Salicylic Acid
Results
Side Effects

Widely available in over-the-counter skin care products in 0.5 - 2% strength, salicylic acid helps shed skin cells as well as reduce inflammation in the skin.

It's generally recommended to apply a salicylic acid-containing product 1-2 times per day, depending on your skin's tolerance and the product type.

3.6
6049
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:

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August 3, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

I put this on and overnight (7 hours later) my huge tender zits had been dramatically reduced in size and they no longer were painful.

Cons:

They tube is touchy.

It really seems to work.
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August 2, 2008
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)

Pros:

Got rid of the zits that I did have

Cons:

Made me break out more.

I have all these little zits on my face it looks so gross. When I first used it, it burned my skin like crazy I figured it would subside, but it didnt. It just dried my skin out like crazy, even after I moisturized, my skin was still peeling. I did wash my face before hand every time. Id use it as a spot treatment because it does work on acne, but its just too strong for my skin.
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July 31, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

It dries out the zit and doesn't make it as tender to touch.

Cons:

it can sometimes make it iritated and red.

Its and awsome product!
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July 28, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

well its my first time using this product although nothing helps my acne to desappear

Cons:

.......

well what do i have to lose with using this product I tried everything and it won't help me with the ammount of pimples... well I will write a review later on in the week and see how it has help me..
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July 16, 2008
Product used: Arbonne (Clear Advantage System)

Pros:

Cleared my face without drying like other products. Good fragrance to it, I can use it to take off my mascara as well. My rep let me use it for one week before purchasing. That was awesome.

Cons:

A little expensive but most things that work for me actually are in the higher range.

I am 26 years old and I live where we get all 4 seasons and we get humidity it causes my face to break out. I tried proactive and it made my skin flake and then I tried oil free products and it just dried me out too. I noticed on this product that it is alcohol free and oil free and it has alpha hydroxy in it that helps my skin. I cleared up after a few days and my face is not dried out. I went to a dermatologist for my skin and showed him the ingredients in the products and for my skin it is the perfecr combo. It really depends on your skin type.
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July 16, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment)

Pros:

It kind of tingles feels really nice makes your skin feel soft and smooth. Doesn't help with my acne but doesn't make it worse.

Cons:

I kind of have to hold my breath when I use it because the scent is really strong and can get up in your nose and... ugh not a nice feeling.

Good if you want a soft clean skin but not if you want to try to treat moderate to severe acne.
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July 15, 2008
Product used: Oxy (Balance Maximum Deep Pore Cleansing Pads)

Pros:

Cleared up all my acne in just a couple of days.

Cons:

None

I started using these pads about a year ago and they helped clear up my skin amazingly fast. I couldn't believe it worked because everything else I had tried kinda sucked. But I really like these. I've been using them ever since and though I've had an occasional zit, that doesnt matter compared to the overall effect. I say give them a try. If you like them, great. If not, I'm sorry they havn't had the same effect on you as they have for me. Wish you all luck in getting rid of your acne. (And by the way, they sell really cheap at target. Or at least the target here sells them cheap.)
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July 14, 2008
Product used: La Roche-Posay (Effaclar K)

Pros:

nice smell, doesn't dry out my skin, clears up blemishes

Cons:

takes awhile to work

I've been using this product for a month and a half now, and my skin has really cleared up! My derm recommended this and I use it along with the Effaclar toner, and the foaming face wash. Also I was perscribed RetinA which I use at night. With the toner, my face hasn't dried out which it usually does with most acne products. I still have some acne and scarring but little by little it has been disappearing. I definetley recommend the Effaclar line, it has done wonders! It has stopped my breakouts and I had suffered from severe acne.
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July 12, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

Inexpensive

Cons:

Peeled right off, smelled funny

I used this some time ago, so I don't know if they possibly changed the formula since then or not, but it really didn't do much for my pimples. I used it every night on each pimple I had for a few months, but really didn't see anything, and I got slightly better results with a different brand's spot treatment without the gel peeling off if I happen to touch my face (it was kind of like a layer of rubber), and if I remember right, it smelled kind of like celery. That being said, it worked for my mom. So, for some people it does, the rest...not so much. I recommend it because if you haven't tried it, you won't know until you do try.
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July 3, 2008
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

it makes your skin feel soft...

Cons:

Doesn't control acne, I still broke out using it. I started getting cysts after using this!

REALLY bad cleanser. It does NOT clear your skin in 3 days, it made mine WORSE. Don't waste your money on this crap!
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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.
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Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

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