Should I stop using salicylic acid?

Im 28, have had acne since age 12! I've been using salicylic acid cleansers most of this time, since that is what is typically recommended. I have pretty sensitive skin, and it gets very dry and flaky when I use to much acne cream. I'm wondering if I should just try a calming cleanser w/no acne fighting agents, since I always use benzyl peroxide afterwards (which is really drying but the only thing that gets rid of my pimples). I've tried every kind of sal. acid brand, and I've never had clear skin in all these years. So, would a gentle cleanser be a good idea?