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%

Used Salicylic Acid? Rate It:

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November 22, 2015
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)
Made my acne worse
I bought this product after reading majority of good reviews on it. But after 1 week I had to stop using it. It made my acne worse than it was. I would apply the cream at night on one pimple, and when I wake up the next day I would have 5 more surrounding it. Same thing happened with even the small tiny pimples. I also read some reviews on the cream leaving burn marks. It's true. I had about 2 pimples on my chin, I popped them, applied the cream. And when I woke up the next day my chin was covered in burn marks and pimples. Luckily I had some experience with acne scars in the past, so I applied lightening cream to the scars. I'm still currently applying the lightening cream but so far only I've seen some slight lightening. I'm never using this product again
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alyleiii
October 21, 2016
What cream do you use to lighten your scars, that doesn't cause more clogs? Sorry about your skin, this burned me too.
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July 15, 2015
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)
Deep Clean Machine
I have been using this scrub for a few months. The previous scrub I was using was the Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub. That scrub I didn't like very much because I hadn't had acne on my forehead since I was 16 years old and it caused me to get small little whiteheads on my forehead. I wanted a scrub that would clean out my pores but without the harsh abrasiveness of scratching my skin. This scrub does exactly what it says! Its a gentle and creamy exfoliant so its different than a lot of other face. you have to lather it up good before putting it on your face because of the consistency. Just make sure you rince it off your face good. Some people suggest using it in the shower so you can get the little beads off your skin. It does leave it a minimally dry I found so just use a good facial moisturizer. But its not rough against my skin like the St. Ives. Apricot scrub which cleans but can lead to inflamed acne which is not good. I would definitely recommend this product and you can find it at Walgreens, or a CVS pharmacy near you.
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April 21, 2015
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Rapid Action Pads)
No regrets!
Love these! My acne gets quite bad mainly due to hormones but using these pads really got rid of the harshness of the spots as well as keeping my skin clear. They do leave my skin a little dry but its no where near as dry as other creams and face washes have left my skin. Would definitely recommend :)
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March 17, 2015
Product used: Dermalogica (Clean Start)
It is an working product
Emergency fix is the best to apply on acne... i recommend to use as all my friends are using and they love it as much as i do
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November 2, 2014
Product used: Clean & Clear (Dual Action Moisturizer Oil-Free)
God-Like Formula
I seen many reviews , by the looks of it you have used it the wrong way , i've used this only during winter and spring which is the time of year when it breaks out , i pop my pimples and gush all the blood out , then i use a clean & clear daily scrub wash and dry myself with a clean new towel after that i apply this dual action moisturisier to decrease the damage and redness , it also prevents breakouts but its a diffrent story during the summer , i use a totally diffrent cream , hope this helps , also excercise , wash and drink plenty of water .
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September 14, 2014
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)
Made me breakout!
This product make me breakout around my nose and inner cheek area (where I mainly applied this since this is where most of my blackheads are), it gave me little white heads all around the area and I tried this on more than one occasion, I kind of saw a difference in the blackheads, however not worth it because of the breakouts.
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August 17, 2014
Product used: Clearasil (Ultra Rapid Action Pads)
No results yet but it burns
So, I usually apply the acne and marks cream before applying the pads which has become the part I dread the most. I've been using this for a couple of weeks now and I thought the burn would ease up by now but I guess that's just what comes along with cleaning my pores. Also, I haven't really seen any results yet.
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December 30, 2013
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)
great product for acne and break out

Pros:

clear up your skin
help control oil+stop acne and break out
smells so good and so gentle

Cons:

not the best for sensitive skin
make the skin so dry

At first I didn't like it because it makes my skin soo dry and tight but I learned that I need a good face lotion and you're good to go it helps to clear my skin and stop the break outs also it's gentle on the skin and great to clean makeup .
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December 29, 2013
Product used: Aveda (Outer Peace Acne Relief Kit)
Fantastic so far...

Pros:

Clean feeling skin
Clearer skin
Happier me

Cons:

Cost (however, I have saved money in the long term)

I've had issues with mild acne for about 3 years now, and have tried heaps of products and dietary adaptations, with nothing providing the desired results. My hairdresser recommended the Aveda Acne Relief Kit, claiming it was the only thing that worked for him (he had also tried the works, including laser acne treatment). I've been using Aveda for only a month, and the results are ridiculously amazing. My skin feels clean, and spot free, and even scars are slowly disappearing. I generally use the cleanser and moisturiser at night (when I have more time) and the relief pads in the morning (I've found pads to be most beneficial). Honestly, if you've been tossing up between different products, I'd give this a shot for sure. If you're short on money, I'd stick with the blemish relief pads. I feel like I'm promoting Clearasil on a morning show program! But it honestly worked for me!
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March 13, 2013
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

- gets rid of acne really fast
- gives you this tingly feeling, making it feel like its really working
- doesn't stink

Cons:

- really burns when you apply it over a newly popped pimple

Really works. My forehead used to be covered with large red pimples, now it's almost practically all gone, with the exception of some teeny tiny spots now and then.
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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