salicylic acid vs benzoyl peroxide

Both can be used in conjunction with one another, depending on your particular skin concerns. Also, you don’t need a super high concentration of 10% benzoyl peroxide in order to benefit from it. You should seek emergency medical attention if you develop extreme swelling or have trouble breathing. Learn about alternatives, side effects, cost, dosage, and more. Doctors prescribe gels, creams, and ointments that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and others. All rights reserved. While salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide both treat acne, they're very different. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Using the ingredient in each step of your routine can dry out your skin and worsen your acne. These products are available only by prescription. After cleansing and toning, apply the product in a thin layer around the entire affected area of skin. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne medications. Salicylic acid is an acid that is also present in the medication aspirin. Allergic reactions are rare, but they are possible. The Kind Of Acne You Have: The most important to consider while deciding between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide is the type of acne you have. Benzoyl Peroxide can bleach any material it comes into contact with, including towels and clothing. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are effective anti-acne medications. Salicylic acid is often used in cleansers, toners, astringent pads and gels at concentrations of about 1 to 2 percent. Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most effective acne treatments available. While there’s technically no cure for acne, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may offer relief and help clear up breakouts. The choice of which to use largely depends on each user and her skin type. Most skin treatments contain up to 10 percent benzoyl peroxide. Side effects of benzoyl peroxide can include: The higher the concentration of benzoyl peroxide in the product, the more likely the person will experience these side effects. People can use benzoyl peroxide alone for mild acne. It's perfectly … If your hair tends to be dry, you may want to try changing your hair care routine. See how to do it right, to avoid bad side…, The human digestive system is the means by which tissues and organs receive nutrients to function. If you want to try salicylic acid, consider using: If you want to try benzoyl peroxide, consider using: You should never use a salicylic acid- or benzoyl peroxide-based product for every step of your skin care routine. Women may be more likely to experience acne than men. The majority of OTC acne skin-care systems contain one or both of these ingredients. Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic acid: Where Benzoyl Peroxide is anti bacterial, Salicylic Acid increases the skin cell turnover rate. The concentration of benzoyl peroxide in these products ranges from 2.5% to 10%. Benzoyl peroxide is ideal for treating mild pustules, while salicylic acid is useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads. Although the side effects of each ingredient vary, both products are considered safe overall. It is a type of beta-hydroxy acid which helps in treating acne by simply exfoliating and dislodging the dead skin cells without clogging pores. Because of this, benzoyl peroxide acts better as a preventative for acne, since it kills the acne bacteria before it has had a chance to infect a clogged pore. However, people need to use them multiple times, and the results do not last long. It is a topical treatment for acne that has antibacterial effects and induces skin peeling and about 5% of each topical dose is absorbed systemically. It’s more drying than salicylic acid, so it can lead to more severe irritation. In fact, Dr. Haley says that there’s not much of a treatment difference between using 10% versus 5%, and that the higher concentration can actually be super irritating to all skin types. © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. The biggest difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties, while salicylic acid does not. Learn more about this relationship. To chip away at the congested pores, I recommend a low dose salicylic acid. This classification will allow doctors to choose the most appropriate treatment. Because it’s so gentle, it may also be applied as a midday spot treatment. While salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide both treat acne, they're very 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. I love my dermatologist. If you use a retinoid or retinol product at night, apply benzoyl peroxide only in the mornings. Salicylic acid works as an exfoliant below the skin’s surface to focus on the root causes of acne, while benzoyl peroxide stays on the surface. A doctor can help a person choose the most appropriate topical or oral product depending on the type of acne they have. Benzoyl peroxide is a much stronger antibacterial than salicylic acid, although it also seems to be a slightly weaker exfoliant. Learn more about why skin discoloration happens and how to treat it here. For acne that is in need of an anti-bacterial blast, stick to benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide may not be safe for sensitive skin. Researchers estimate that acne affects about 85% of teenagers, but it can persist into adulthood. In addition to removing excess oil and dead skin cells, benzoyl peroxide helps kill acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid . Benzoyl Peroxide Vs. Salicylic Acid: Which One Is Better For Acne Treatment? Prolonged and excessive use of salicylic acid, especially in children under 12 years old, may cause salicylate toxicity. If you’re new to benzoyl peroxide, start with once a day only. Widely available over the counter (OTC), they both help clear mild acne and prevent future breakouts. