A brand name for adapalene is Differin. Brand names for benzoyl peroxide include Proactiv, Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment, Clearasil, and Clearskin. A difference is adapalene is only available with a prescription, while benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter (OTC) and in generic form.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide combination is used to treat acne. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin pores clean (tiny openings on the skin). This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
While benzoyl peroxide is a staple for treating inflammatory acne, it's worth considering salicylic acid if you also have noninflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads). Both help clean pores, but salicylic acid's primary role is to get rid of dead skin cells.
You probably know adapalene by the more common brand name Differin. It's also in the medication Epiduo. Whatever name you know it by, adapalene is a retinoid-like compound that is used to treat mild to moderate acne.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, benzoyl peroxide is the most effective acne-fighting ingredient available without a prescription. It works best on traditional red, pus-filled pimples (pustules).
Benzoyl peroxide is good for all types of acne, including cysts, blackheads and whiteheads, but it's particularly great at treating inflammatory cystic acne.
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.
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.
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.
A mild OTC benzoyl peroxide cream can be used during the day and a topical retinoid like Differin can be used at night. After medication is applied a moisturizer should always be applied.
Your acne may get worse at first, and then should start to get better. It may take 2 to 12 weeks before you see the full effect.
The topical retinoids a play very important role in the treatment of acne vulgaris. However, their use is limited due to skin irritation. A new generation product, adapalene is a good choice in the treatment of acne vulgaris with less side effects and high efficacy confirmed by numerous clinical studies.
During the first few weeks of using adapalene, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin. It may take 8 to 12 weeks to notice results from this medication.
Oral medications
Usually the first choice for treating acne is a tetracycline (minocycline, doxycycline) or a macrolide (erythromycin, azithromycin). A macrolide might be an option for people who can't take tetracyclines, including pregnant women and children under 8 years old.
Salicylic acid can be helpful for all types of acne.” Salicylic acid is a go-to OTC ingredient for acne since it dissolves the dead skin cells in clogged pores, helping treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts.
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.
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.
While both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective on their own, using them together is associated with a greater risk of irritation. As such, pairing these two acne ingredients is only recommended for those with severe, stubborn acne.
Salicylic Acid. The biggest difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties, while salicylic acid primarily targets clogged skin. Both are effective, depending on your particular skin concerns.
Differin Gel should not be used in conjunction with products containing alpha hydroxy, salicylic or glycolic acids, which may worsen irritation. Irritation may occur if using more than one topical acne product at a time.
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.
Benzoyl peroxide, for example, has a shelf life of three months once opened, Dr. Schlessinger said, and can degrade the antibiotics it's sometimes paired with even when sealed. “That doesn't mean it doesn't work, but if it's benzoyl peroxide plus an antibiotic, you're losing the other product's effect,” he said.
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.