Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.6
6049 Reviews
Topical Keratolytic
Efficacy
55%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
Low
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.
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
July 8, 2008

Pros:

it cleared up in 2 days,

Cons:

stinging, but its worth it.

this was one of the best product i have used so far..
July 8, 2008

Pros:

works for a little while.

Cons:

makes it much worse, you will get horribly worse acne after using it.

THIS PRODUCT MAKES IT WORSE!!! DONT USE IT!!! I WENT TO THE STORE AND HAD CLEAR SKIN, AFTER USING CLEARASIL ULTRA DAILY FACIAL WASH, AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE THING I WAS USING... LATER ON I FOUND OUT IT WAS CLEARASIL THAT I WAS USING... THIS JUST MADE MY SKIN FROM PERFECT TO SEVERE! THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST PRODUCT ON THE MARKET! DOOOOOOOOO NOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT USSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! kys.
July 4, 2008

Pros:

Prevented pimples, alcohol free

Cons:

Smelled awful

It worked okay on my skin, but I'll look for something better next time. It didn't do much for my back, plus I used the whole container in a month.
June 11, 2008

Pros:

I have used this product for years and it has always kept my skin smooth and free from acne and other imperfections. It does not sting, and is mild enough, but you always have to use a moisturizer anyway with any astringent. love it!

Cons:

Can't find it anymore, don't like the new blue version, too strong fragrance and stings on the face!

I switched to another brand since they changed the astringent.
June 6, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne fast.

Cons:

The smells, ugh. Both the unscnented and regular had smells that pretty much choked me.

It made my skin feel really clean after the first use, and the few breakouts I had were cleared up within a day or two. I keep using it every morning and night, and my skin is a lot cleaner than it was!
June 5, 2008

Pros:

Dermafina is the only product I want to use again. I bought it from Walgreens in 2003 and my skin cleared up within a wk and a half! It doesn't dry out skin and there's no side affects.

Cons:

I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE! Right when my skin is acting up.

I don't understand how a company can put something so good on the market, and all of a sudden discontinue it! Dermafina is THE BEST that I've tried. Maybe writing the company may bring it back.
May 21, 2008

Pros:

It worked very well, on my skin. No peeling, and the smell wasn' t that bad to me.

Cons:

It stings a little when you put, it on. But on;y for like 2 seconds. Then its fine.

I think it works well. I put it on last night hoping to clear up a few blemishes above my eyebrow, and the next morning they were almost completey vanished!
May 7, 2008

Pros:

It is getting rid of my acne (finally!!)

Cons:

The outer packaging is too much--not enviro friendly, though I'm sure the chemicals aren't either

After two months on ProActive and only seeing petty results, I used this one after my luggage (and ProActive) were held up for more than a week. Out of PA, I started using this exclusively & saw noticeable results in just a few days! I have very oily skin & aside from mild irritation on sensitive parts (my neck), I have had no problems aside from this product not being sold at my local drug store. Other treatments don't use as much benz perox or salicylic acid as this does. Even prescription stuff from my dermatologist hasn't worked this well with such mild irritation & side effects and cost this little (a bargain compared to ProActive's rip off). Perhaps if this is irritation, try just using either the cleanser or moisturizer until your skin gets used to it, or try one of the thousands of wimpy & pathetic products on the market. This is meant to wipe out bad acne, and it worked (is still working) like a dream!
April 14, 2008

Pros:

VERY IMPRESSED!
Does exactly what it says on the tin. I can not believe how much the redness has reduced. Even my scarring is a lot less noticable.

Cons:

Price

I DEFINATELY saw a difference in 3 days. Great product, if a little on the dear side.
April 13, 2008

Pros:

+It prevents breakouts
+It feels cool and refreshing on your skin
+It prevents your skin from getting too oily

Cons:

-If you have sensitive skin, it may irritate your skin
-It doesn't get rid of current breakouts

It works well at preventing breakouts, but it does nothing for current ones. It keeps oily skin matte and clean throughout the day.

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.

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.