Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid appear most frequently as the primary ingredients in acne-fighting products, and for good reason. They fight the three conditions that lead to blackheads and pimples, just in different ways.
Understanding what each does and how is essential to determine which ingredient would be best for your particular skin condition. And equally important is knowing your skin type before selecting a product.
What benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid do
Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria that cause acne, curtails sebum (oil) production and serves as a chemical exfoliant to get rid of dead skin. It addresses all three conditions needed to produce breakouts.
Be aware that there have been concerns about benzoyl peroxide breaking down to a carcinogen, benzene. However, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Dermatologists both concluded that the amount of beneze in nearly 100 acne-fighting products was negligible and not harmful. Some companies voluntarily recalled a few products with elevated benzene levels.
Salicylic acid helps clear pores in two ways – dissolves the build-up of contaminants and oil in pores and, like benzoyl peroxide, it exfoliates to get rid of dead skin that can clog pores. Salicylic acid, derived from tree bark, possesses antiseptic properties that can help mitigate bacterial growth, but it does not fight bacteria as effectively as benzoyl peroxide.
Who needs which medication
People who break out regularly with inflamed acne or pustules, blemishes with white or yellow centers, should use benzoyl peroxide, the American Academy of Dermatologists recommends.
Salicylic acid, which is beta hydroxy acid, is a better choice for people with sensitive skin and those fighting whiteheads and blackheads.
Both come with side effects. Salicylic acid can dry out skin, cause peeling, create redness and irritate the skin. To mitigate or prevent that discomfort, dermatologists recommend starting with the mildest concentration of salicylic acid and working up to higher levels to build a tolerance. Additionally, reducing the frequency of application could alleviate the discomfort.
Benzoyl peroxide can produce similar irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin. Specialists suggest start using it as a spot treatment on blemishes first, before prophylactically spreading a thin layer on the entire face as recommended.
Take these precautions eliminate or reduce side effects for both options:
patch test, use a small amount of product, perhaps on a part of the arm and observe it for a day or two for a reaction
Avoid using facial scrubs while using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. They could worsen irritation.
Remember to moisturize your face. Both medications can have a drying effect as they attack sebum. But dry skin can flake and clog pores leading to more blemishes. Wear sunscreen because both treatments make skin more sensitive to sunlight. And as always, visit a dermatologist to determine the best treatment options for your skin.