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are capable of producing side effects such as drying and peeling. The key difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid removes dead skin cells that can clog pores. Where benzoyl peroxide is harsher and more useful for spot-treatments, salicylic acid is a gentle yet powerful daily ingredient that can be used all over the face and body with few reported side effects. If your skin becomes too irritated with daily use, you can scale back to using the products every other day. For example, if you use a salicylic acid-based cleanser, make sure that this ingredient isn’t in your toner or moisturizer. As a beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid speeds up cell turnover rates. When you compare Differin with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid products, the difference is clear. Try one of these oils packed with antioxidants and vitamins to help your skin look and feel better. How To Get Rid Of Acne – Benzoyl Peroxide Vs Salicylic Acid. Salicylic acid is more effective for blackheads and whiteheads. Your treatment plan could very well include both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at the same time. Below, we look at the benefits of both types of acne treatment: Salicylic acid helps naturally exfoliate the skin by allowing the skin cells to unstick from one another. There are tons of over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatment products out there. Salicylic acid was not included in the guidelines because studies have shown it has limited efficacy for improving acne. But, put acne and a trustworthy doctor together and you'll find yourself with a long list of potential remedies to rid yourself of the accursed. The system breaks down food, extracts nutrients…. If a person experiences bothersome side effects from either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, they can reduce how frequently they use them. Epiduo and Epiduo Forte are two products that contain benzoyl peroxide and a topical retinoid. Salicylic acid dries out excess oils (sebum) in your pores. Since each ingredient is attacking a different acne-causing source, one option is to cover all your bases by using both ingredients in conjunction. Many OTC washes and acne treatments may contain salicylic acid, so it is essential to check all the ingredients on the label. It is derived from the Willow Tree Bark and/or Wintergreen leaves. The American Academy of Dermatology recommend using benzoyl peroxide for mild to severe acne alone or in combination with other acne treatments. This ingredient exfoliates dead skin cells and helps reduce excess sebum. Many oral and topical treatments are available to improve acne. Let’s start the benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid showdown to find out: Benzoyl Peroxide Is Better At Treating Acne Why Is Good At Treating Acne? Doctors may, therefore, recommend using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide once daily or every other day, depending on the person’s tolerance. It’s not always easy to choose which products to use for acne treatment, but two of the most common ingredients in over the counter remedies are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. benzoyl peroxide is commonly used, and there are no case reports about benzoyl peroxide and birth defects in the literature I find it safe to use. Here’s our process. Evidence shows that benzoyl peroxide is effective in improving acne. It exfoliates, helping your skin to shed dead cells more effectively. SA does not aggravate sensitive skin. It’s also important to wear sunscreen every day. People using the salicylic acid product had a more significant reduction in acne compared to those using a placebo. Are … Anyone with an allergy to benzoyl peroxide should avoid any product that contains it. Compared to salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide produces faster results. Before we declare a clear winner, it is essential to understand that it is a relative comparison and both do different things. If they do not see an improvement with benzoyl peroxide, they can try additional treatments, such as topical antibiotics or retinoids. Last medically reviewed on August 9, 2019. Salicylic acid is in many wash-off and leave-on products in concentrations between 0.5% to 2%. If you aren’t seeing results after six weeks, you may want to check in with your dermatologist. The fight between benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid might be complicated to understand because they do the exact same things. They’re also considered safe to use during pregnancy. Last medically reviewed on April 10, 2019. However, applying both products on the same area of skin — even at different times of day — can increase your risk for excessive drying, redness, and peeling. You may start with a gentle wash, and then move up to a gel-based version as your skin gets accustomed to the ingredient. Chemical peels should often be left to the professionals, but if you’re going to do it anyway, here’s what you need to know to stay safe and informed. Each of these two wonder ingredients have a key super power: Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells that are clogging pores. