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
June 27, 2009

Pros:

after using this product my face look more oillier.

Cons:

i have brown skin and this product doesn't work at all.

my face look the same just the same.
June 1, 2009

Pros:

clears up acne at first...

Cons:

makes skin dry

it's good
April 30, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

This stuff sucks, it burns pretty bad, cost too much, did pretty much nothing for my face. Doesnt really smell too bad.

It doesnt work!
March 21, 2009

Pros:

Quick, convenient. Ridiculously cheap.

Cons:

It seemed to hurt my skin a lot even when I was super gentle, only using my fingers to simply move the pad across my skin. Made skin very dry and itchy, and red. Also stings a lot. The smell is also annoying.

Use it only if you have more severe cases of acne, and lower concentrations of Salicylic Acid doesn't seem to affect your skin.
March 16, 2009

Pros:

I like the smell...

Cons:

Horrible results... Dried out my skin and got a lot of pimples right after starting using it.

Do not buy this....
February 24, 2009

Pros:

dont use it whitout asking a doctor before!!!

Cons:

When I started to use this product I had just a smaller problem whit acne. I used it 3 days, and it destroyed my skin! Red marks in all the face, acne in ALL the face and its all itchy too.

Dont buy it
February 19, 2009

Pros:

its the sh*t son!

Cons:

its the sh*t son!

its the sh*t son!
December 16, 2008

Pros:

It worked for a day. . . . woopy

Cons:

Ummm lets see it BURNS it spread red blotches all over me and it stoppped working after my skin was used to it

BAD!! missleading and not recomended for tons of acne.... maybe good for 1 little itty bitty zit
November 22, 2008

Pros:

I've used this stuff for years and it has kept my skin completely clear. I use the scrub every day and the astringent at night. It's the only thing that has worked consistently on my skin and I have 0 breakouts and healthy clean skin.

Cons:

Hard to find. I've will probably start ordering online- which can be a few dollars extra but if you buy a bunch of bottles it's totally worth it for me.

Use it. With a good moisturizer you can combat the dryness that might happen and really control awful breakouts. Buy the scrub to use with it. I love this product. I've tried everything else that seems similar and NOTHING worked. I would recommend this to any person with combination skin.
August 22, 2008

Pros:

-decent packaging
-smells nice :)

Cons:

-made me breakout after ONE use :S

my frend uses this, and her skin seems fine x_x; didnt exactly work for me tho >.< i tried using this @ night and the next mrning i had 3 bigger than normal breakouts on my forehead.

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.