Benefits of Salicylic Acid For AcneSalicylic acid is a key active ingredient in many nonprescription acne therapies. It dries up blackheads and whiteheads as well as minimizing excess oil. It can also aid fading acne scars, although it might take a while.Like benzoyl peroxide, it works by unplugging skin pores. Yet it does so differently.1. Breaks