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide work by peeling off the top layer of the skin. Both ingredients remove dead skin cells, which can clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts. 81% of adults with acne say they’ve never found an effective treatment Yervoy (ipilimumab) is a prescription injection used to treat certain forms of cancer. People can also purchase acne medications that contain benzoyl peroxide over the counter. It may also increase your risk of skin cancer and scarring. Anyone with severe or intolerable side effects should stop using the products. Salicylic acid has proven to be one of the most effective acne treatments and a safer option than benzoyl peroxide. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, benzoyl peroxide is the most effective acne-fighting ingredient available without a prescription. Salicylic acid may also interact with some mediations, including: Anyone using these medications should speak to a doctor before starting OTC acne medications. What are the benefits of each ingredient? Traditional lotions not doing the trick? Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are acne-fighting ingredients used in a multitude of OTC products. Doctors recommend using benzoyl peroxide on its own for treating mild acne or with other topical and oral acne medications for more severe conditions. When doctors diagnose acne, they will classify the condition as mild, moderate, or severe. Gradually work your way up to morning and night applications. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and side effects associated with each ingredient, how to use them, and products to try. However, it could remove too much oil, making your face unusually dry. Salicylic acid is less harmful on the skin and causes less irritation, dryness, and pain than benzoyl peroxide. It works thanks to its peeling action: it exfoliates skin, getting rid both of the dead cells on its surface, and the dirt and sebum that’s clogging your pores. For example, salicylic acid may be a good all-over method to treat and prevent breakouts, while benzoyl peroxide may be applied as a spot treatment only. These include: Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two medications that people use to treat acne. It is great for those are fighting more extreme acne. Salicylic acid does a better job in treating the plugged up part of acne, exerting long term control against blackheads and whiteheads then benzoyl peroxide, but benzoyl peroxide does that as well. Topical dosages for creams, washes, astringents, and other OTC products usually contain concentrations between 0.5 and 5 percent. Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide should be used sparingly. People can use other treatments instead of or in combination with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. It is a Beta Hydroxy acid (BHA) so it encourages the sloughing off dead skin cells. This will prevent irritation and other side effects. Other side effects of salicylic acid include: To prevent these common side effects, people can start by using it daily and gradually increasing to two or three applications per day as tolerated. It also destroys P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. Doctors may recommend benzoyl peroxide because it helps prevent bacterial resistance. Dry hair is a common problem among men. Share; Tweet; Pin; Copy; 1. by Alexis Cheung. Shutterstock. Because all skin types are different, one of these solutions may work great while the other might hardly work at all which is why you’ll want to identify your skin type to make sure you choose the best ingredient(s) and product(s) for you. Anyone with an allergy to salicylic acid should not use it on their skin. All rights reserved. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria. People usually tolerate salicylic acid well, but unfortunately, it has limited efficacy for treating acne. If you aren’t seeing results after six weeks, you may move up to a 10 percent concentration. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two of the most well-known acne-fighting ingredients. Salicylic acid is an acid that is also present in the medication aspirin. Benzoyl Peroxide Vs Salicylic Acid Benzoyl Peroxide . Benzoyl peroxide works well for mild pustules. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub, Clean and Clear Deep Cleansing Toner for Sensitive Skin, Mountain Falls Daily Acne Control Cleanser, Neutrogena Clear Pore Facial Cleanser/Mask, Doing Chemical Peels at Home: Everything You Need to Know, Why Science Says Hyaluronic Acid Is the Holy Grail to Wrinkle-Free, Youthful Hydration, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Dermarolling Is the Prickly Time Machine That’ll Erase Your Scars and Stretch Marks. We include products we think are useful for our readers. A good alternative to benzoyl peroxide are treatment products containing salicylic acid; which are much milder, gentler and effective for removing any kind of acne including: body acne , teen acne , adult acne , chest acne and etc. Many people know the immune system plays an important role in the development of psoriasis. Benzoyl peroxide may be used up to twice per day. