But it may cause dry skin.

If you have very little acne, i reccomend you to try this.
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December 14, 2006

Pros:

easy to use, can see the skin peeling after 10 minutes, it works

Cons:

read the instructions on the package and do NOT use it everyday - use it just 2-3 times per week 'cause it can irritate your skin

I felt the mild tingling sensation after 5 minutes, and after 10 minutes, I saw my skin peeling. I think my red marks will be gone with continued use of this product. (I also use a glycolic acid cream in conjunction with this to speed-up the skin turnover cycle.)
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December 6, 2006

Pros:

I use the "scrub" version of this cleanser with a loofa everyday & I've seen significant improvement on my shoulders. It has to be used everyday though, and I don't suggest using it on your face; it's too harsh.

Cons:

It doesn't rinse cleanly. My skin feels sticky even after thoroughly rinsing.

Neutrogena products work well for me. This is about as good as you can get for an OTC medication.
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November 7, 2006

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

everything

this crap doesnt do anything. it made it WORSE!
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November 2, 2006

Pros:

It is reallly great it clears up acne for a while! This product is well worth buying!

Cons:

None. Well not really.

I have been using the Non Medicated formula and that worked great too. But yesterday as I was walking throught Wal-Mart I noticed there was a differnt formula so I had to get it! I have Sensitive skin and I leave this on for 1 min and it still works. All I have to say this is the most greatest acne product ever!
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November 1, 2006

Pros:

This stuff is amazing!

Cons:

no cons :)

I used to have really bad skin with many pimples, they are gone now :). I don't use the whole system (i use different cleansers). I use this toner twice a day, followed by Happy derm(L'oreal too). My skin just glows. I'm glad i've tried this products, i don't even want to switch to anything else.
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October 30, 2006
i hope this cleaser works i'v tried the one where you put it on the spot ut that one did'nt work for me it did'nt even take the reness or reduce the the size but i hope the cleaser works its tough having to deal with bad skin in school and with friends and going out.
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October 24, 2006

Pros:

Absolutely wonderful.

Cons:

Haven't found any yet.

I bought it on a whim, pretty much exhausted of all options. I was searching for a good salicylic acid cleanser, and although Clearisil creams and pads are usually too harsh for me, this was actually great. After using it, I decided to go try Proactiv again...just to see. BIG MISTAKE. Huge cyst right on my forehead. Surprisingly, when I started using this again, all are practically gone, with minor red marks.
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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.

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.