As long as I remember alpha hydroxy acids (salicylic and glycolic acid) have been the most go to cure prescribed by doctors for acne and they are also offered in variety of OTC skin care products. I personally had to use an ointment for back acne, it was a combination of salicylic acid and benzoic peroxide. It definitely did the job but I ended up switching to using the CT Organics Matcha Camu Camu Face Wash to wash my back and once in a while I use the CT Organics Herbal Cleansing Face Mask on acne spots to get rid of them.    

My opinion of hydroxy acids in particular alpha hydroxy acids changed after I started formulating skincare and seeing the effect of different ingredients on skin's suppleness and hydrating ability. Using a glycolic acid or salicylic acid peel once in a while is not bad for your skin at all but constantly using products that contain alpha hydroxy acids as a leave on (creams and foundation) or rinse off decreases your skin's ability to have a balanced sebum production.  As your skin matures, you naturally  loose elasticity and if you have been using products that their job is shedding off and peeling your skin then your skin will just age faster. 

It is unfortunate when fast fix ingredients become part of everyday routine and so accepted by the industry and consumers. Teenagers as young as 12 are using products with ingredients that are taking away from their future skin.

My teenage daughters use the same wash, creams and serums on their faces as I do and I am totally ok with that because every ingredient in there is good for them and the almost 50 year old me. 

Feed your skin to heal it. Don't rip it apart!