Salicylic acid is a common acne treatment, specially used to treat the comedonal or non-inflamed acne. It is an active ingredient found in several over the counter acne treatment products. It is found in creams, lotions, medicated treatment pads, cleansers, solutions, and toners. Before using salicylic acid as a part of your acne treatment regime, it is important that you know how it works and the proper usage directions.

What makes Salicylic acid an effective acne treatment?

Salicylic acid works by correcting the unusual desquamation process which occurs in the skin having acne problems. It works as an effective acne treatment method by exfoliating the skin, and removing all the dead skin cells which causes the blockages in the pores. The salicylic acid is renowned as an effective ingredient in acne treatment products due the following reasons:

• It has the ability to break through the hair follicle
• It promotes the removal of the dead skin cells from the hair follicle
• It clears the pores of the cellular debris
• It reduces the number of pore blockages, thereby reducing the acne

Proper usage directions:

The over the counter acne treatment products containing salicylic acid, have it in a concentration of 0.5% to 2%. These acne treatment products containing salicylic acid must be used once daily. The directions that are printed on the package must be followed properly. You may either use the salicylic acid pads or the salicylic acid lotions. Remember to never use both. This will not cure acne faster; instead cause excessive flaking and dryness of the skin.

Just like other acne topical treatment medications, salicylic acid must also be applied on the entire face or over the affected area in the body. Applying the medication only on the acne will make the acne treatment method ineffective. Proper application of the acne topical treatment medications can prevent the pore blockages, and at the same time also clear off the tiny blemishes. Some of the common acne treatment products that contain salicylic acid include:

• Noxzema Anti-Acne Pads
• Oxy products
• Stridex products
• Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel
• Noxzema Anti-Acne Gel

The regular and continuous use of a salicylic acid containing products is necessary to get positive results. Stopping the use of the acne treatment products can make the pores get clogged again, leading to occurrence of breakouts. It is therefore recommended that you consult a dermatologist and ask him how long you must continue the use of salicylic acid containing acne treatment product.