Consider any medicines and skin care products you already use. Some may make your skin more sensitive, such as prescription retinoid creams or products containing retinol or benzoyl peroxide. Exfoliating while using these products can trigger acne breakouts or excessive dryness.
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.
After two to six weeks of using tretinoin, it's usually okay to start using an exfoliant. However, it's best to use exfoliating products as sparingly as possible while using tretinoin to avoid potentially irritating your skin.
“Do not use benzoyl peroxide with any other medicines that may have drying or irritating effects on your skin, including alcohol-based skincare products,” says Dr Saleki.
Its enduring popularity goes beyond its availability and affordability — benzoyl peroxide can help treat inflammatory acne lesions and related scarring. It's most helpful when used together with other treatments, such as topical retinoids.
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.
I stuck with the basics: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Daily Facial Moisturizer, as recommended by my dermatologist. I was also advised to stay away from any heavy exfoliation or products that were not made for sensitive skin.
It might be tempting to go to town exfoliating if your skin has become flakey on Accutane but don't exfoliate your face more than twice a week. Avoid harsh microbeads or chemicals and opt for something soft like Elemis' Gentle Rose Exfoliator.
Avoid exfoliation. The Accutane will make your skin very sensitive, and exfoliating will make it red and sore. Use an oil-free cleanser to cleanse your skin — that's it. Never use a washcloth or any exfoliating gel or brush when you're on Accutane.
Getting rid of dead skin cells helps unclog pores, making other anti-acne products work even better. We recommend exfoliating twice a day for maximum benefit, though you will have to experiment to see what works best for you. After exfoliation, apply benzoyl peroxide to make sure bacteria in pores are knocked out!
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.
Yes, you can use benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide at the same time. In fact, many experts suggest teaming highly potent and drying ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide with hydrating ones, such as niacinamide. With benzoyl peroxide penetrating further into the skin, it can sometimes cause some irritation and dryness.
Accutane makes the skin very fragile, dry and sensitive so if you use a low dose Retin-A or glycolic acid while on Accutane you can irritate and even damage your skin. You must be off Isotretinoin (Accutane) for at least 6 months to a year before you even consider having a chemical peel.
"If you start Accutane with oily skin, you will be able to tolerate most drying acne medications, including benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, which happen to be the most effective topical acne treatments," Dr. Shamban says.
As well, the US National Library of Medicine, advises that patients should plan to avoid laser skin treatments, and dermabrasion (surgical smoothing of the skin) while you are taking isotretinoin and for 6 months after treatment.
AVOID HARSH SALICYLIC ACID TOPICALS
Salicylic acid creams may work as monotherapy without Accutane, but may be extremely harsh on your skin while on Accutane. Give your skin a chance to heal without using keratolytic chemicals that can further irritate and sensitize.
For optimal absorption, isotretinoin must be taken with high-fat, high-calorie meals. The FDA defines “high fat” as 50 percent of total caloric intake of the meal, while “high calorie” refers to 800 to 1,000 calories (150 from proteins, 250 from carbohydrates, 500-600 from fat).
Do not have cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin (such as waxing, laser, dermabrasion) during and for 6 months after isotretinoin therapy. Skin scarring may occur. Avoid the use of alcohol while taking this medication because it may increase the risk of certain side effects (such as pancreatitis).
Using benzoyl peroxide topically will give you even-looking skin tone due to its bleaching properties. With regular use, it might also make your skin appear brighter.
Benzoyl peroxide does not usually darken your skin. Some brown or purplish spots may appear in the acne-affected areas, which are completely normal and part of the healing process. But in rare cases, benzoyl peroxide can cause hyperpigmentation and dark skin.
“AHA, BHA, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and rosehip oil to get effective results — just ensure you are not using retinol as well as AHA or BHA's during the day," says Graf.
1 If you're just beginning with your benzoyl peroxide treatment, start using moisturizer now, even before you notice any uncomfortable dryness. You may be able to stave off the worst of it. If you've already succumbed to benzoyl peroxide-induced dryness and flakiness, slather on moisturizer as often as necessary.
If you have blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid alone should work well to clear out your pores. 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.