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.
You can incorporate either product in your morning or nighttime skincare routine. Then, once you build a tolerance, you can try applying both daily. "If your dermatologist adds prescription products [to your skincare routine], you may need to [decrease] your use of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid," says Dr.
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.
“You can use a salicylic acid–based cleanser in the morning to unclog pores and avoid acne and a glycolic acid–based cleanser at night to exfoliate your skin and get rid of dead skin cells,” notes Jailman.
If you're new to benzoyl peroxide, start with once a day only. Gradually work your way up to morning and night applications. If you use a retinoid or retinol product at night, apply benzoyl peroxide only in the mornings. This will prevent irritation and other side effects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How can I slot benzoyl peroxide into my routine? “I usually recommend that it's used in the morning – with the use of a retinoid, such as tretinoin at night, which will help increase the absorption of BPO,” says Dr Sam. For the best results though, you should also look at your wider skincare routine.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A SALICYLIC ACID? While the frequency of application will vary from product to product, most will recommend use twice daily.
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.
“To compensate for being overly dry, skin will ramp up oil production, which can create a vicious cycle of dryness and acne,” says Sikora. The fix: Use salicylic in the morning and your retinoid at night.
Can I leave Benzac on overnight? Yes, you can. When you first start using Benzac AC treatment gels it's recommended that for the first three days, you only leave the treatment on for a couple of hours and wash it off. This ensures that you are getting your skin used to benzoyl peroxide.
"If salicylic acid is an ingredient in your cleanser, it is fine to use it every day." However, if you are using an exfoliant that salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advises only using the product three times per week, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.
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.
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.
If you use a product containing benzoyl peroxide, it is best to wait until this product has been fully absorbed before applying a serum and/or moisturiser. Benzoyl peroxide works best when it has the chance to absorb into the skin first.
Salicylic acid creams that are only 1% or 2% in strength, you can leave it overnight on the skin and rinse it off in the morning. Remember to use a good broad spectrum sunscreen because salicylic acid can make your skin sensitive.
Can I moisturise after salicylic acid? Absolutely, if anything I strongly suggest moisturising after using salicylic acid. Not only will this soothe and calm the skin after applying the potent BHA to your skin.
I started applying salicylic acid after the cleansing and toning steps and before moisturising. It is important that you let your skin absorb the product.
You can still use your benzoyl peroxide products, just not in the same part of your routine as the vitamin C. Try using vitamin C in the morning and benzoyl peroxide in the evenings, or use them on different days.