Acne.org Products
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.
Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 29, 2014
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
it great I guess?
Cons:
Burning
the salicylic acid makes it an amazing moisturizer for people struggling with acne, the oil free makes it 10x better, the only thing that could make it better is SPF, but anyway, make a DIY out of it, add baby powder, instant deep repair moisturizer/ sheer mask! Yet, it gives my cheekbones a slight burning, but only for a minute.
January 19, 2014
Product used: Biore (Blemish Treating Astringent)
Horrible
Cons:
Horrible scent
Burns/eats away skin leaving raw bloody patches
does nothing for acne
Have used this, and the previous version. Both did nothing to treat my acne, and burned my skin in spots. I've now got a raw spot almost the size of a dime on my forehead from it.
December 29, 2013
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)
Not awful, not great
Pros:
Inexpensive
Smells nice
Easy to find
Cons:
A cleanser that doesn't clean
This cleanser is fairly gentle and inexpensive, but it just doesn't get the job done. It probably won't make your skin worse, but it's not going to help you either, unless you've only got mild breakouts/blackheads. If you have sensitive skin, I'd stay away because this was slightly drying. Not recommended for moderate acne. It also won't help with any cysts.
December 2, 2013
Product used: Murad (Clarifying Cleanser)
I bet I would have gotten cystic acne from this
Pros:
Deceptively, initially cleared acne
Cons:
Dried face, and left it feeling very tight, even around the eyes
Made acne worse
Caused redness
At first I liked the stuff, it helped at first, but then made things worse. It made my face tight, red, and dry as hell. My boyfriend told me to stop using it, and that night I washed with Dove, and my acne immediately cleared. My face pealed for one week though. Eight days later, my skin is soft and smooth, and my blemishes are minimal. This stuff is wayyyy too harsh and expensive too. Don't do it.
October 30, 2013
Product used: Murad (Clarifying Cleanser)
Best cleanser for my skin
Pros:
Makes skin feel clean
Lasts FOREVER
Clears acne
Cons:
A little pricey
I started using this product 3 months ago (following Michael Todd's regimen that didn't do anything for my skin) and it cleared up complexion within a week with the help of their toner as well. Since then my breakouts even during my hormonal week have decreased and my skin is consistently clear! I super recommend this product for those who work well with salicylic acid (my skin reacts terrible with benzoyl). Usually my breakouts in zits and pimples, and on rare occasion a cystic area. (Super rare). If you're on the hunt for something I would really try this out! It smells minty not "bleachy". I don't mind the smell at all. ALSO it lasts FOREVER! It is long lasting and makes up for the price!!!
October 29, 2013
Product used: Murad (Clarifying Cleanser)
Doesn't Work at all
Pros:
Gel
Cons:
Causes Breakouts
Overly dries skin
Smells terrible
This cleanser first dried out my skin and made it peel, then made me break out in less than twenty four hours. It was terrible and it smelled like saline and bleach.
October 24, 2013
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)
Good for oily skin.
Pros:
Cleared most acne
Fresh feeling
Easy to use
Cons:
Can burn
The smell
I used these when I had very oily skin. It kept my oil at bay, and made my skin feel fresh. However, now that my skin is sensitive and dry, I cannot use these. I however LOVE the Stridex brand Pads. The sensitive ones are amazing. Better than these I even think. This version did although help clear my acne on my forehead.
October 20, 2013
Product used: Neutrogena (All In 1 Acne Control Facial Treatment)
Works okay for a while, but it didn't do much.
Pros:
Relatively gentle
Mildly moisturizing
Easy enough to use
Cons:
Does not keep acne at bay
Has a fragrance that may be offputting
I tried this after just not having any luck with any other topicals. Initially, it did help clear my breakouts and prevented some, but that was it. All those other benefits (helping with marks, really preventing new ones) didn't quite apply to me. The tubes are small and can get expensive, but it is relatively gentle enough for daily use. Needless to say, I wouldn't bother with this.
August 20, 2013
Product used: Equate (Medicated Apricot Scrub)
It just made my skin produce even more oil!
Pros:
great smell
low cost comparatively
goes a long way
Cons:
only works for a few washes
dries out skin
is prone to crusting up at the opening
I was really excited about trying it at first because the name brand St. Ives is apparently considered among the best scrubs for acne, this is the generic so I thought I'd give it a try. It smells fantastic! My skin did look a little brighter, but I noticed after a few consecutive washes that my skin was drying out and that it caused my skin to overproduce a lot of oil. After I stopped this, the oil production ceased significantly. The thing is my skin is sooo sensitive that I cannot use any regular facial cleansing product. I knew this ahead of time but still decided to try it anyway. So, like all the others I tried this didn't work for me, however it may work for you guys with normal skin.
July 19, 2013
Product used: Murad (Clarifying Cleanser)
waste of money
Cons:
dry skin
rash
swollen face
horrible product. This dried my skin out and it went flacky and red. It also caused my skin to swell around the eye area and I did not sue it any where around my eyes. I am so disappointed. I have had to take steroid medication to get the swelling to come down, Do not buy this product if you have sensitive skin the ingredients are too harsh.
Pros:
Salicylic acid.
oil free
very moisturizing