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

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July 7, 2008
Product used: Oxy (Balance Maximum Deep Pore Cleansing Pads)

Pros:

IT WORKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Cons:

NOTHING

IT WORKKKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
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October 19, 2007
Product used: Arbonne (Clear Advantage System)

Pros:

i dont know.

Cons:

it is expensive and i keep on running out of pillsi have been taking it for three months an d i havent seen a difference. the people at arbonne said results in a month. it takes patients cause it doesnt work that fast

my acne was getting frusterating so i got arbonne and i have been using it for three months and i havent seen a huge change. some days are better than others but i still wish my acne was gone
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January 11, 2012
Product used: Olay (Acne Control Face Wash)

Pros:

cleans skin

Cons:

drys face out
makes acne flare up
face feel extremely tight after washing

i wouldnt reccomend this product for someone with dry,sensitve,or combination skin.
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August 16, 2010
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)

Pros:

doesn't have a chemical smell
is very gentle on skin
softens skin

Cons:

leaves skin extremely oily
does not help acne

As background, I used Proactiv for years before trying Biore. I have been using this scrub for 3 weeks now, and have seen my skin get significantly worse. I know that acne will usually get worse before it gets better, but I'm so embarrassed by what's happening to my skin that I'm not going to wait for it to get better. I wanted to try this product because they advertise that it's "immediately 68% more effective than Proactiv", which it wasn't. I'm getting blemishes in places on my face where I have never had a problem, and now my skin gets oily within minutes after washing my face. I'm really disappointed in this product. I had high hopes, but it's only made things worse.
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August 10, 2010
Product used: Burt's Bees (Natural Acne Solutions Kit)

Pros:

- clear my stubborn active ones and dead skin started peeling off
- seem lightening up my redness
- Love the smell myself

Cons:

- smell can be nice but rather STRONG for those who doesn't feel comfortable w aroma
- awaiting results on my old scars
- problem w applying as seem like all absorbing

Background - use jap cheap brand for clean, toner n moisturiser + 1 Stridex Pad per day I have very oily and acne prone skin Referring to Acne Solutions Spot Treatment, it works pretty well on my oily skin even this product are like essential oil, but this is winter in sydney now so need to see if this still works fine on summer time. It can get pretty exensive as i guess most oil has been abosrbed on my hand before applying on my face and wonder how long a 7.5ml bottle lasts, anyone? (each bottle costs AUD20)
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August 10, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

-okay smell

Cons:

- Sticky
- never cleared a single zit

I used this for over two months with the other products in this line. NOTHING HAPPENED. It never cleared up a single zit nor reduced one. Bottom line--- it sucks
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August 5, 2010
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)

Pros:

Nice smell
scrubbers are not too abrasive
reasonable price
makes skin soft

Cons:

doesnt skin acne

I like this product but it doesnt clear acne i think if you had light acne however it may help considerably, but it doesnt work on proper acne makes skin quite smooth tho, if i had clear skin id use it too make my skin glow! however iv stopped using scrubs cus they just irriate my skin too much
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January 19, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

The burn. It makes me feel like it's actually working.

Cons:

The fact that it doesn't work.

I swear, this stuff made my skin go from light acne, to pretty severe. Tomorrow I'm going to a dermatologist because it has gotten so bad. Red burns left from this product. Maybe I just don't react well to salicidic acid...
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July 15, 2009
Product used: Oxy (Balance Maximum Deep Pore Cleansing Pads)

Pros:

Leaves face with a fresh clean feeling. Odor goes away quickly. Can apply anywhere. As soon as application felt bacteria dieing.

Cons:

Bleaced eyebrows. Didn't prevent other pimples. Once some left, others reoccured in more locations.

I would try it, but also with some thing that prevent pimples. Also stay off a diet with any sugar because they react badly.
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June 18, 2009
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)

Pros:

Easy to use.

Cons:

used for two weeks and did nothing to my skin. Didn't help when I had breakouts. Dried my face a little bit.

Wouldn't get this product and didn't really help anything for me or didn't protect me from breakouts......ect.
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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