Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oil and dirt to be washed away. Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that causes shedding of the outer layer of skin. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat severe acne.
Should you use benzoyl peroxide?
- Benzoyl peroxide kills the germs that cause acne and can help dry up oily skin.
- It is also a mild exfoliant and can clear your pores of acne-causing debris like dirt.
- If you have severe acne, opt for creams and gels that contain benzoyl peroxide, rather than soaps.
- Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.
How does benzoyl peroxide actually kill bacteria?
In acne, some of these pores become blocked, causing small pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide has three actions - it kills germs (bacteria), it reduces inflammation and it helps to unplug blocked pores.
Is benzoyl peroxide good or bad?
There is plenty of clinical evidence behind the ability of Benzoyl Peroxide to eliminate skin bacteria. So it may come as some surprise that Benzoyl Peroxide is bad. Bad, bad, bad. Why? Benzoyl Peroxide doesn’t cure acne.
Can I use both saliciclic acid and bonzoyl peroxide?
Using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can help increase their effectiveness. Many OTC products contain both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. You could even use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, for example, followed by a benzoyl peroxide lotion.
Should I use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid first?
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both highly powerful ingredient which can deliver results when combating problematic skin. It really doesn't matter which ingredient you decide to use first, they both provide impressive benefits and help you keep your skin clear and combat any breakouts with ease.
Should I use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?
Using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can help increase their effectiveness. Many OTC products contain both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. You could even use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, for example, followed by a benzoyl peroxide lotion.
Can you use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together?
While both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective on their own, using them together is associated with a greater risk of irritation. As such, pairing these two acne ingredients is only recommended for those with severe, stubborn acne.
Which is better for sensitive skin salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide?
Salicylic acid is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide at helping to minimize breakouts with far fewer drying side effects. It is also a more mild exfoliant, so people who have sensitive skin may react less to salicylic acid than they do to benzoyl peroxide.
What kind of acne is benzoyl peroxide good for?
Benzoyl peroxide works particularly well for inflammatory acne, which is characterized by red bumps that contain pus — pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules — instead of whiteheads and blackheads.
Is it okay to use benzoyl peroxide everyday?
Is it safe to take for a long time? It is generally OK to use Benzoyl peroxide for a long time, as long as you do not have any serious side effects. When you stop using benzoyl peroxide you may find that acne comes back. You may want to keep using it to keep acne under control.
Can salicylic acid worsen acne?
Acne treatments — especially those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — are drying and a bit harsh on your skin. If you use too many treatments at the same time, your skin may become irritated, and you may actually suffer more breakouts as a result.
Does salicylic acid remove acne scars?
Salicylic acid clears pores, reduces swelling and redness, and exfoliates the skin when applied topically. It's considered to be one of the best treatments for acne scars. You can add products with salicylic acid into your daily routine, or your skin care specialist may use it for less frequent chemical peels.
What is stronger than salicylic acid?
Benzoyl peroxide is an active ingredient that is a little more powerful than salicylic acid, and works to penetrate the pores by breaking down the dead skin cells. “Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing and killing bacteria that cause acne, thereby reducing acne itself.
Does benzoyl peroxide make acne worse then better?
During the first 3 weeks you are using benzoyl peroxide, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. If your skin problem has not improved within 4 to 6 weeks, check with your doctor.
What is better for back acne benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
Turn to Salicylic Acid Dr. Bhanusali recommends using a body wash that contains salicylic acid for both treatment and prevention of body acne. Just don't use it the same day as a benzoyl peroxide wash and once your back zits clear up, use it once a week or so as a preventative measure.
Does benzoyl peroxide help hormonal acne?
“Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient commonly thought of for the treatment of teenage acne, but the reality is that it is an extremely effective ingredient for hormonal acne as well,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It works by lowering levels of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation.
Is benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid better for back acne?
Turn to Salicylic Acid Bhanusali recommends using a body wash that contains salicylic acid for both treatment and prevention of body acne. Just don't use it the same day as a benzoyl peroxide wash and once your back zits clear up, use it once a week or so as a preventative measure.
Is benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid better for oily skin?
When it comes down to it, benzoyl peroxide is a great choice for taking care of pimples and whiteheads for oily skin types. It's known to work quickly, and it comes in higher concentrations than salicylic acid.
Does salicylic acid remove acne scars?
Salicylic acid clears pores, reduces swelling and redness, and exfoliates the skin when applied topically. It's considered to be one of the best treatments for acne scars. You can add products with salicylic acid into your daily routine, or your skin care specialist may use it for less frequent chemical peels.
Can I use salicylic acid everyday?
While it is okay to use salicylic acid every day, it could cause irritation. Many dermatologists, therefore, recommend using the acid in moderation, beginning by applying it three times a week and working up from there.