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Doctors may recommend adding salicylic acid to other treatments for moderate or severe acne. Salicylic acid is milder than Benzoyl peroxide on your skin. Salicylic acid works best for blackheads and whiteheads. A safer approach is to use both ingredients for different types of acne. Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid have exfoliating and antibacterial properties. Although each can deliver great results, there are some key differences between the two. People who use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may experience dryness, inflammation, and peeling on the areas of skin where they use the product. If you have any of the following conditions, talk to your doctor before use: This ingredient may also stain your hair and clothes, so apply with caution and wash your hands thoroughly after use. P acnes or Propinoibacteria acnes are the bacteria that are known to clog pores and stimulate acne. Many people may still use salicylic acid for treating acne because it is widely available without a prescription. For example, you can use a product with salicylic acid one night and a product with benzoyl peroxide the next night. This is one of the first known ingredients to treat skin problems, especially acne which has been used for a long time! © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Fact. Can Powdered Vitamin C Improve the Health of Your Facial Skin? They may recommend stronger treatments, such as retinols or prescription retinoids. The results demonstrated that only patients treated with the salicylic acid cleanser had a significant reduction in comedones. 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. While benzoyl peroxide has an ‘A’ rating for recommendations, salicylic acid only has a ‘B.’. Obviously, those who are sensitive to one of these agents will have to use the one they can tolerate. Get the facts and see if this prescription drug may work for you. It is best used to treat blackheads and whiteheads. A four-week crossover study to compare the efficacy of an acne cleanser containing 2% salicylic acid with that of a 10% benzoyl peroxide wash was conducted in 30 patients with acne vulgaris. Really. People can buy acne products that contain salicylic acid without a prescription. Take our skin type quiz and learn how to build the best routine for healthy skin. Powdered vitamin C is thought to be more stable than other forms of vitamin C. Here’s how it works and when you may want to use it. Some studies have suggested that salicylic acid chemical peels may help improve mild acne. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. When used regularly, this ingredient may also prevent future comedones from forming. It would be benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and would also depend on the concentrations used. Find out what works for acne, scars, and more. Dermarolling, aka microneedling, is the art of erasing unwanted acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Benzoyl peroxide is a much better antibacterial ingredient than salicylic acid, so it’s really going to tackle the cutibacterium acnes component of acne much better than salicylic acid does. Both can help address acne and prevent new blemishes from forming, which is why some patients choose to combine the two in their routine. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Gum disease increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, Scientists inactivate SARS-CoV-2 by 'tricking' it with peptides, More than 140,000 different viruses live in the human gut, The Black-white gap in blood cancer outcomes, 5 facts about the immune system and psoriasis. Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical present in some bleaching products. Here's what you need to know about this magic ingredient. Although these acne ingredients don’t cause sun sensitivity like retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids, unprotected sun exposure can make acne worse. So, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to consider salicylic acid over benzoyl peroxide. Hyaluronic acid may be the answer to wrinkle-free skin but not all varieties are equal. This process can stop the formation of pimples. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. But, salicylic acid is a bit different from benzoyl peroxide. Let the product dry for a few seconds before applying your moisturizer. And Salicylic acid also is used to treat acne, warts and other dermatological problems. This will reduce the chances of your skin developing redness or excessive dryness. 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. The widespread use of topical and oral antibiotics to treat acne has led to increasing resistance of the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria that is responsible for causing acne. Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical present in some bleaching products. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are commonly used in acne treatment, but both work very differently on the skin. Now that you understand the difference between – and benefits of - benzoyl peroxide vs. salicylic acid, it’s time to put both to the test. Learn about side effects, generic, cost, uses, dosage, and more. It works best on traditional red, pus-filled pimples (pustules). Black skin discoloration has many causes, ranging from eczema to acne. Salicylic Acid; Benzoyl Peroxide Vs. Salicylic Acid. In this article, we compare the benefits and side effects of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid works a bit differently than benzoyl peroxide.

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