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
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
32.8%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

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May 4, 2008
Product used: Arbonne (Clear Advantage System)

Pros:

It smells really good.

Cons:

Made me break out, after one application!

So I've been partially following Dan's regime and it's been working pretty well except that I still have a few pimples. My mom was concerned so she bought me this expensive Arbonne stuff to use instead. I used it once and liked the smell, I was like hmm this could work! I now have like six new pimples on my face! And they hurt :[ People say this stuff works from the inside out and takes a while, but Dan's regime works right away and I can actually go out of the house.
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April 29, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)

Pros:

cleans face

Cons:

hurts like a bi#ch

works pretty well sometimes
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April 28, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel With CelluZyme)

Pros:

it actually works

Cons:

hard to find, but i finally found it at walmart

seems to really smooth out my face...I am pretty sure its working. i used this along with proactiv. At nights I used the proactive three step system then would put on cetaphil moiturizer. dab the proactiv mask on problem pimples and sleep with it overnight. In the morning i wash my face with the proactiv face wash again then apply the acne mark fading peel (every other day). i leave this on for about 10 minutes rinse off with cold water and apply mary kay oil free hydrating gel. all of these products along with yaz birth control pills have really improved my horrible acne i noticed A LOT of improvement the first month and my skin almost looks perfect after 2 months (expect the acne marks im still trying to get of)
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April 22, 2008
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)

Pros:

Nice, fresh clean feeling. No blackheads.

Cons:

doesn't clear up acne

Biore is good, but not this product!
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April 10, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer)

Pros:

EVERYTHING!
Seriously, this product is like a MIRACLE
it moisturizes my skin. ABSORBS QUICKLY! as soon as you put it on your skin. Doesn not only moisturize your skin but it fights ACNE! wow.

Cons:

NONE!

Buy it :)
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April 7, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion)

Pros:

This makes my skin feel nice and I have mild acne so when I use it I don't get any acne and any that I already had goes away fast.

Cons:

If you use other acne products it wont really help with any dryness you have.

Works great and fast but won't help any dryness or peeling you already have. I love it.
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April 6, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, Power-Clear Scrub)

Pros:

Very good product. Didn't dry out my skin. Reduced amount of acne breakouts. Smelled great.

Cons:

I needed to combine it with a spot acne treament for occasional bad breakouts.

Will continue to use this product.
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April 6, 2008
Product used: St. Ives (Medicated Apricot Scrub for Oily or Acne Prone Skin)

Pros:

Skin feels very soft, and fresh after use. Great to use in the shower! I have very sensitive skin, and have not found this product to be too harsh.

Cons:

Doesn't really help with acne.

This product has not helped decrease my acne, however it has given my skin a better overall appearance. Does a great job of removing dead skin cells, and leaves you with a fresh feeling and appearance. Definitely use with another acne treatment.
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April 1, 2008
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

cleared most small existing pimples.

Cons:

It does not work in 3 days. It works in the shoet term (a few weeks) but in the long term it is very harsh on your skin, and makes your skin vey red and inflamed. It makes your skin burn!

After the first week or so of using this product I thought it was the answer I've been looking for, it was until about a month of using it and it stoped working and just made my face sore after use.
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April 1, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

Cleared up my skin better than any prescription has and it is just OTC! Even taking antibiotics or birth control, use in addition to a medication is great

I have oily skin so I never noticed it to be over-drying. I use it all over my face, not just as a spot treatment. It works wonders for me and I love it!
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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.
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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.
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Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website