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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October 31, 2011
Product used: Mary Kay (Blemish Control Toner 3)

Pros:

-dries out pimples

Cons:

it dries out your skin ALOT . my skin was always smooth but now its really dry on the spot where i use this.

It didn't help as much .
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October 14, 2011
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

Lovely smell
Pump
Foam
Cheap (in US)
Cute bottle with lid

Cons:

Cystic acne all over face
Soy protein reaction (cysts)

I loved this cleanser at first. However, after about a week I started breaking out really bad with cystic acne. I belive it was from soy-protein that it contains. I returned it.
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October 2, 2011
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer)

Pros:

THIS WORKS LIKE A CHARM! I love the way it makes my skin feel. Also, it adds a little radiance ;) I noticed a difference in my acne in just two washes!

Cons:

The fragrance is not the best.

It is worth every penny.
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September 26, 2011
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

-Light
-Clean and Refreshing Smell
-Absorbs into skin well
-Helped Reduce redness

Cons:

-Pricey (but worth it!)

It has helped the discolouration in my skin, making it look healthier and clearer. Its expensive here, but its DEFINITELY WORTH saving up for! People keep on complimenting me on my clear skin. :)
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September 23, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)

Pros:

Smells good
Gets job done :)
Doesn't dry out face

Cons:

Sometimes slight redness

This product is great! About 2 weeks ago I switched from ProActiv and so far it has worked miracles! My face isn't completely clear yet but it's definitely getting there. It's really cheap and because of it's great acne bacteria killing ingredients it workes amazing. My face is really oily but this product controls it perfectly. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
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August 31, 2011
Product used: Neutrogena (Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Body Wash)

Pros:

*Lathers nicely
*Smells fantastic
*Beads
*Pretty color

Cons:

*Doesn't clear up acne...
*Acidic

I have never been a fan of grapefruit products due to acidity, but decided to give this one a shot. The product is lovely to use, it smells great, gives a thick lather, and contains moisturizing beads BUT I saw no improvement in my moderate/severe chest, back, neck, and shoulders acne after going through an entire bottle. In fact, I would say my bacne got even worse. However, this product would probably work well for those with light or mild bacne.
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August 24, 2011
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, Power-Clear Scrub)

Pros:

smelt great
exfoliated great
cleared acne

Cons:

not much product in bottle

overall worked for my skin, only acne medicine to ever clear my skin that fast.
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August 2, 2011
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment)

Pros:

Cheap and easy to use

Cons:

Didin't work at all for me!!

A friend reccomended me this product because she said it worked very well for her. I had a mild case of acne (not more than 3 pimples at the same time), and after a week using this product I broke out to have my chin really full of pimples!! Maybe this product would work for other people, but for me it wasn't good at all...
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August 1, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage 3-in-1 Foaming Acne Wash)

Pros:

Skin smelled nice after use.
Left my skin feeling smooth and soft.

Cons:

Did not prevent or got rid of any acne at all.

This product was basically a product that screams " I do nothing " I'm not satisfied with this product. On the label, it clearly said it prevent and treat breakouts. It absolutely does none of that. The nice thing about it was that smelled nice. The scent wasn't too strong like other products. I admit, it made my mouth area dry but it made other areas really smooth.
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July 19, 2011
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner)

Pros:

Helps prevent acne
Clears acne marks
Doesn't dry skin

Cons:

N/A

I would totally buy this toner again...yea
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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