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
September 20, 2007

Pros:

I have very sensitive skin and the Purity facial cleanser is perfect! I follow it up with Hope in a Jar and my skin is clear and soft! LOVE IT!!

Cons:

For me there are none. I think it depends on why your face is breaking out. My face breaks out if I use something irritating. Otherwise I really don't have acne-prone skin, just sensitive skin. If your skin is really acne-prone maybe a

I think it depends on why your face is breaking out. My face breaks out if I use something irritating. Otherwise I really don't have acne-prone skin, just sensitive skin. If your skin is really acne-prone maybe a different product would be better.
August 21, 2007

Pros:

gets rid of acne

Cons:

RUINED MY FACE SKIN. I USED IT ON ONE PART AND NOW THAT PART IS LIGHER THAN MY WHOLE FACE. YOU IDIOTS WHY DON'T YOU HAVE CAUTION LABELS ON YOUR PRODUCTS???

DON'T BUY THIS DUMB PRODUCT
August 21, 2007

Pros:

leaves skin feeling smooth, fades light marks, exfoliates while fighting acne breakouts

Cons:

must be used consistently for a long time, expensive, results not too dramatic for dark marks

its an OKAY product. not bad. not good. ive been using it for a month, and it does fade light marks very well. However, i have a few dark marks too and this product doesnt work too well to fight those.
August 18, 2007

Pros:

eliminates and prevents back and chest acne

Cons:

have to use daily to see results

good product, takes care of body acne if used consistently
June 20, 2007

Pros:

In the first couple of days I saw a huge difference, a lot of pimples dried up. I like the smell of the product as well.

Cons:

It didnt get rid of everything and my skin was feeling very dry and it looked very red. When I would apply the treatment, it would burn badly.

Use something else. I'm trying "Acne Free" now. Hopefully this works out better.
May 5, 2007

Pros:

the microbeads or whatever they're called, don't seem to irritate my skin like the other ones.

Cons:

doesn't really get rid of blackheads.

blackhead clearing? not so much. it's not a horrible product, but i would never recommend this to anybody.
February 20, 2007

Pros:

Hated it!

Cons:

Pull it off the market!!

This stuff is awful! My skin is already oily but it just made it worse and red with bumps everywhere! Just pull it off the market!
December 6, 2006

Pros:

It works!

Cons:

It takes awhile to work.

I bought this for my husband a few months ago. He started using it, and at first nothing changed. Then, after about a month, it happened. His face was cleared up. We didn't realize that we were almost out of the supplement though, and when we ran out, it took us almost 3 weeks to get more. His skin broke out again about a week or 2 after being off the supplement. Now he's back on it, and it's been almost a month again, and his skin is almost cleared! I think my husband is a bit lazy, and doesn't even bother using the full line. Though I can't force him to use the facial products every day, I can make sure he takes the vitamins! I don't sell this, but I do recommend it. I got it on ebay for a good price. Just know that it will take maybe up to a month to see the results, but it's worth it. The vitamins have even helped clear up his back.
October 7, 2006

Pros:

smelled good

Cons:

I did not like it, I think it irritated skin, made matters worse

I don't recommend it. Try Paula's Choice -- her products worked for me.
October 4, 2006

Pros:

made for sensitive skin like mine ..
clears little red dot pimples that u get on your forhead , cheak , and anywhere else on face . didnt try body yet.i like the gel type material.
u see difference for my kind of pimples over night ! amazing !!!!

Cons:

none really ..

well i wud reccomend u use this because it works for those little marks on your face . it also removes the scars! i know right. i have those pimples u see like everywhere like little bumps. there red.. well first i wash my face with warm water.. then i rub over the acne scrub and then wash it with warm water. let it dry and then put a moisturizer on it . if you do this in the night .. which i do once in morning and then once in the night . it works overnight get amazing results.

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.