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 12, 2009

Pros:

Reduces appearance of pimples, can be covered with makeup within minutes

Cons:

Doesn't prevent new acne, doesn't treat blackheads or skin roughness.

I have used this for only a day and already many of my pimples are smaller or completely gone! Very easy to use and is very discreet: I put it on in the morning and was able to put makeup overtop soon after. I'll see how it works in the long term, but definitely TRY IT!
August 25, 2009

Pros:

My skin was ok! I mean, it had a lot of off days, when it was really bad! After ONE DAY of using it, the redness went down and they got smaller!

Cons:

I may not help everybody, and the container is small, so it may run of quickly!

Bottom Line is, It TOTTALLY WORKS! I was going to try Proactive, but i read a whole bunch of negative reviews! Clean and Clear HELPED SO much!
August 24, 2009

Pros:

after you wash your face with this it feels tingly and cold. it doesnt really dry out your skin and if it does you can just use the moisturizer that comes with the kit.

Cons:

i recommend using a toner in between cleansing and moisturizing just to remove any leftover oil or dirt and to make the skin evenly toned.

i tried a lot of things. i never wanted to get a prescription or anything and i really think that you should give it a try if you havnt yet. sometimes your skin might get worse when you start out but thats normal.also, i use twice a day once in the morning in the shower(which is working wonderfully) and once before bed. if your going to try it i recommend buying the whole kit.dont give up on it if it doesnt seem to be working at first. keep using it and i bet youll see results!
August 16, 2009

Pros:

After using clean and Clear, I noticed that in a day my acne starting loseing it's redness, and it really did reduce the size of my acne.

Cons:

It doesn't work as fast as it says, but it does work fast, and does get rid of acne.

This is by far the best acne product, it reduces size and redness, and zaps away your acne. It clears up acne, black heads, and white heads. You notice a lot of difference in only a week of using clean and clear. I reccomend it to anyone with light to moderate servere acne.
August 14, 2009

Pros:

very affordable and doesn't dry out skin.

Cons:

spot treatment stings just a tad.

i don't have acne. just a pimple every once in a while but i wanted something to use just to maintain beautiful skin so i tried this and it's worked very well. I have extremely dry skin and this doesn't dry it up at all and after using the lotion my face feels very moisturized and soft.
August 11, 2009

Pros:

I love Clean and Clear! My acne was really bad and all over my face and within a week it was all gone! I would definately recommend this to anyone with bad acne. I tried Proactive, but it dried out my skin and stung, and Clean and Clear is amazing.

Cons:

I thought it was a little expensive at first, but now I realize it is definately worth the price. The bottles are a little small, but it is okay, I guess. There aren't really any real cons.

I LOVE it! It is a miracle worker.
August 6, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

To put it simply, this product doesn't deliver what it promises. I still had blackheads on my nose. Realistically it's very hard to uproot deep blackheads but just a simply scrub.

Don't get it, save your money for blackhead strips, or something stronger.
July 29, 2009

Pros:

it makes your skin feel soft
smells good.

Cons:

I saw either very little results or none at all.
the bottle is too small

I bought the clean & clear control kit, had a cleanser, moisturizer and this spot treatment. I used the spot treatment every night before I went to bed. The results were either very very slow, or I didn't see any results at all. This is just not the product for me. :[ If you want my opinion, there are acne products much better than this. I suggest not buying it.
July 19, 2009

Pros:

Looked nice good message, thought i'd try it out since the the Oil free Acne cleanser works

Cons:

black spots still there, I get more pimples

It probably only works on only certain types of skin
July 19, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Gets rid of acne marks fast!

Buy it, you will love it!!

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.