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%

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July 19, 2009
Product used: Clearasil (Daily Face Wash, Sensitive)

Pros:

Dries out oily skin right after use, Softens skin, Makes your face feel fresh and clean.

Cons:

Only keeps oily skin dry for a small amount of time, Starts to wear off after a while.

This product worked well when I started off, but after using it for a while no results are shown. Right after using it I like the way it makes my face feel, but as far as curing acne, I do not recommend it at all. I'm trying to do research for a new acne treatment product.
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June 16, 2009
Product used: Arbonne (Clear Advantage System)

Pros:

Are you kidding? I have hormonal acne, am 31 and this product has cleared up cystic acne within 5 days! All I am using is the wash and it has worked this well! I love love LOVE it!!!

Cons:

none!

Get it! I love it... It is the best product I have used and I have hormonal acne!
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June 16, 2009
Product used: Mary Kay (Blemish Control Toner 3)

Pros:

Great product! It is gentle yet attacks the acne full force. Zaps the zits! Makes my face feel clean and not too dried out and red.

Cons:

The price. Mary Kay isn't the least expensive around but it sure works. I guess ya get what ya pay for in a product like this one.

I would totally recommend this toner to anyone. Men and women can both use it as it's not too fragrant to where a man wouldn't like it. I haven't found anything else that works as well as the Mary Kay Blemish Control Toner and I have been using it for YEARS! I like to try new things but keep coming back to the Mary Kay.
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June 16, 2009
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Cleanser)

Pros:

leaves skin nice and soft
works fast
actually WORK

Cons:

dries your skin out
smells kinda funny (just get a nice scented moisturizer)

I've been using the kit. This product works absolute wonders, my acne is practically gone. But be sure to have plenty of moisturizer ready at your side. No, the one they provide you doesn't cut it. Use only pea sized amounts because this product will COMPLETELY dry out your skin and leave it flaky. I got extremely worried when it first happened, but i pounded a bunch of moisturizer on top and it was okay. Since then I use a little less of the stuff and it seems to do the trick. Don't overdo it, and don't do it when you've got a sunburn either (trust me). But aside from that, your acne'll be clear 100%.
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June 1, 2009
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, Power-Clear Scrub)

Pros:

Works ok at first

Cons:

Doesnt rinse well, feels waxy

This product should be called acne stress maker. It is good for the first few washes but then your face starts to develop a waxy build-up. Does not get makeup off and the little blue beads are annoying! I would find them stuck in my ears even though I always rinse very thoroughly. Might be good for backs but i would not use this on my face again.
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April 22, 2009
Product used: L'Oreal (Pure Zone Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser)

Pros:

my face never looked better when I used this product! My acne went away and even my dermetologist asked what I was using. Now that they discontinued this product, I save the little bit left of what I have for when my face looks bad.

Cons:

I CANT BELIEVED THEY DISCONTINED IT!!!!

AMAZING. they should bring this product back.
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March 31, 2009
Product used: Clearasil (Daily Face Wash, Sensitive)
Love it. I never had such beautiful skin all my life. Having been suffering from cystic acne I spent a lot of money trying out every available treatment. Though the cystic condition was getting better and got only pimples there was not any proper relief. Then started using clearasil 5 months ago. My skin is much better. I use the spot treatment cream as soon as I feel a zit. So it never gets bigger. My skin looks beautiful now after suffering from terrible acne fir 10 years. It dried out my skin in the beginning. No wonder it is suitable for poor skin codition like mine which require strong treatment.
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March 21, 2009
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

It does work REALLY well for me. After one use, I was actually a little amazed by the result.

Cons:

It's stingy and itchy. You have to keep it on for about 10 minutes for it to work really well. The little beads are quite messy.

It's a great Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub that works really well.
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March 12, 2009
Product used: Neutrogena (Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel With CelluZyme)

Pros:

it starts working the first week!

Cons:

it smells somewhat unpleasent... but if the product works (which it DOES!) then who really cares what it smells like right?

my acne scars are almost gone! now im hardly wearing any makeup and my skin is almost flawless ...yay!
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March 1, 2009
Product used: Neutrogena (Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel With CelluZyme)

Pros:

works perfect and cheap

Cons:

no cons and actually doesnt smell as bad as others

its the sh*t
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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

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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.

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