What is the chemical family of benzoyl peroxide?
On the other hand, Benzoyl Peroxide is an organic acid belonging to the peroxide family which is mainly known for its antimicrobial properties.
Why is salicylic acid used in beauty products?
And it is mainly because of how salicylic acidtargets the different causes responsible for developing acne in the first place.
Can you use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together?
For example, if you use salicylic acid in the morning, it would be best to apply benzoyl peroxide at night. Or if you are comfortable using these ingredients only at night before sleep, then, you can alternate their use.
Does salicylic acid unclog pores?
Like salicylic acid, this ingredient can also help unclog pores. And this is probably the only similarity!
Does salicylic acid help with sebum?
Being an excellent oil-soluble ingredient, salicylic acid can cut through the excessive sebum to exfoliate your pore-lining and reduce the oil build-up.
Does beta hydroxy acid help with acne?
It is a beta hydroxy acid that functions by going deep into your skin layers and dissolving the dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil which clog your pores and eventually lead to acne. Keeping your pores clean helps prevent future breakouts and lowers the blemishes caused by existing pimples and acne.
Can you use benzoyl peroxide on sensitive skin?
Moreover, if you have sensitive skin, we would suggest beginning with salicylic acidonly. Then, as you slowly get used to these topical treatments for acne, you can opt for benzoyl peroxide. But don’t forget to start with a lower concentration! You can gradually move up if your skin handles it well.
What is the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide?
The major difference between benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid is in their approach: Salicylic acid clears out whatever's lurking in your pores, while benzoyl peroxide actually kills the acne-causing bacteria itself. It's quite possible that both acne-fighters will work well with your skin, but it's smart to consider your skin type ...
How Are Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Different?
The major difference between benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid is in their approach: Salicylic acid clears out whatever's lurking in your pores, while benzoyl peroxide actually kills the acne-causing bacteria itself. It's quite possible that both acne-fighters will work well with your skin, but it's smart to consider your skin type before you reach for a new product.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
It is a beta hydroxy acid that works by penetrating deep into the skin and dissolving whatever is clogging your pores before it can cause breakouts, whether it's excess oil and dead cells or irritants from the environment, such as dirt and particles from air pollution.
What is the best acne treatment?
When it comes to the best ingredients for fighting acne, two stand out from the crowd: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
What is the best way to treat acne?
Benzoyl peroxide, on the other hand, is an organic acid in the peroxide family that's been used to treat acne for more than 60 years. Its antimicrobial properties lower the levels of the acne-causing bacteria known as P. acnes in and on the skin while also calming inflammation.
Can you use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together?
How to Use Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide in Your Skincare Regimen. Dermatologists generally don't recommend using these ingredients together. Combining the two is a quick way to dry out your skin and cause irritation. Rather than using them together and hoping for the best, try picking one that targets your skin's specific needs.
Does salicylic acid work?
Salicylic acid has been used some 2,000 years — even longer than benzoyl peroxide — to target pimples and breakouts on the face. It is a beta hydroxy acid that works by penetrating deep into the skin and dissolving whatever is clogging your pores before it can cause breakouts, whether it's excess oil and dead cells or irritants from the environment, such as dirt and particles from air pollution.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid works a bit differently than benzoyl peroxide. As a beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid speeds up cell turnover rates. It exfoliates, helping your skin to shed dead cells more effectively. This, in turn, keeps them from building up within the pore.
What is the best acne treatment?
Benzoyl peroxide is the quintessential acne treatment. It works to clear acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria and clearing the pores of excess oil and dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide is found in countless over-the-counter products . In fact, benzoyl peroxide is the most effective OTC acne treatment ingredient available.
Can you use benzoyl peroxide in OTC?
Many OTC products contain both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. You could even use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, for example, followed by a benzoyl peroxide lotion.
Is salicylic acid better than benzoyl peroxide?
For those with a sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is obviously the better option.
Is salicylic acid good for acne?
If your skin has a rough, bumpy texture without many red pimples, you've most likely got comedonal acne, making salicylic acid a good choice for you.
Can benzoyl peroxide cause dryness?
The possible side effects of both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are similar—dryness, peeling, and irritation. Using them together can increase the chances of side effects, so scale back use if you're getting especially dry or irritated.
What is the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide?
Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid have exfoliating and antibacterial properties. The main difference between these two ingredients is that benzoyl peroxide is known to work best on mild pustules, while salicylic acid is best for blackheads and whiteheads.
How to use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?
Another way to incorporate benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together is to use a leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid after washing your face. Since a leave-on product stays on the skin all day, it has the ability to speed up the skin’s natural exfoliation process, leaving you with clear skin. Then, using a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment can ...
