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
August 31, 2011

Pros:

-helped clear my acne in about 2-4 weeks
-clears hormonal acne very effectively
-smells good
-leaves skin very soft and smooth

Cons:

-full size products are pricey

I first purchased the mini kit of travel sized products, after about a month of acne free skin i purchased the full sized products. i have used proactive, clean and clear, natural remedies and clinique but this has shown the best improvement in my skin. i especially love the "bedtime for breakouts" product, im not sure what it is but if leaves my skin looking AMAZING the next morning!
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August 25, 2011

Pros:

Refreshing
Cleared light blackheads in ONE TRY!
Smells good
Clears face of oil
Helps get rid of small pimples (not acne)

Cons:

Dries skin out a little
doesn't get rid of deep blackheads that well (depends on skin type)

If you have light blackheads you should use it, it totally helps. Massage deeply for about 20 seconds for a better result. EXTRA: To get rid of the deep blackheads, don't use in the shower. Just put it on a damp washcloth and rub deeply where there are blackheads. The bottle lasts about a 3/4 month.
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August 20, 2011

Pros:

Works well for moderate acne

Cons:

DO NOT use more than once a day it dried my face out so bad it gave me more acne

I still use it at night but use something lighter like cetaphil In the morning
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August 20, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne, feels refreshing.

Cons:

Nonneeeee :)

So I'm 13 and so my acne isn't too bad it just bothers the heck outta me. The thing is people assume that the more expensive the item the better but that isn't really true. This cheap product cleans up what causes the acne but doesn't have horrible chemicals that dries out your face. I cleaned up my diet and used this about 3 times a day and I am very happy with the results :)))
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August 8, 2011

Pros:

-Clears up acne
-Works great after working out and can see the dirt on the cotton pad after cleaning

Cons:

NONE

I had moderate acne on my back,chest, and shoulders and have tried everything to get rid of it. I saw this at the store and thought why not?? I saw results after 2 days of using this! I use it it as soon as i get out of the shower. Bottom line it WORKS!
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July 18, 2011

Pros:

Works very well
Leaves skin soft
Smells nice

Cons:

None :)

Clean start works great :) the place where I get facials uses it during the facials afterwards I literally have no acne! Incredible! Love this stuff <3
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June 30, 2011

Pros:

Clears up skin
Smooths out dead skin leaving new, soft skin

Cons:

None

It will irritate your skin if you use it ever day, i asked a professional at a spa and she told me not to use a scrub every day, only three times a week should do it.
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June 21, 2011

Pros:

smells really good

Cons:

no results
drying

i was really dissapointed, when all it did was dry out my skin. i bought hoping this would be the thing that clear my skin but, nope it didnt do anythng but dry out my skin, i saw no changes
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June 16, 2011

Pros:

-inexpensive
-doesn't cause acne
-tingles

Cons:

-leaks out of lid
-doesn't reduce spots
-doesn't work with makeup

I used this for a few years, but I don't think it actually does anything, I have used some far better on the spot treatments! It says you can wear this over or under makeup which is also a lie. I've tried lots of different foundations with this and application techniques but it comes straight off with makeup in an orangeybrown clump of gloop. My main problem with this product is that the packaging is rubbish! I'd take the lid off and it would flow out of the nozzle and not slow until my fingers were covered. The lid was always full of congealed gloop because it leaks so much. EVERY tube I had did the same thing - very frustrating. I wrote Clean and Clear a letter about this and they very kindly sent me a £2 voucher. The product costs more than a fiver and I've bought about 15 tubes because of the leaks. Cheers Johnson and Johnson.
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June 14, 2011

Pros:

clears acne
unoily skin

Cons:

dry skin
burns skin

After a few days my skin started to crack and dry, but it cleared up acne.
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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.

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.