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
September 4, 2011

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

skin was dry and it didn't do anything!

DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON THIS PRODUCT!! If I could rate it a zero I would
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August 27, 2011

Pros:

-Really makes flakes and dryness disappear
-Very good consistency
-Inexpensive
-Does not leave your skin greasey
-does TWO jobs, moisturises and fights back spots

Cons:

-Quite difficult to work into the skin
-If not completely absorbed in the skin, can leave residue making your face appear oily.

I love this product. It really helps with your acne and really lives up to its promise. As I said, it is quite difficult to work into the skin, but i find it helpful to move the fingers I am using in a circular motion, anticlockwise and clockwise. I am also very impressed by its dual-action which does as it says on the container. This product does have a bland kind of smell, like petroleum jelly. I would recommend this because it effectively gets rid of flaking and dry skin. Trust me, I've used it for 2 years.
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August 24, 2011

Pros:

Not greasy
Goes in easy and quickly
Helps clear skin and keep it fresh
Makes skin very smooth while not oily
Helps regulate oil production
Gets rid of flakes and dryness

Cons:

Leaves skin with a weird sort of stinging sort of cold feeling right after use that lasts about 5-10 minutes for me but it doesn't make my skin red so I don't mind it. Kind of tingles and sort of feels good. Need to use a lot if you have very dry and flaky skin after the first 2 steps of the regimen as I do.

Kind of a small bottle if you have very dry skin because you need to use a lot.. Wish it came in a bigger size.

Overall works great! I love it and think the salicylic acid really helps to make skin soft and remove dead cells to prevent future acne, especially when used with the bp. Make sure to get it all absorbed though. Also, the combo of bp and salicylic acid can affect everyone differently, for me it works great and does not over dry (cleansers are what dry my skin out) but for others it is very irritating and burns, so be warned that you may experience that because this moisturizer has salicylic acid in it. Try it out though! It may work great for you as it does for me!
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August 10, 2011

Pros:

After using way to much BP on my face i caused flaking and the next day i had an event, and this product worked magic on me and by morning after night use it was all gone and my skin felt smooth and silky, not greasy or oily! I loved it!!!

Cons:

none, it does exactly what it should

You should use this for flsky skin its very good for skin use!
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August 7, 2011

Pros:

OVERALL AMAZING!! great smell, felt clean, I use this and then wash baking soda over it once a week or so and it works amazing for my acne prone skin!

Cons:

If used without baking soda every now and again it doesn't work as well

Yes if your face is oily, if not DO NOT USE it willl dry it out if its noot already oily
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August 7, 2011

Pros:

Lightweight
Feels tingly after application
Doesn't clog pores
one bottle lasts a long time

Cons:

Sometimes becomes shiny/greasy on skin
doesn't clear acne

I use this after i cleanse my face and so far it's been doing the job, it moisturizes but as for the getting rid of acne well it doesn't really work for me. however it doesn't make acne anyworse so that's a plus. It costs about 6 dollars and lasts a long time, so I will probably get it again. It's not the best but I haven't found anything better so I'll stick with it.
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August 4, 2011

Pros:

Lightweight
Non-greasy
Doesn't clog pores
Feels fresh after applying, almost minty!

Cons:

Left skin with a flushed look
No SPF

Decent moisturizer, very lightweight and absorbs easily, so you don't have to rub it in. Has a very refreshing feel to it. It didn't really do anything for my acne, but it works well as a moisturizer. However my skin did become a bit red after I used it. I recommend it for those who are NOT on Dan's Regimen.
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August 3, 2011

Pros:

-Brings under-the-skin pimples to a head
-Stings so I feel like it's working
-Smells rather pleasant
-Small amount of salicylic acid (non-irritating)

Cons:

-Results not immediate
-Requires a lot of product to see immediate results
-Can irritate eyes

I use this product along with my normal skin treatment when I need a boost which is bp based, so it's like a bp and sa team-up. When I have an under-the-skin zit that absolutely refuses to come to a head, I put a glob of the spot treatment on it overnight. If it doesn't work once, it works with repeated use. This isn't a product that guarantees immediate miraculous results, but it DOES work in tandem with many over-the-counter routines because it's gentle. The smell might have you believe otherwise, but don't be fooled!
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July 29, 2011

Pros:

-smells good
-good for light acne
-leaves skin soft
-leaves skin smooth
-prevents pimples

Cons:

-doesn't reduce redness
-doesn't reduce pimple size

I have very sensitive, but oily skin and i used this every morning for about 3 months. I didn't notice any changes besides the fact that my skin was softer and smoother. It didn't make me break out, but it didn't help either. I believe it would help people with less severe acne. Avoid the eye area, it burns!! I'm finally going to try something different-- neutrogena fresh foaming cleanser. I heard it works much better.
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July 26, 2011

Pros:

-hydrating
-clears blemishes
- evens out skin tone.
-softens skin

Cons:

-none

I love it! I have already started to see a difference and my skin is nicer. I reeeeeaaaaally love it (:
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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.