Salicylic Acid and Acne

Many common acne treatment products contain salicylic acid. These products are available over the counter in the forms of gels, pads, creams, and cleansers. The strongest products that are used to treat stubborn cases of acne have a salicylic acid concentration of 2 percent. Salicylic acid should be applied to the whole surface of the problem skin area once daily. It is very important to follow the directions given with the treatment and to only use one type of salicylic acid product when treating acne in order to prevent dryness.