Works Well With: Benzoyl peroxide works well in combination with salicyclic acid to treat acne. Don't Use With: Don't use multiple benzoyl peroxide products at once. Benzoyl peroxide may also reduce the efficacy of vitamin C products when used as part of the same routine.
Don't mix: Benzoyl peroxide + vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide + retinol (with the exception of a specifically formulated acne treatment called Epiduo), benzoyl peroxide + AHAs/BHAs.
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.
When using topical benzoyl peroxide, moisturize first. Let in soak in, then apply the benzoyl peroxide. This helps buffer the medication and compensates for its drying effects. With benzoyl peroxide cleansers or washes, first cleanse, then apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
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.
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.
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. This only takes a few seconds.
The best way to apply to apply benzoyl peroxide is by cleansing the skin, then applying non-comedogenic moisturiser, wait for the cream to get absorbed and dry out on the skin. It hardly takes 5-10 minutes and lastly apply benzoyl peroxide cream/ointment.
Benzoyl peroxide may be used up to twice per day. After cleansing and toning, apply the product in a thin layer around the entire affected area of skin. Let the product dry for a few seconds before applying your moisturizer.
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!
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.
Dermatologists recommend CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for people with acne as it works to cleanse the skin and remove oil, without disrupting the skin's protective barrier. It won't clog pores or dry the skin out, and contains niacinamide and ceramides to help calm and moisturize irritated skin.
You should absolutely moisturize your skin even if you have active acne. It's an absolute myth that moisturizing your face will worsen your acne. In fact, moisturizers are necessary to keep acne-prone skin as relaxed as possible.
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.
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.
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
The combination of ingredients like polyglyceryl-3-diisostearate and cetyl alcohol both can contribute to some pretty serious breakouts.
Overall, there is no clear winner. It just depends on the needs of your own skin. If you experience dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin then CeraVe might be the clear choice. However, if you experience sensitive skin the Cetaphil is the better option.
However, it can take six to eight weeks to see an improvement,10 so it's important to continue using anti-acne products to achieve the results you want. When looking for a solution, try to choose a simple, yet effective regimen.
Benzoyl peroxide is good for all types of acne, including cysts, blackheads and whiteheads, but it's particularly great at treating inflammatory cystic acne.
Benzoyl peroxide works to exfoliate dead skin cells and penetrate deep down to dry up excess sebum and unclog the pores, creating a drying effect. This active ingredient works best on whiteheads and cystic acne.
For example, if you suffer from hormonal acne, salicylic acid tends to be effective, while benzoyl peroxide might be all you need if you have garden-variety whiteheads.
Paula's Choice Skincare CLEAR line offers two benzoyl peroxide–based solutions for you to try. If you have stubborn to severe acne, be sure to use the benzoyl peroxide–based product twice per day, morning and evening, after applying the BHA exfoliant.
BHA + Benzoyl Peroxide
Because beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide are both exfoliating ingredients, you may run the risk of irritating your skin. Keep the two separate to try to prevent redness and peeling.
Do not take clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel with moisturizer cream by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn). If you get clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel with moisturizer cream in any of these areas, rinse well with water.