Salicylic Acid
Results
Side Effects

Widely available in over-the-counter skin care products in 0.5 - 2% strength, salicylic acid helps shed skin cells as well as reduce inflammation in the skin.

It's generally recommended to apply a salicylic acid-containing product 1-2 times per day, depending on your skin's tolerance and the product type.

3.6
6049
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
32.8%
4
28.4%
3
17.3%
2
10.9%
1
10.6%

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May 1, 2009
Product used: Oxy (Balance Maximum Deep Pore Cleansing Pads)

Pros:

This is one of the only acne medications that works on me and doesn't burn too bad or feel really weird. Also not as expensive as other acne products

Cons:

Bleaches facial hair

Finally, a product that works at an affordable price!
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March 8, 2009
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment)

Pros:

Worth every penny, reduces redness, clears acne, keeps acne away, makes my skin sooo soft, gets rid of all uneccessary oils, and smells fantastic!

Cons:

None

I have tried so many products out there and I have gotten the same results with every single one. Improvement in my skin with later dissapointment... I use the 3 step system (Oil free Acne stress control Scrub and foaming cleanser) and you will most likely not get good results unless you use the other 2 products in this 3 step system by neutrogena. I use to have severe acne all over my face and I had given up until I began using this product and in less than 1 week my skin was flawless! My skin hasnt looked this good in years! Thank you so much Neutrogena! p.s not only is my acne gone... but since i use this stuff with the scrub and foaming cleanser my face is softer and brighter! I deffinitley reccommend this product.
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January 28, 2009
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment)

Pros:

Matte finish, does not bleach clothing, smells great, feels very soothing non irritating. Will not break you out

Cons:

NO SPF, does not moisturize completely, thin consistency. sal acid does not completely control acne.

I AM CLEAR and I use this daily -in the morning mixed 50/50 with complex 15 and 5 drops tea tree oil. Keeps me shine free and well moisturized all day. This product more for mild to moderate adult acne. I use 2.5% BP at night followed by Aqua Glycolic lotion.
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January 23, 2009
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion)

Pros:

visible results in 8 hrs!
goes on clear
feels like its working

Cons:

If used excessively skin becomes slightly dry

I bought this product after reading that there would be a difference in 8 hrs of applying this spot treatment. i didnt believe it and decided i would email the company complaining about their false advertising. To my suprise, there was an actual difference! It didnt completely eliminate my acne in 8hrs, but it helped considerably! I've spent hundreds of dollars on acne treatment- Proactiv, Murad, Vichy, you name it! and this is the first product that has actually worked for me! Please try it, you wont be disappointed!!
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January 5, 2009
Product used: Clearasil (Daily Face Wash, Sensitive)

Pros:

not a strong smel

Cons:

does not get rid of acne, but if you don't already have acne, it can prevent.

useless for acne. dries out skin
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January 4, 2009
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, Power-Clear Scrub)

Pros:

Makes your skin feel clean and fresh. Smells great. Reduces some acne. Can be used on all parts of the body.

Cons:

Began clearing my skin for the first month and then my skin became immune to it.

It clears up skin but your skin can become immune to it like mine. It feels and smells great and makes your skin feel fresh so I still use it to exfoliate.
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December 31, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

Work very well for me. If I ever have a really bad breakout I just reapply it 5 times a day, and in one day, you can hardly see any marks. I have used this 2wice a day for a month and I have had 0 breakouts. It works!

Cons:

Stings a little bit, nothing bad. Irritates eye areas. Does not peel the skin,but comes off looking like skin if you rub it.

Many people have very bad results with this, but I'm one of the few that it works miracles on. Then again, I have very, very strong skin. (I've used pure rubbing alcohol on my face with no negative results)
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December 20, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel With CelluZyme)

Pros:

Reduces redness and swelling after first use. Helps dry up surface acne immediately. Excellent for clearing up under the surface acne. Significantly reduces the appearance of medium or dark scars over time. It's very resonably priced.

Cons:

It's been harder to find at my regular shopping places (i.e., Walmart or Target) in my area. Largest quanity size is 1.4 oz (which only lasts about a month), so you can't buy it in bulk.

I'm 29, I have very bad adult acne, extremely sensitive skin, and scar easily. It didn't agitate my skin or cause any flare ups. I found that I can only use it about 3 times a week (sometimes 4) and unfortunately, I've never tried to leave it on longer than 20-30 minutes (for fear of agitating my skin and breaking out). It eliminated redness and swelling after my first use, and the next morning I noticed all my surface acne was dried up (all turned to scabs). It really helps clear up under the surface acne, which was my biggest problem. I have olive toned skin and my acne scars were a medium/dark brown color, but after a month they were very light (hardly noticeably) and gone by my second month of use. I mostly use it at night before I go to bed and I've had no problem using a hypo-allergic moisturizer afterwards. It does smell a little funky, but I found it disappeared within minutes. Bottom line is: it works very well.
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November 15, 2008
Product used: Aveeno (Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

Foam is nice. Leaves my skin smelling and feeling nice. Also, clears out most acne and helps with overall skin pigment.

Cons:

At first, skin becomes slightly red and acne seems worse. Afterwards, clears up and is then better than before.

I really like this product. Good for getting rid of MILD acne and keeping skin tone consistent and leaving your skin feeling smoother and nice smelling. REMEMBER! I have fair skin with little to no oily patches on my face. Acne products work differently for everyone!
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October 20, 2008
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Acne Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

I actually use the gel version of clearasil ultra, and it is awesome. It works better than any other OTC medications, and it even works better than tetracycline that I was prescribed. I use the gel to wash my face twice daily.

Cons:

It may leave your skin dry.

I use this twice daily. Wash face with warm water, then massage in the product for about two minutes.Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. I follow it up with clearasil ultra acne treatment cream twice daily. At night, I wash my face, wipe face with astringent, then put the cream on, but this might dry out your face. You will definitely see results within 2 weeks, with significant improvement by the time you're done with the first bottle- about a month. Like I said, the biggest con is that this whole regimen may leave your skin dry, but use a moisturizer and it'll be fine. This regimen worked so much better than the prescription of tetracycline i used. I have so much more confidence now because of my clear skin. I'm just waiting for the scars to go away.
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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.
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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.

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Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website