Can benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid be used together?

Author: Ronny Weimann  |  Last update: Monday, March 21, 2022

Can I Use Both Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together? “It's safe to use both together at low concentrations to attack your acne on all fronts,” the dermatologist explains. However, sensitive skin types should be especially mindful of the concentrations of both products if using in tandem, cautions Dr.

Can I use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid at the same time?

Your treatment plan could very well include both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at the same time. 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.

Should I use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid first?

If your acne tends to be inflammatory, such as papules and pustules, opt for benzoyl peroxide to stop outbreaks at the source. For sensitive skin, start with salicylic acid, since it's less likely to cause irritation.

How do you use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?

"I usually recommend choosing just one product that has benzoyl peroxide and one that has salicylic acid," says Dr. Kim. "Start slowly in the beginning, alternating days until your skin gets used to [both products] with no signs of peeling, redness, or irritation."

Can I use salicylic acid in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night?

Your treatment plan could include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at the same time, but it is best to space them out to decrease your risk for peeling, redness, dermatitis and drying. Doctors suggests switching between products every night, or using one in the AM and the other in the night.

SALICYLIC ACID VERSUS BENZOYL PEROXIDE| DR DRAY

What can you not mix with benzoyl peroxide?

Don't Mix: Benzoyl peroxide with retinol, acne prescription tretinoin with caution. As previously mentioned, benzoyl peroxide and retinol can deactivate one another when used together. While prescription acne treatments can be used with BP, tretinoin requires extra care.

Is benzoyl peroxide better in the morning or night?

Day or Night (With One Exception)

Often found spot treatments and acne-focused skincare products, benzoyl peroxide is generally okay to use either in the morning or night, with one exception. "Benzoyl peroxide can be used during the daytime, but is often combined into formulations with other acne-fighting retinoids.

Is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide better for hormonal acne?

Research on the chemical differences between these two acne-fighting agents has shown that salicylic acid opens the pores and has a bit of a sloughing, exfoliating effect. However, benzoyl peroxide is superior for treating acne because it has an anti-microbial effect and a better antioxidant effect.

Can salicylic acid make acne worse?

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.

When should salicylic acid be used in routine?

By using a salicylic acid enriched wash after cleansing the skin of any remaining makeup, you are helping to rid the skin of any dead skin cell build-up allowing any nourishing products applied afterwards to absorb quicker into the lower layers of the skin and show results quicker.

Can I use salicylic acid everyday?

Is it okay to use salicylic acid every day? 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.

When should you not use benzoyl peroxide?

These serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people. Stop using benzoyl peroxide if: the skin that you're treating becomes swollen. you get blisters on your skin.

Should you use salicylic acid in the morning or night?

Products with salicylic acid can be used either morning or night. When using products with salicylic acid during the day, it is recommended to apply a daily SPF as the last step in your skincare regimen.

What should you not use salicylic acid with?

But overall, stick to using water-based products and serums together. AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.

Can too much benzoyl peroxide cause acne?

Dr. Shah notes that the concentration of ingredients in your acne product doesn't always affect how well they work, but it can. If you're having continued issues with your skin, it's possible the concentration of an ingredient like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide could be contributing.

Can I mix benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide?

Products containing Niacinamide are fantastic to pair with dehydrating ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinols to balance the skin.

How do you know if benzoyl peroxide is working?

Around eight to 10 weeks after you start using the product, your skin should be much clearer. You'll still have the odd spot or two. If the treatment didn't work as well as you wanted, it's a good idea to visit a dermatologist. A prescription treatment might work better.

Does salicylic acid work on cystic acne?

Like I mentioned earlier, salicylic acid and sulfur won't help cystic acne. It can make it even worse if it dries out or irritates your skin.

Can benzoyl peroxide worsen acne?

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.

Can you mix salicylic acid and niacinamide?

Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together? The simple answer is yes. They complement each other well. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin.

Can I use salicylic acid with AHA and BHA?

“AHAs and BHAs can certainly be combined. For example, for oily skin, a salicylic-based cleanser can be used followed by a glycolic acid toner.

Can I use BHA and salicylic acid together?

To fight the good fight against acne, you may also use salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that increases skin cell turnover, to keep pores clear. But on its own, each can dry out the skin, so together they should be combined with caution.

Can I use moisturizer after salicylic acid?

It works by penetrating and dislodging the gunk (sebum) in your pores, so that it's no longer trapped — resulting in a lower chance of triggering an acne breakout." When you combine salicylic with a moisturizer, you're essentially chemically exfoliating your skin while also giving it the hydration it needs to avoid—you ...

Can you use benzoyl peroxide with BHA?

Benzoyl Peroxide + AHAs/BHAs (Exfoliating Acids)

Both salicylic acid (a BHA) and benzoyl peroxide are effective against acne, but using them at the same time can lead to excessively dry skin. Try using them on alternating nights instead for an equally effective anti-acne regimen!

Should you exfoliate when using benzoyl peroxide?

An exfoliating cleanser with benzoyl peroxide is often recommended for use when exfoliating skin that has acne, as long as the acne is not inflamed.

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