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
November 17, 2008

Pros:

Previous acne scars lightened a bit.

Cons:

I faced irritation, redness near the nose area. I started getting white heads at the beginning of its use. Rate of formation of acne did not reduce.

I will not blame the product. Every individual's internal system is also responsible for acne. But this may work for other people.
November 16, 2008

Pros:

Smells light and fresh with a hint of cucumber, not sweet or intense like practically all the others

Cons:

Only that I can't find it in some drug stores! Why can it be hard to find?? I LOVE THIS STUFF

I'm 44 with adult acne! After years of trying everything from Benzamycin to Buff Puffs to Retin-A, here's my regimen. My skin is like GLASS if I don't get lazy! I swear, it even looks younger . I get a lot of compliments on my complexion! Here's what I do: Wash morning and night with regular soap and washcloth. Rinse, pat dry. Next, I lightly spray my face with a Burt's Bees product, such as "Carrot Seed Oil" or "Lavender" skin sprays (smell wonderfully fresh). These natural botanical essential oils "trick" your skin into NOT pumping out so much sebum! Also keeps the Biore astringent from burning skin or being harsh. These products do not clog. Your skin will not feel oily. It's instantly absorbed! So I spread its light wetness around, face and neck, but it's gone in seconds. Finally, I dispense Biore astringent on my fingertips and spread on my problem areas. Bingo. Done. Flawless skin if I don't get lazy or forget to use!
November 12, 2008

Pros:

cleared my skin very well, have had very minimal pimples after i started using it.

Cons:

may dry out skin, use a moisturizer!!

I had moderate acne before i came upon this product, i had been using the "acne free" system before, but i still got a bunch of zits. This cleanser has seriously made my face SO much better. It made my skin a bit worse at first, but by using it on a twice daily basis, i've been able to keep my face clear of pimples! of course i still get one or two every once in a while, but they are generally smaller and shorter lived than they were before. My nose hasn't been this smooth since middle school!
October 28, 2008

Pros:

Works good and fast

Cons:

Maybe break you out after you stop using it.

Try it out!
October 20, 2008

Pros:

The moisturizer is fantastic, which is primarily why I bought it, it is very light and non greasy and doesn't smell like most acne medications. The bottle also makes it come out clean without leaving that nasty crust.

Cons:

If you use it at night it sometimes bleaches your sheets so BE CAREFUL. I had a set of violet sheets on my bed and they were ruined, so use at your own risk at night, definately a morning routine

It is a fantastic moisturizer with a .5 salicitic acid content which is more than most other products, however it has no SPF so consider buying a foundation or powder that has SPF (like I did) it works well together
October 20, 2008

Pros:

It started to work immediately..And I feel and see the results..

Cons:

Use a good moisturizer, if not your skin will get kinda dry.

Use it right after you wash your face. You will feel it start to kinda burn. That meand it is penetrating deep into the pores to remove dirt and stop blemishes. Drink water also to keep your skin pure. Stay away from pops they can make blemishes appear from the acid while using this. AMBI, CLEANSE AND CLEAR, PROACTIV, NONE OF IT WORKED FOR MY SKIN.
October 20, 2008

Pros:

reduces pimple size sometimes, and redness. Smells nice.

Cons:

Don't think it works for everyone ofcoarse. It stings alittle. Sometimes the pimple comes back if you stop using it.

Try it, and you will know.
October 4, 2008

Pros:

This is a good product for light acne. You can put it on right before you go out and it almost imediatley makes it better. My acne is moderate so i like to use another product for morning and night but its great to put a couple times durning the day.

Cons:

Stings a bit but doesnt bother me.

Great product.
October 1, 2008

Pros:

Reduces pimple size. Works really fast. Smells good.

Cons:

burns a bit.

I think this product is best for light acne. I don't recommend this product for people who have severe acne because the product might burn your skin since there are open sores. I only get pimples once and awhile. and this spot treatment works great if you only have 1 or 2 zits you wanna get rid of.
September 29, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my face up, helps control blackheads, doubles as a pretty good exfoliater

Cons:

Beads get absolutely everywhere, blackheads are back after 12-24 hours

Overall a decent product, won't permananently erase blackheads however.

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.