Salicylic Acid
Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.6
6049 Reviews
Salicylic Acid
Topical Keratolytic
Efficacy
55%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Salicylic Acid
Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
Low
Salicylic Acid
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.
Salicylic Acid
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%

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June 28, 2013
Product used: Neutrogena (Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent)
Horrible

Cons:

Terrible Smell
Dries Out Skin
Left Scars

I usually love all of Neutrogena's skin care products because they work at keeping my skin clear and glowing, but this product has done nothing but damage to my skin. Back in January my skin started to outbreak with pimples on the sides of my jaw line. I had already owned this product and used it once before.. On the back of the packaging it says you can apply 2-3 times a day and it will not over-dry your skin. Well I didn't believe that because I felt the first time I applied it, that it was already too harsh on my skin. I stopped using after two times, my skin was very dried out, it left scars on my face and it damaged my skin so bad that I had to go to the dermatologist. She said this astringent is nothing but harmful for the skin and I will be stuck with these scars for a long time.they are pretty much almost faded now.. But I would definitely not recommend buying this product. The smell is awful and it is too harsh on delicate skin!
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June 28, 2013
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
Decent cheap little moisturizer.. but I believe it to be more irritating than effective.

Pros:

Slightly good moisturizing effect
Cheap

Cons:

Irritating
Don't believe it to help with acne much if any

The moisturizing effect of the product is ok for the price.. but I find the menthol in the product much more irritating the necessary.
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May 18, 2013
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

Clean smell
Moisturizing
Lasts really long

Cons:

Sometimes stings

I've been using this moisturizer at night for so long, and the SPF version for the morning. But, sometime when I use the benzoyl peroxide gel from the regimen and this lotion it starts to sting.
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May 17, 2013
Product used: Noxzema (Triple Clean Anti-Blemish Pads)

Pros:

None

Cons:

Drys out Face
Caused more Breakouts

Never in a million years would I recommend this product. I understand chemicals like this take a while to work, but two days of use with these pads completely clogged my pores. I know have several large cysts. Do not use this product.
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April 1, 2013
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

Did moisturize my skin, leaves my skin feeling clean, cleared up some of my acne, helped my dry and flaky skin turn completely back to normal, easy to bring everywhere

Cons:

None so far

Before I used this product, I used the wrong facial cleanser and it completely ruined my face!! It made my acne get extremely worse and the skin of my face was flaky and red. I looked horrible and couldn't go outside of my house anymore. But after i used this moisturizer, in just 3 days my face was beginning to be less swollen, less red, less flaky, and more moisturized. Thank God i found this! I have been using it for a month and my face is clearing and no more dry skin!!!
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March 21, 2013
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

Didn't cause me to breakout any more than usual.

Cons:

Didn't moisturize.
Stings slightly which means it's irritating my already irritated skin.
Useless amount of Salycilic Acid

I purchased this to help with my dry skin caused by my excessive use of Benzoyl Peroxide. Unfortunately, it didn't moisturize and the amount of Salycilic Acid in this is absolutely useless. If you want a moisturizer that doesn't moisturize and doesn't help your acne, then this is for you.
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March 14, 2013
Product used: Clearasil (Maximum Strength Pore Cleansing Pads)

Pros:

Easy to find
Price

Cons:

Didnt work
very irritating
burns

Its not for people with sensitive skin. It hurt me to use it and I may have gotten a chemical burn from it. I used it twice.
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February 26, 2013
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

Makes face feel clean
Nice smell

Cons:

Doesn't moisturize
Cheap ingredients
Dries out skin

For me, it dried out my skin, didn't moisturize in the slightest.
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February 23, 2013
Product used: Neutrogena (Acne Stress Control 3 in 1 Hydrating Treatment)

Pros:

-light

Cons:

-made skin red sometimes
-too light
-didn't help with acne
-acne stayed on face when using this product
-pretty expensive (around $10)

I would not recommend this for: -the winter time -combination dry skin
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February 16, 2013
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Mark Treatment)

Cons:

I used tons of product such as proactive, clean &clear face wash which is amazing, clean & clear body wash, neutrogena, sea mud, olay, and dove... This has to be the WORSE product i ever encountered from all of these! Does not work dont waste your money on this $8 product. This product is a PLACEBO! you think your skin is clearing but its not doing anything.

I love clean & clear face/body wash but was ashamed of this product that they had.. very disappointed.
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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