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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November 4, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment)

Pros:

- Lightweight, great day formula, works for me, lasts a long time

Cons:

- No result at first, had to wait for them =/, does not always get rid of all pimples (if I have a big one, I use Garnier's SOS Pen over it), tkaes a long time to rubs in, occasional flakiness

At first, I bought this product a few months ago. It didn't work, even though I persisted for around a month. My regime back then was cleanse with Cetaphil, apply, and repeat during night. I got impatient, and bought Clean&Clear's Advantage Spot treatment, which sorta worked, until I decided I didn't like the stinging feeling. A month ago, I decided to use this as a day formula, and the Clean&Clear as a night formula. That made my acne clear up a bit, more, though I did still breakout. I decided to throw the Clean&Clear out, and just use this. The regime I was is the same as the one I did when I first bought it, but now it works. I have no idea why it didn't work before. My acne is only on my forehead, and a few months ago, I just let my bangs hide my pimples. I still do that during school, but whenever I don't go out, I pull my hair back. Maybe that helped. I'm not sure. My forehead is much better now. It only has red marks that I have to get rid of now.
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September 11, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel With CelluZyme)

Pros:

Really smooths out my skin & lightens well. I couple this w/ mederma scar gel. 6 mo. of using both, they've managed to eliminate cystic breakout scarring. Even repaired damage from years back. They've beat anything derm docs have ever prescribed me

Cons:

I have to drive all the way to Walmart in Crenshaw to buy it for a reasonable price; $11. Every place else, even on line sells it for wayyy too much. My Target stopped carrying it :(

As a former cystic acne suffer, I've tried everything...every anti-bio -cyline, retin-a, accutane, IPL, chem peels for scarring etc. This summer I seem to have found my breakout cure: *'GREEN VIBRANCE' mixed with 'PURE SYNERGY' in a low sugar juice 2x/day; *'CELL FOOD' in my water *'JASON Satin Tea Tree Soap' to wash my face *'MEDERMA Scar gel' & 'NEUTROGENA Fading Peel' (the mucor miehei is the fading secret) & AVEENO Positively Radiant mosturizer (with soy to fade spots) at night (a thin application of all 3 to sleep in) In less than 3 months time, NO breakouts!! For the first time in my life. I really think the Green Vibrance made all the difference, but everything else helps to repair old damage. I am so grateful to have solved my 7 year cystic acne issues without using antibiotics.
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September 5, 2008
Product used: Oxy (Balance Maximum Deep Pore Cleansing Pads)

Pros:

makes your skin smooth and clears your skin.

Cons:

Smell weird

I just started using Oxy Cleansing Pads. The first day I had a big zit and it hurt. I used Oxy and the next couple of hours it did not hurt. Try it.
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August 19, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

O-M-G! This product is so amazing! After only -two- days of using it my blackheads were nowhere in SIGHT! I couldn't believe it! I love this thing! Not only does it clear blackheads but it also clears the rest of my skin!

Cons:

Your dries up a bit if you are not gentle enough.

YOU SHOULD TOTALLY GET THIS PRODUCT! I LURVE IT! PLEASE GET IT! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
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August 9, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Blackhead Clearing Scrub)

Pros:

smells okay, easy to put on.

Cons:

doesn't go on completly even, doesn't do what is says it does.

This product is overall just OK, but its not great for small pores, it may work differently on different people.
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July 15, 2008
Product used: Neutrogena (Oil-Free Oil-Free Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment)

Pros:

Itmade my skin feel clean and soft. it had a nice fresh scent.

Cons:

It only worked the first week or so, but after that my was breaking out again.

It makes your skin feel good, but it probably only works for light acne.
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June 8, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

It reduces the look of pimples and helps reduce the look of scars

Cons:

It stings for about 5 seconds after applying for regular pimples and 10 for those horrible flat open ones.

It works on regular pimples, but it doesn't work on those pimples that your barely getting. You know, those one that haven't broken through the skin and hurt like crazy everything you touch it. It works but don't expect a miracle.
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June 5, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Advantage Acne Spot Treatment)

Pros:

It made my pimples smaller and less red in one day

Cons:

It stings a little bit

Buy this product
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June 4, 2008
Product used: Clean & Clear (Clear Advantage Daily Acne Clearing Lotion)

Pros:

Ive only be useing the product for a short time and in that short time my face is starting to look great!!!to be honest with you i didnt think it would work because of how cheap it was..and you know what it works pretty good lol...Just try it!! nothi

Cons:

I dont see any yet...

This stuff rocks!
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May 13, 2008
Product used: Biore (Pore Unclogging Scrub)

Pros:

It made my skin smooth and soft, got rid of redness and swelling of my pimples, Great smell, not oily

Cons:

if you stop using it you breakout, needs more beads, dries out skin when you stop using it(2 days)

I really like this for teenagers who need smooth skin very very quickly because it works
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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