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Your doctor or dermatologist will recommend a form and dosage specifically for your skin type and your skin’s current condition. They might also recommend that for 2 or 3 days, you only apply a limited amount to a small area of affected skin to test your reaction before applying to the entire area.
According to the Mayo Clinic, adults should use a topical product to clear their acne, such as:
Form |
Percent of salicylic acid |
How often to use |
gel |
0.5–5% |
once per day |
lotion |
1–2% |
1 to 3 times per day |
ointment |
3–6% |
as needed |
pads |
0.5–5% |
1 to 3 times per day |
soap |
0.5–5% |
as needed |
solution |
0.5–2% |
1 to 3 times per day |
Products with higher concentrations of salicylic acid may be used as exfoliants
Salicylic acid is also used in higher concentrations as a peeling agent for the treatment of:
- • acne
- • acne scars
- • age spots
- • melasma *