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.
Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
March 31, 2017
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
Only One That Works for Me!
All the other products mess with my skin WAY too much, but this is perfect and works fast! Just in time for my pictures too! :D
March 17, 2017
Product used: Clinique (Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar)
Always come back to it
Tried Cetaphil and it did NOT stop the breakouts. My skin must be addicted to this bar. Have used it for 3 years and will continue to keep breakouts at bay!
March 14, 2017
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)
Awesome!!!
I recently just started using these, and they really do work!!! I have ALOT of pimples and acne on my nose, forehead, and chin. Take this from a 12 yr old. I use them once a day, and it doesn't dry up my skin or anything! This is GREAT!!!!!!!! My nose is a lot clearer now, and I've never been happier in my life about acne!!! I haven't used any other products, and it just does it on its own!!! But all of you have different skin types, so it may not work. Just try it! You won't be disapointed!♡♡♡
March 13, 2017
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer)
Wow
I recently moved back to Canada (yes in the middle of winter) and quickly developed dry winter skin. I needed a moisturizer desperately. I am always worried about adding new products to my face as I (adult 46 year old female) have acne prone skin. I bought Aveeno Clear Complexion and I have to say WOW. Not only did it do a great job at moisturizing but it actually cleared up my skin better. It is light and has a mild scent. I use it at night and in the morning after my regular face wash. I plan to stock up. I can't say enough about this product.
January 12, 2017
Product used: Neutrogena (Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner)
Best Toner Under $10
This is one of the best toners I have ever used. It leaves your face feeling clean and refreshed without drying your skin out. This toner is part of Neutrogena's Microclear ® Technology product line and at just under $7 per bottle it's an absolute steal. Microclear ® is a patented technology composed of three ingredients acting in synergy to prepare the skin to receive salicylic acid under good conditions: so, that it can act deeply in the pores and release all its efficiency to help get rid of spots.
January 1, 2017
Product used: Clinique (Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar)
I always come back to it...reliable results
I've tried others, I ALWAYS wind up coming back to this. It consistently keeps my acne to a minimum without backfiring and causing more acne a week or so later, it just keeps working. It's actually milder than their "mild" bar, which is good, because that bar can be a little too drying.
I recently started using a Clarisonic and chose to use this as my cleanser choice. The Clarisonic can drive your cleanser deeper into your pores and this one I trusted not to cause any clogging. I can also use this occasionally on my back and shoulders with a back brush and it keeps my skin looking healthy, clear and polished. I really love this soap. I highly recommend it.
December 27, 2016
Product used: St. Ives (Blemish Control Apricot Scrub)
I really like it
I have dry, acne-prone skin and this stuff just saved it. I use it everyday (yeah, your read correctly, EVERYDAY) in the mornings. I just splash a little bit of cold water on my face, put a little amount on my hands (a little, it goes a long way) and then put it all over my face and just use it as a face wash, then I just wash it off and pat my skin dry with a little towel. My skin is bright and clean when I use it, and then I just use my favorite face mosturizer. This is really good for my skin, it didn't give me more blemishes, it is not so drying on my skin, it's just excellent. I love it. If you use it, just put mosturizer and you'll be covered!
November 28, 2016
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
Perfect for buffering Tazorac
I'm in my mid-50s and still have to work hard to manage acne, a life long challenge. I found by trial and error over many years of dealing with tough hormonal acne that blending this with Tazorac (almost 1:1, a bit more of the Dual Action) as part of my night-time routine has been a critical key to my success. My skin is completely clear, smooth, and not overly dry or greasy, and I have very few lines. I think the low level of salicylic acid is just enough to help the Tazorac get deep into my pores and the moisturizers seem very neutral and just enough to buffer the powerful action of the Tazorac and keep my skin happy (I found using it by itself was counter productive). I go to one of the nation's top dermatologists in Los Angeles who works with many celebrity clients. I've tried every expensive prescription, "only available through dermatologists" and OTC product you can name, and keep coming back to this magical combination. When I'd break out, I'd stop everything and go to bed with just the Dual Action on my face plus spot treating blemishes with a stronger 2% salicylic acid product or End-Zit drying lotion. I also use the Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser every night to get my makeup off (again, after trying more fancy stuff and coming back to this over and over), and then wash a second time with an anti-aging or more gentle cleanser to reset my skin (washing twice if you wear makeup is essential, one to cut through makeup and the second to treat). In my routine I also use a gentle glycolic acid cleanser in the morning, two different Paula's Choice toners (one morning and one in the evening), and Dr. Lin's benzoyl peroxide Acne Spot Treatment (another inexpensive miracle product) as an all over treatment every morning before sunscreen. I use various masks occasionally, and the Nia 24 scrub about once a week. I have a light olive complexion that is pretty sensitive, and bear in mind I've used Rx retinoids for over 25 years so my skin has a built up tolerance. I pray this product will never be discontinued!
October 21, 2016
Product used: Stridex (Maximum Pads with Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Free)
A good chemical exfoliant.
I have combination skin. I do not use these to treat acne, but rather to exfoliate. My t-zone tends to get very oily, especially my nose. That being said, my skin can start to look extremely congested and dirty with all the oil building up - clogged pores, blackheads, bumps, etc. I made an appointment with the aesthetician at my derm's office and she recommended these. After cleansing, I just quickly sweep this over my nose, forehead and chin. So far they work great! I don't use them everyday because they can be drying. You have to find what works for you. I have sensitive skin and these don't irritate it at all or make it red.
September 27, 2016
Product used: St. Ives (Blemish Control Apricot Scrub)
Amazing Exfoliant!
People w/ sensitive skin, sorry, but this isn't for you. I have oily & acne prone skin. This product is vital to my nighttime facial routine i use to treat my acne. I use it every other day (I switch in between 2 exfoliants i use). I am drawn to harsh products, because i feel like they're the only thing that work for me. Everything else is "gentle & soothing," like...no... Products like that are a joke when it comes to my acne. My skin & acne are very stubborn, "gentle" just doesn't work.