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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October 31, 2011
Product used: Neutrogena (Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel With CelluZyme)

Pros:

Best thing for an over night fix, love this stuff makes all the impurities disappear basically over night! :))

Cons:

The smell of mine is terrible, but I got used to it and now it's the smell of clear skin. But mine is almost a year old (first bottle, only put it on spots) so maybe the smell is fixed.

Also can't find it anywhere.

Best skin clearing over night treatment.
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April 13, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)

Pros:

It works. My skin felt great, was not very oily at the end of the day, and was nice and tingly.

Cons:

This product is INTENSE!
I had a severe allergic reaction to the point where my face felt like it was on fire and itched like I was being tortured. I LITERALLY WANTED TO TEAR THE SKIN OFF MY FACE. I wish I were exaggerating.
I ended up having to take a Zyrtec (which helped) but ended up with scratches on my face despite sitting on my hands for most of the day.

I now know what torture feels like. This product was my personal version of Hell, and my skin can take just about anything. If you are even slightly concerned, skip this product.
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February 20, 2011
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

Nuthin' O_O

Cons:

*waste of money,time and energy.

Not much I can say really. The beads didn't feel like they were ex-foliating my nose at all! Honestly, I really did get excited when it said "results from day 1" but really nothing happened T_T. If you want your blackheads to improve I would suggest a more reliable product. Now "shoo" and go find something else that you wont waste your money on.
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February 5, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Cream Cleanser)

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made my face very very very shiny and oily

I used this product because I wanted to try something that wouldn't dry my skin out like all the products with benzoyl peroxide did. And this did the total opposite. After a week of using this product my face was sooooo shiny and oily but it was also peeling and rough at the same time. I don't know how that's possible but that's what this product did to my face. And did I mention it did absolutly nothing for my acne NOTHING!!! I am so sick of wasting my time and money. I ordered some African black soap and Shea butter hopefully that works, If not, I just give up
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January 2, 2010
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)

Pros:

tingles, leaves a cool sensation

Cons:

After a while my skin feels all greasy and oily.

Not that great, makes skin oily
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October 3, 2009
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion)

Pros:

It didn't dry out my face much.

Cons:

I did nothing.

I would not recommend this. It did not help my acne at all.
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October 19, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment)

Pros:

hey guys! i too was looking around for skin care products. i always come here for reviews and let me tell you. this product works!

Cons:

none

buy it. and also keep watching zoey 101, sry that chase isn't in the new ones right now.
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January 18, 2012
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

If you like a fiery burning sensation on your skin, you'll love this product!
Pretty much the only "pro" is that it's clear and in gel form.

Cons:

Actually the gel form kinda sucks too, because it doesn't dry, so when you go to bed it will rub off.
I've had many different "acne spot treatments" this is by far the worst and most ineffective.

Don't buy this product... there are cheaper products that will not make you writhe in pain and will actually make your zits go away. As I'm writing this, I have tears, from the intensity of the painful burn. /:
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January 17, 2012
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

It's clear and odorless.

Cons:

It burns and stings and, in my experience, doesn't help with acne at all.

It sucks.
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September 1, 2010
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

very foamy
smells nice
feels clean afterwards

Cons:

doesn't really clear acne

i have really light acne..i used the whole bottle now but my skin didn't really improve that much! and i still had my occasional breakouts.
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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