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:
August 22, 2008
Product used: Clearasil (Maximum Strength Pore Cleansing Pads)

Pros:

If you look at the pad after you wipe your face you can see that it removed surface dirt and oil. It made my skin feel less oily

Cons:

It made my skin really red right after i used it. It also burned a lot when i used it. I dont know whether it helped my acne or made it more irritated

Its very harsh on your skin. It cleans off dirt and oil though.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 21, 2008
Product used: Clearasil (Daily Face Wash, Sensitive)

Pros:

[I bought a kit] Using this kit consistently improved my skin to an extent. What really helped me was the spot treatment.

Cons:

My face was NEVER oily and ever since I used the cleanser [and the acne kit] my face has become extremely oily and given me so many blackheads.

The spot treatment was the best product out of that kit. I didn't find the cleanser to be refreshing or the toner effective. Even the moisturizer was goopy and greasy. In fact, [when I was using this product] I ran out of the moisturizer and stopped using it completely. I found a little in the bottle and when I used it and I broke out! It was horrible. However, while using this product I found that the main cause of my acne was how often I touch my face. I've purchased a different acne kit [with a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide instead of salicylic acid, which makes my skin feel soooo much better] and I've been seeing immense improvements.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 19, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

Smells good, gets rid of blackheads.

Cons:

IT GAVE ME MORE PIMPLES!

Don't use it.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 16, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer)

Pros:

This is the best moisturizer ever! It's not oil at all. I used to have very dry skin but after using this it's perfect.

Cons:

I've been using it for awhile now and still haven't seen it do anything for my acne but it just might not work well with my skin type.

Get moisturizer not so get acne fighter.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 11, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)

Pros:

fast and easy

Cons:

Doesn't help your acne any i just got more and it made my face really oily.

Don't buy it
This Was Helpful

Report
August 10, 2008
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

leaves skin feeling smooth and clear....for the first 3 days maybe

Cons:

After about a week of using the product, my acne became worse.

I've gotten 5 BIGGG zits since i've used this product in less than a week.... First time i've used an acne controlling product and i'm sadly disappointed, would have been better off without.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 4, 2008
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer)

Pros:

Non greasy

Cons:

Breakouts

I use the Proactiv system... which drys skin out. I would use this, sparingly, around my mouth to help with the dryness. Well for months, around my mouth and on my chin I would always get nasty little pimples. I NEVER put two and two together and realized it was from the this lotion! Once I stopped using this, no more pimples. I was dumb for not realizing earlier but I didn't think an Aveeno product was making me breakout. It just had adverse effects on me and I would def not reccomend if you have acne-prone skin...
This Was Helpful

Report
July 31, 2008
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)

Pros:

smells great, leaves skin feeling soft. started clearing my whitheads in two days!

Cons:

breakout worse when stoppin usage.

works great as an exfoliator and everyday cleanser. also as a fast clearing wash.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 28, 2008
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

Clears your skin - for a day or two

Cons:

Totally dries it out - even after putting on HEAPS of moisturiser. Then it makes your face itchy, scaly, red, burning, and incredibly sore. Then the acne comes back worse then ever

Is way to harsh on your face. Clears acne, then it comes back worse then ever. DONT EVER USE!!
This Was Helpful

Report
July 12, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

nice fragrance, goes on clear.

Cons:

did absolutely nothing to help acne, stung a bit when first applied, waste of $8.

I bought this product because it claims that 100% of people showed clearer skin in just one day, so I figured I'd try it out. I've been using it 2-3 times a day as directed for 2 weeks and I see absolutely no difference in the size or redness of my pimples. It didn't necessarily have any negative effects on my skin, but it definitely didn't do anything for my acne. This product is ridiculous and I wish I never bought it in the first place.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 316 317 318 319 320 … 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