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:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
December 25, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)

Pros:

helped my oily skin
feels refreshing

Cons:

overdrying
doesnt help acne AT ALL

if you have oily skin, go ahead and get it.
This Was Helpful

Report
November 15, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

Easy to use
Cheap
Feels like its working

Cons:

None so far

I been using it for a few days and it feels like its working hopefully it will
This Was Helpful

Report
November 14, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)

Pros:

-Easy to apply on

Cons:

-Made my skin VERY oily
-No SPF
-Fragrance

I did not like this moisturizer one bit, because my skin looked like a glazed donut after putting this on. My face broke out from all the oil.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 26, 2010
Product used: Peter Thomas Roth (Max Complexion Correction Pads)

Pros:

Low level AHA/BHA for treating acne and discolorations from post inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Smooths the skin

Softer skin

Cons:

Initially the breakout flared worse due to purging of impurities

Does not work as fast as most severe acne sufferers want

Can really dry the skin and initially worsen the acne due to oil production trying to combat the dry skin

Did nothing for my pitted or lumpy scars, I needed professional peel for that.

This really only worked for me after the bad acne was treated. It helps to refine the skin texture and very slowly lighten some of the post inflammatory pigment problems. If you have mild hyper-pigmentation and acne this will work, but it will take take time. If your acne is moderately severe, it needs to be controlled before you can get a benefit from this problem. Being patient is hard, but the acne and scars did not get there overnight and neither will the results.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 11, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, Power-Clear Scrub)

Pros:

It made my face feel smooth, and more soft.

Cons:

Skin got dry quick, burned when I put on at first, made acne much worse, didn't make then reduce in redness and it made them very sensative, I got on my lips now my lips are chapped badly.

I would think since I have a little worse acne then moderate that it doesn't work for moderate+, I have used 7 times and my face just doesn't get better and now looks worse it caused my face to be very sensative and I tried everything washing 3 times a day, taking 2 showers a day, and even not touching my face with my hands to prevent oil transfer, didn't help it just made it look much worse(they should pay us to use this).
This Was Helpful

Report
August 21, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

works real fast.
clears/reduces pimple over night.

Cons:

burns a bit if you get to close to the eye. XD

It works really well. just remember if you don't wash your face before putting Clean and Clear Advantage, it basically won't work because of all the oil on your face. Wash your face really good with a face cleanser (I use Biore Revitalize 4-in-1Self Foaming Cleanser, because I can feel it clean out the dirt and oil) once you have done that put on the Clean and Clear Advantage. and done.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 14, 2010
Product used: Burt's Bees (Natural Acne Solutions Kit)

Pros:

I like the smell and the fact that it is natural and organic. I have sensitive body systems and was hoping that natural meant safer and better...

Cons:

I have been using the lotion and the blemish stick for about a week and have the worst breakout I have had in a very long time.

I came on here to see if the breakout was one of those one-time "clear it all" kind of things, but see that many who did experience a break out continue to with this product. May keep the rest for non-face acne, but as for my face I'll go back to clean and clear.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 23, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Spot Stress Control Power-Cream Wash)

Pros:

It works finally something that does
smells nice
it cools my face down

Cons:

it feels like its losing the fight with my spots

it is a definate buy as it works !!!
This Was Helpful

Report
July 23, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Spot Stress Control Hydrating Spot Treatment)

Pros:

It cools the spots down
smells nice

Cons:

If it gets a small amount of water on the spot starts to itch again and more of the lotion needs to be applied

It is a good product to use but the issue is i feel it starts to feel like its not working any more :(
This Was Helpful

Report
May 14, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment)

Pros:

none

Cons:

didnt do anything to help my acne

would not recomend to use it didnt help me at all
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 308 309 310 311 312 … 375
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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