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
December 24, 2008

Pros:

It makes your skin feel nice and clean after you use it. And it makes your skin soft.

Cons:

It's a bit too thick, so it's a bit of a challenge to rinse all of it off your face. Dries out your skin A LOT.

If you use this product with the kit, it will work wonders, but BEWARE: your skin will be begging for some lotion. This product dries out your skin a lot. Also, don't use it if you have even a slight sunburn, trust me - you'll thank me later. Personally, I would recommend it to some people, but not all.
December 23, 2008

Pros:

Amazing, efficacious, makes my skin feel soft and luminous!

Cons:

None whatsoever!

Buy it. If you have dry skin and this isn't enough, supplement this with another non-comedogenic moisturizer. Try it!
December 19, 2008

Pros:

Doesn't smell bad
Exfoliates a little

Cons:

Doesn't get rid of blackheads or acne
Beads get everywhere, especially along hair line

It doesn't do what it promises.
December 16, 2008

Pros:

Reduces size, swelling and redness.

Cons:

Kind of SLOW. Dries out skin..KINDA.

I don't get how people think this product makes things worse. I guess on some people it will work other it won't. Use other products along with this and you'll have clear skin. I suggest Retinol Cream and Clearasil Gel wash. Does kind of dry out skin. Bottom LINE: Buy it if you have light acne.
December 3, 2008

Pros:

i used it when i was 13 and had no issues

Cons:

i used it a few days ago, and my face is not getting better.

so, i used this product when i was younger and had no issues of that i remember, i wanted a face wash to get rid of a couple none sense pimples i was experiencing. i'm a wreck right now, my face looks DISGUSTING .. has a bunch of little bumps all over, burns and is sooo itchy. i'm so embarrased to even be at work right now. ive been looking at these reviews hoping someone has a solution to make it better. but my face seriously looks gross. whether i'd recommend this product or not, depends i suppose on your skin type... mine however, does not work well with at all.
December 1, 2008

Pros:

Smells pretty good

Cons:

Dried up my skin, took a long time to clear my light berakouts

I wouldn't buy this again. My skin was extra dry, and my breakouts kept coming back.
December 1, 2008

Pros:

1. smells delicious!
2. feels refreshing.
3. works incredibly fast.

Cons:

1. nothing.

this was a great product, which i got at rite aid. ive only been using it for about a week or two, and after just a couple days, i saw clearer skin. it left my skin cool, refreshed, and less oily and porous. i love it!
November 30, 2008

Pros:

feels good on your skin

Cons:

doesnt work

ive used it for 3 months and it didnt help at all .
November 30, 2008

Pros:

very effective at preventing breakouts

Cons:

doesnt make significant difference on existing breakouts

try it
November 17, 2008

Pros:

Somewhat gets rid of your acne, smells nice, cheap

Cons:

Totally dries out your face, irritates your skin and makes it all flaky

I use a moisturizer with this, yet my skin is still flaky and dry. The first 2 or 3 times you use this, everything will be fine, but then afterwards, your skin starts feeling really irritated and itchy. It dried out my entire face, so it doesn't feel soft at all. Feels kind of rough actually. To be fair, it did get rid of some acne, but I definitely will never buy this product again.

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.