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
December 26, 2006
i hope this works for me because naotbhing really works all the way
January 5, 2010

Pros:

none really but it's really cheap

Cons:

made my face severly dry to the point where i had to consistanly put moisturizer on
doesn't smell good
really runny on my face
cloged pores
made bad pimples worse

SUCKS!!!
November 29, 2009

Pros:

Makes skin feel cleaner and softer

Cons:

Skin is still oily, and shiny

Works somewhat well, but I would not neessarily reccomend the product
August 26, 2009

Pros:

works for a few months.. then it suckss.

Cons:

Ived used this for about three years now.. AND IT SUCKSSSSS!! My skin is usually good at handling break outs and stuff but dear Gosh this is not a good product.

DONT USE IT. PLEASEEE! i know what I am talking about.
July 25, 2009

Pros:

Made skin softer and improved overall appearance

Cons:

Does not clear pimples well

I have light/moderate acne and have been using this product for a few months now and I must say that it has cleared up my blackheads from my cheeks but I still have many bumps on my forehead that have not cleared up.
July 23, 2009
i use cuz my aunt gave this to me and its really good! i put on moisturizer after i put this on cuz then ur skin would get dry! ^_^ now my forehead! yaay!
April 12, 2011

Pros:

It only takes a little amount to foam up your enitre face
Vegan

Cons:

Made my acne worse, After two weeks of using it, my acne has gotten progressively worse, painful red zits that take weeks to go away, leaves scars.
I did not know that it takes 3 months to work, I did not pay $75 to have bad acne that takes three months to go away.
Horrible.

This product made my acne worse, is far too expensize, not worth the wait, and Proactiv is a better choice, its cheaper and has way better reviews. I want my money back.
January 31, 2010

Pros:

Made face feel really clean.

Cons:

They go buy really fast so the price adds up. It was not a miracle product.

I tried this for 2 or 3 months. They might have helped my acne a little but not enough for me to keep purchasing them.
December 17, 2008

Pros:

??????

Cons:

Made my mild acne the WORST ever. I have stopped using it for over a month now and I am continuing to break out with large, painful, red cysts and bumps. My skin was never like this before. It did not work for me, and now I'm super depressed!

Don't buy this unless you are willing to take the chance of going through a horrible breakout first, which could be lasting!
July 5, 2011

Pros:

NONE!

Cons:

Very aggressive treatment!

I like to think my skin is pretty versatile, never had a bad reaction to any creams/cleansers etc. However, the first time I used this I had a slight tingling on my face. I didn't think anything of it as I assumed that was the product working. I used it again the following day. As soon as I rinsed it off my face felt like it was on fire. My whole face swelled up, my eyes were swollen almost shut (they stayed that way for TWO DAYS). I had loads of red bumps on my chin and cheeks, and the skin on my face felt like someone had set it on fire!!! I took anti histamines which only helped a little. I last used it on Friday (it's tuesday now) and I'm STILL suffering the effects, My skin is dry, cracked and feels like leather. It's starting to peel off too. Moisturizer doesn't seem to be helping at all. Oh and although it's peeled a lot of my skin off I still have the spots!! Useless! I really regret using this and wouldn't recommend it to ANYONE because of this possible side effect! If I could give it 0/5 I would've!

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.