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
October 18, 2007

Pros:

Great product

Cons:

Burns when applied to skin!

Great product! Good for acne that wont go away.
October 13, 2007

Pros:

Works good. Quick and easy to use.

Cons:

Dries my skin a little.

Well I've only been using it for a couple of weeks but it seems to be reducing my horrible acne scars. I do have a few deeper scars that I don't think will fade with this product, but for the most part it's doing the job I want it too. I don't know why people are complaining about the smell. It's not that bad at all.
October 12, 2007

Pros:

Out of all the products I've tried, this is the only one that's ever worked for me.

Cons:

Alot of stores have stopped carrying it, so it's getting really hard to track down... I'm now buying it online.

Everybody's skin is differant, but it's worth a shot. I didn't think it would work for me since just about nothing does, but lo and behold, for the first time in years my face is almost clear. If it does work the only thing that sucks is that you may end up having to buy it online since alot of stores have stoped carrying it in favor of Loreal's new acne line.
October 8, 2007

Pros:

Smells good, feels good on skin.

Cons:

Did NOTHING to help or improve my acne. It actually made it worse! I would not reccomend it.

Not a good product. Works for like the first week, then it just makes your skin worse.
October 7, 2007

Pros:

Leaves skin soft and smooth getting rid of dead skin cells

Cons:

Doesn't completely clear blemishes

For those who find it hard to scrub round your face, don't use. Although if you need to exfoliate your face use this and it helps a little to clear bemishes. Also moisturize after use
October 7, 2007

Pros:

Makes the skin feel nice, but thats pretty much it

Cons:

Smells bad, doesnt clear anything, and the 3 days clearer thing is bull****

Doesnt work as an acne cleanser, but its got a nice packaging
October 5, 2007

Pros:

The first two days it made my skin very soft and I thought it would end up working well.

Cons:

after about three days or so it ended up spreading my acne to areas of my face it had never been a problem in before.

It made my acne MUCH MUCH worse. I wouldn't risk it if I were you.. seriously.
September 29, 2007

Pros:

Helps prevent breakouts, makes scars fade fast, dries up zits FAST

Cons:

The smell is not really that bad... Small price to pay for all the benefits of this product.

I use it twice a day, everyday for about 25 mins each time, and I see fast results. My skin has improved a lot. The price isn't that bad. A bottle is about $9.50 at Target and lasts a couple of weeks.
September 17, 2007

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

this stuff is awful!

this is the type of product that gives you the false impression of having overnight results - however, after using it for about a month, my skin looked worse than it had at the beginning.
September 16, 2007

Pros:

Doesn't make your skin feel or look shiny and/or greasy at all! But still gets rid of most dryness. Makes your skin look healthier.

Cons:

Doesn't seem to do much to stop acne.
Dries very quickly which makes it a bit hard to spread it all over your face.

Good to use during the day. But I would not use is all the time cause it won't stop acne. I pay 12,28 euro for 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.