Is benzoyl peroxide an exfoliant?

Author: Timmothy Legros  |  Last update: Monday, March 21, 2022

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.

Is benzoyl peroxide an exfoliating acid?

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is non-prescription drug that works to destroy acne-causing bacteria in your pores. BPO works primarily as an exfoliating agent by increasing the turnover of the skin and removes the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells from the pores.

Is benzoyl peroxide a BHA or AHA?

Kraffert says. 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.

Is it better to use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide?

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.

Can I use benzoyl peroxide everyday?

It is recommended that you use benzoyl peroxide products once or twice each day. If you have sensitive skin or you experience excessive skin redness or peeling, just use the product once each day at night time. You should apply benzoyl peroxide to the whole of the area where your spots occur and not just to each spot.

SALICYLIC ACID VERSUS BENZOYL PEROXIDE| DR DRAY

Can I use niacinamide with benzoyl peroxide?

Yes, you totally can. Niacinamide actually layers very well with retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, by reducing the inflammation and irritation, and making it easier for our skin to tolerate these strong actives.

Does benzoyl peroxide lighten skin?

People can find benzoyl peroxide in over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments or in lower concentrations in supermarket products, such as face and body washes. Benzoyl peroxide also has bleaching qualities.

How do I incorporate benzoyl peroxide on my skincare routine?

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. If you're new to benzoyl peroxide, start with once a day only.

What does benzoyl peroxide do to skin?

Benzoyl peroxide attacks the bacteria on your skin. It also helps to unclog pores by removing dead skin to prevent blockages. This treats existing acne and may help prevent new spots. It works best when you use it regularly.

Is it okay to use both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?

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 with Paula's Choice BHA exfoliant?

Paula's Choice Skincare CLEAR Line has two options for you to consider. For stubborn to severe acne, use a BHA exfoliant twice per day, morning and evening. ... 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.

Can you use benzoyl peroxide and AHA?

“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.

Does benzoyl peroxide get rid of acne scars?

It can even remove dark spots and pimples or acne scars. The key difference between any benzoyl peroxide product and other topical antibiotics for acne like clindamycin is that our bodies do not build up an antibiotic resistance to the product.

Can benzoyl peroxide cause more 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.

How do I 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.

Can I use moisturizer after benzoyl peroxide?

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.

What skincare products can I use with benzoyl peroxide?

Do Mix: Benzoyl Peroxide with gentle hydrating ingredients, SPF, and topical antibiotics. Along with moisturizing ingredients that can buffer the dehydrating effects of benzoyl peroxide, the acne-fighting component can be used in conjunction with prescription topical treatments like clindamycin.

Is it OK to use benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid?

No, it is not recommended to use benzoyl peroxide simultaneously with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Since AHAs (i.e. glycolic acid or lactic acid) are exfoliants, combining the ingredients can over exfoliate your skin leading to extra skin irritation: red, dry, flaky, peeling, stinging, burning, nothing good.

Can I use benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C?

The one ingredient you should steer clear of when using vitamin C is benzoyl peroxide, which can oxidize the vitamin C and, therefore, make it less potent, Dr. Hogan says. You can still use your benzoyl peroxide products, just not in the same part of your routine as the vitamin C.

Does benzoyl peroxide even skin tone?

benzoyl peroxide may be effective for uneven skin tone, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.

Does benzoyl peroxide shrink pores?

Benzoyl peroxide is often used in acne treatments due to its antimicrobial properties. It also has a drying effect, so it is effective at minimizing oily build-up in the pores.

Does benzoyl peroxide clear blackheads?

While benzoyl peroxide can help treat oil and dead skill cells that clog your pores, this may not be the best treatment option available for blackheads and whiteheads. While benzoyl peroxide does help treat certain types of acne, topical retinoids are considered the first line of treatment.

Which is better benzoyl peroxide or niacinamide?

A combination topical treatment of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and 5% niacinamide is more effective than 2.5% benzoyl peroxide alone in treating mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, according to the outcomes of a double-blinded, randomized, controlled, split-face trial published in the June 2021 issue of the Journal of ...

Can I use niacinamide and zinc with benzoyl peroxide?

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

Is benzoyl peroxide good for hormonal acne?

Zenovia's 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment is a clinical-grade hormonal acne solution that targets flare-ups whenever they strike while helping to reduce any redness or irritation. This spot treatment is formulated with medical-grade bakuchiol and aloe vera to help soothe acne-prone, sensitive skin.

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