Salicylic acid
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Salicylic acid is widely used in over-the-counter anti-acne products, as it has shown a moderate level of efficacy against mild to moderate acne1,2. It also tends to be more tolerable with less adverse effects than other topical agents1,3. Although there is a lack of high quality studies, it is recognized that salicylic acid demonstrates multiple mechanisms against acne symptoms, including anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effects2,3,4. It is reasonable to recommend a salicylic acid-containing product as treatment for mild to moderate acne3, especially if a patient experiences intolerable adverse effects from another topical agent1. Salicylic acid is available in many OTC anti-acne formulations including cleansers, medicated pad wipes, astringents, lotions and spot control treatments.
References:
1. Strauss JS, Krowchuk DP, Leyden JJ, Lucky AW, Shalita AR, Siegfried EC, Thiboutot DM, Van Voorhees AS, Beutner KA, Sieck CK, Bhushan R. American Academy of Dermatology. Guidelines of care for acne vulgaris management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007; 56:651-663.
2. Sibbald D. Acne. Canadian Pharmacists Association: Patient Self-Care. 2010; 2: 576-594.
3. Zheng Y, Wan M, Chen H, Ye C, Zhao Y, Yi J, Xia Y, Lai W. Clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of an antioxidant optimized 1.5% salicylic acid (SA) cream in the treatment of facial acne: an open, baseline-controlled clinical study. Skin Research and Technology. 2013; 19:125-130.
4. Lexi-Drugs. (2014) Salicylic Acid Monograph. Lexi-Comp. Available: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/7647. Accessed March 5, 2014.
Salicylic acid is widely used in over-the-counter anti-acne products, as it has shown a moderate level of efficacy against mild to moderate acne1,2. It also tends to be more tolerable with less adverse effects than other topical agents1,3. Although there is a lack of high quality studies, it is recognized that salicylic acid demonstrates multiple mechanisms against acne symptoms, including anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effects2,3,4. It is reasonable to recommend a salicylic acid-containing product as treatment for mild to moderate acne3, especially if a patient experiences intolerable adverse effects from another topical agent1. Salicylic acid is available in many OTC anti-acne formulations including cleansers, medicated pad wipes, astringents, lotions and spot control treatments.
References:
1. Strauss JS, Krowchuk DP, Leyden JJ, Lucky AW, Shalita AR, Siegfried EC, Thiboutot DM, Van Voorhees AS, Beutner KA, Sieck CK, Bhushan R. American Academy of Dermatology. Guidelines of care for acne vulgaris management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007; 56:651-663.
2. Sibbald D. Acne. Canadian Pharmacists Association: Patient Self-Care. 2010; 2: 576-594.
3. Zheng Y, Wan M, Chen H, Ye C, Zhao Y, Yi J, Xia Y, Lai W. Clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of an antioxidant optimized 1.5% salicylic acid (SA) cream in the treatment of facial acne: an open, baseline-controlled clinical study. Skin Research and Technology. 2013; 19:125-130.
4. Lexi-Drugs. (2014) Salicylic Acid Monograph. Lexi-Comp. Available: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/7647. Accessed March 5, 2014.