One of the most common ingredients in acne treatments these days is salicylic acid. Acne treatments containing salicylic acid include body washes and facial treatments. Alongside benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is used most widely among the different acne and skin care products. Lately, there has been an influx of manufacturers choosing to use salicylic acid instead of benzoyl peroxide in their products.

Salicylic acid in acne facial washes works by shedding dead skin cells. By stopping the clogging of pores that normally occurs when dead skin cells build up, acne products containing salicylic acid slows the shedding of cells inside follicles.

Salicylic acid also helps to dissolve blackheads and whiteheads. However, it must be used continually for it to be effective in keeping the skin acne free. Once you stop, pore clogging will start immediately. Salicylic acid does not kill bacteria, but it does break up clogged pores.

You may be wondering if there are any side effects from using salicylic acid on the skin. Some people complain that salicylic acid acne products dry out their skin. This is due to the fact that salicylic acid encourages peeling of the skin's top layer. This is the a common side effect to using products with salicylic acid, which can be easily treated with the application of a gentle moisturizer.

Since it absorbs through the skin and it is unknown how salicylic acid might affect an unborn baby, products containing salicylic acid should not be used during pregnancy.

With no exaggeration, there are hundreds of acne products containing salicylic acid. So when you're choosing a product, look for a concentration of salicylic acid between 1% and 2% for the best results. People with sensitive skin do best with a 1% salicylic acid solution, whereas people with more severe acne do better with a 2% salicylic acid solution.

Some of the leading acne treatments with salicylic acid include Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Wash (1%), Murad Acne Body Wash (2%) and Phisoderm Clear Confidence Acne Body Wash.