Objective To analyze the effect of salicylic acid gel combined with doxycycline on the aesthetic outcome in patients with moderate facial acne. Methods A total of 50 patients with moderate facial acne admitted to Gusu District Pingjiang Street Loujiang Community Health Service Center from January 2023 to March 2024 were selected, and they were divided into the control group and the study group by the random number table method, with 25 patients in each group. The control group was treated with doxycycline, and the study group was treated with salicylic acid gel combined with doxycycline. The clinical efficacy, aesthetic outcome and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results The total effective rate of the study group (96.00%) was higher than that of the control group (80.00%) (P <0.05). The scores of VSS in the study group at 3, 6 and 9 months after treatment were lower than those in the control group (P <0.05). The scores of QoL-Acne in the study group at 3, 6 and 9 months after treatment were higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). Conclusion The application of salicylic acid gel combined with doxycycline in the treatment of patients with moderate facial acne has a good effect. It can effectively improve the patients' facial aesthetic outcome and enhance their quality of life.