What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
As the name implies, benzoyl peroxide is something known as a peroxide, the technical term for an unstable bond between two oxygen atoms that can create free radicals. While free radicals often have a negative connotation, in this case they can be used to effectively kill P. acnes bacteria by destroying the cell walls. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide can exfoliate and help peel the outer layer of skin. One drawback of benzoyl peroxide is that while it does effectively kill P. acnes, it also kills the good bacteria that keep your skin healthy. This can leave skin feeling dry and irritated, which for some people can make skin look worse. Benzoyl peroxide is available in many different types of products, including washes, creams, gels or pre-moistened cloths. The strength of benzoyl peroxide in these products varies considerably – between 2 and 10 percent.
Can you use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together?
The short answer is yes, you can use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together. But what is the best way to incorporate these ingredients into your skin care routine? Below we have a few ways you can try using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is the most commonly used beta hydroxy acid (BHA) in cosmetics and skin care products. In chemistry, a BHA is an organic compound made up of a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) separated by two carbon atoms. With salicylic acid, both the hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups are attached directly to an aromatic benzene ring, rather than along a linear carbon chain. This structure makes salicylic acid oil soluble so it can penetrate into the pores of the skin.
What is the best way to use salicylic acid face wash?
The salicylic acid face wash will gently exfoliate pores, while the spot treatment will target existing blemishes.
Does salicylic acid neutralize acne?
Therefore, salicylic acid can neutralize the bacteria P. Acnes that is present in acne papules.
Why do doctors recommend benzoyl peroxide?
Doctors may recommend benzoyl peroxide because it helps prevent bacterial resistance.
What to do if you don't see improvement with benzoyl peroxide?
If they do not see an improvement with benzoyl peroxide, they can try additional treatments, such as topical antibiotics or retinoids. If a person experiences bothersome side effects from either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, they can reduce how frequently they use them.
How long does it take for salicylic acid to work?
It may take up to 2–3 months before a person notices a significant improvement in the appearance of the acne after starting benzoyl peroxide.
What is the concentration of benzoyl peroxide in acne cream?
The concentration of benzoyl peroxide in these products ranges from 2.5% to 10%. Some acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide in combination with other ingredients. These products are available only by prescription. Epiduo and Epiduo Forte are two products that contain benzoyl peroxide and a topical retinoid.
How much salicylic acid is good for acne?
One study compared using 0.5% salicylic acid twice daily to a placebo in a 12-week trial. People using the salicylic acid product had a more significant reduction in acne compared to those using a placebo.
What is the ingredient in OTC acne medicine?
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne medications.
What are the side effects of salicylic acid?
Other side effects of salicylic acid include: 1 redness of the skin 2 inflammation 3 dryness 4 peeling
What is the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide?
The biggest difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties, while salicylic acid does not. Both can be used in conjunction with one another, depending on your particular skin concerns.
What Is Benzoyl Peroxide?
"Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent. It helps to kill P. acnes, the bacteria that have been implicated to play a role in the development of acne," says Nagler. "It also helps to prevent small pimples called comedones (comedolytic). It is a good ingredient because there have not been reports of resistance to this."
What is the best product for oily skin?
The Best Products to Try. "If severely oily skin and pimples are a problem, La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo is a great option," says Kauvar. "It has a combination of benzoyl peroxide and lipo-hydroxy acid to exfoliate. Make sure to use it along with a noncomedogenic moisturizer since it can be drying.".
Does benzoyl peroxide cause dry skin?
Dryness and irritation are possibly side effects for both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It's important to always moisturize to keep the skin from getting too dry when using these acne-fighting ingredients.
Does salicylic acid kill bacteria?
What Is Salicylic Acid? Salicylic acid, on the other hand, targets the different causes of acne rather than the acne itself. "Salicylic acid does not kill bacteria," she says. "Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxyl acid, works at dissolving away dead skin cells on the skin surface and in the pores, which become clogged with acne.
Can you use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together?
There's a place in your routine for both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide if you deal with acne. Using one over the other or both will depend on the type of acne you deal with and your overall skincare goals. If you're not sure where to begin, chat with your dermatologist. Don't overdo it with active ingredients, and be wary of combining these acne-fighting ingredients with other acids or with retinol. And always moisturize to try to prevent dryness and irritation.
Can salicylic acid cause dryness?
With regard to side effects, because salicylic acid helps to reduce oil, it can cause dryness is overused or if moisturizers are not used in conjunction. It is generally considered a more mild treatment than benzoyl peroxide, but a doctor might even suggest you use both, one at night and one during the day. However, it is important that you begin any treatment very slowly. Going from zero to sixty can greatly increase your chances of unwanted side effects like dryness or irritation.
Is benzoyl peroxide safe for acne?
Benzoyl peroxide is considered the most effective treatment for standard pimples that are red pustules, raised above the skin. However, different types of acne respond better to different treatments.
