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
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
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
November 10, 2010
Product used: Sea Breeze (Actives Deep Clean Astringent)

Pros:

Going through hormone changes, I started breaking out with pimples (and I'm 44 thank you). This is the only thing I have found that clears them up and keeps them clear. Used it as a teen, using it as a grown up. Love it. Why did they change the formula? Actives does not work.

Cons:

None. Love the sensation and the clean feeling after using it.

Nothing better on the market for the price. The original formula has been changed and is now Actives...doesn't work the same and I don't have near the results!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 24, 2010
Product used: St. Ives (Medicated Apricot Scrub for Oily or Acne Prone Skin)

Pros:

-very inexpensive (CVS, Target, or other generic brands--so long as they have salicylic acid--work very well, too)
-easy to use
-mostly natural

Cons:

-a few years ago St. Ives changed the formula, making the scrub less...scrubby...however, they have changed back and the scrub is like it used to be. I guess if they changed it again i wouldn't buy it.

I have been using this scrub twice a day for 10 years...wow...I am old! I think there was a time i tried to use something like Biore or 'higher end'...that didn't last long! St. Ives' medicated apricot scrub and store-brand analogs are inexpensive quality products. If I skip a day or two of this scrubbing my face does not like it! This scrub is also easy to use on body acne as well. I think if you have acne worse than "light" acne you probably should use this scrub in conjunction with another topical treatment.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 17, 2010
Product used: Biore (Blemish Treating Astringent)

Pros:

- pretty bottle
-easy to use
- tingly feeling for almost 20 min after using it
-worked better then my prescription

Cons:

-funky smell kind of like a chemical melon smell

i tried this not thinking it would work, but it worked amazing. i was using diffren (prescribed by a dermatologist) , but diffren made my skin really irritated, and even though this has alcohol in it it reduces redness and makes my skin glow. i love it i love the tingly feeling i get when i use it
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 26, 2010
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Gentle Formula)

Pros:

Works for the first week or 2 then gives up.

Cons:

Does not work.

Hi guys im the same person that left a comment below. The person from NY. Okay it now has been about a month of using proactive gentle formula and my face is not getting better. It did for the first few weeks but now my skin is just looking horrible again... Ive never missed a day without using proactive and its just not working for me anymore...I really had high hopes at first but now i see its just another product in the trash can for me...
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 8, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

it doesnt sting a lot (unless pimple is raw)! it smells alrite

Cons:

I heard from tons of reviews and everything that it worked over nite and the bottle says 100% of ppl got clearer skin overnite........WRONG!!! seriously im sooo frustrated i spent that money even tho it wasnt that much on a useless product the only this it does is makes ur skin dry so ur pores close but the redness and bumps r still there

HMMMMM i dont recommend, its a 1 in 100 shot that it will work for u get something else thats worth ur money ... sry im a little frustrated but i rlly need my face clear and if u think it will work overnite and u need it to dont get this product plzzz dont!! hope this helped!!! :)
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 5, 2010
Product used: Mary Kay (Blemish Control Toner 3)

Pros:

-dries out pimples very fast
-clears the skin and prevents breakouts
-only thing that worked with all my pimples

Cons:

-stingy when being applied on skin
-needs moisturizer
-a bit expensive but worth it

i have had the worst break out 2009, and tried everything but did not work at all. this is the only toner that i have used which cleared and dried out my pimples it is also great to prevent break outs
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 27, 2010
Product used: Clearasil (Daily Face Wash, Sensitive)

Pros:

-Smells nice
-Washes off easily

Cons:

-Over dries face
-Leaves skin feeling uncomfortable
-Doesn't actually do anything for spots

Overall, it isn't work buying!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 22, 2010
Product used: Biore (Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser)

Pros:

shrinks pimples
clean skin
good smell (lavender)
oil free
non drying

Cons:

nothing!

I have tried so many different brands of cleansers and scrubs but biore is amazing!!!!! use this if you want clear skin quick! saw results in 3 days! clear skin in 2 weeks :)
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 11, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Wash, Pink Grapefruit)

Pros:

smells good

Cons:

DOES NOT clear up breakouts or blackheads
dries skin
irritates skin also

It smells great!! but doest work at all!!! it made me break out even more and dried my skin out!! irritates horribly and gave me a rash..i used it for about a week but towards the end of the week i was breaking out more&more and things just got ugly..i mean who wants more break outs,dry skin and a rash on there face?? so i just stopped using it..this absolutly does not work!!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 2, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel)

Pros:

Small, portable tube size, a little goes a long way, pleasant smell.

Cons:

Slight tingling/stinging on affected areas, but this is pretty minor unless you're super-spleeny.

I am a female, in my mid-30's, and have begun to have a frequent cycle of breakouts on my chin and jawline. This has gone on for the last several months, and it's making me NUTS. Gotta love middle-age hormone changes!!! Since the skin on my face has begun to go haywire recently, I thought it was time to add something new into my regimen to unclog what appear to be congested, unhappy pores. After washing my face, morning and night, I applied the spot gel sparingly to the affected areas with a Q-tip. The resulting tingling wasn't unpleasant; it was rather satisfying, as it told me the medication was sinking in where it needed to, and the tingling only lasted briefly. Once morning came, I noticed that the blemishes had shrunken considerably, and had dried up some! YAY! Thank goodness! Finally, I'd say: Give this stuff a whirl, what have you got to lose?
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 80 81 82 83 84 … 375
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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