Should I use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid first?

Author: Stephanie Pfannerstill  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

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.

Can you use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid at the same time?

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.

Can you use salicylic acid before benzoyl peroxide?

For example, you can use a product with salicylic acid one night and a product with benzoyl peroxide the next night. It's perfectly safe to use both over-the-counter ingredients to rid your skin of both dead skin cells and bacteria. You can also talk to your dermatologist and find out what they recommend for your skin.

Is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide better for 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.

Is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide better for cystic acne?

Research on the chemical differences between these two acne-fighting agents has shown that salicylic acid opens the pores and has a bit of a sloughing, exfoliating effect. However, benzoyl peroxide is superior for treating acne because it has an anti-microbial effect and a better antioxidant effect.

SALICYLIC ACID VERSUS BENZOYL PEROXIDE| DR DRAY

Can I use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and salicylic acid at night?

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.

Is it better to use benzoyl peroxide at night or morning?

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.

Is benzoyl peroxide better in morning or night?

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.

Should I use salicylic acid in the morning or night?

“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.

Is it normal to purge after using salicylic acid?

Products that may cause purging

Retinoids such as Tretinoin, acids such as salicylic, and benzoyl peroxide are just a few of the products that cause purging. These products contain active ingredients that increase the skin cell turnover rate, therefore causing your skin to purge.

When should salicylic acid be used in routine?

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. While applying salicylic acid, I massage the product into my skin in a circular motion. I also make sure to keep the product away from my eyes and mouth.

Should I use acne face wash in the morning or at night?

“You should wash your face in the morning for various reasons,” she says. “Bacteria can accumulate throughout the night and, also, you should prime your skin by cleansing it for your morning skincare routine, not to mention to remove your nighttime creams and serums used the night before.”

Can I use salicylic acid in the morning?

Salicylic acid may be used morning and night. Because it's so gentle, it may also be applied as a midday spot treatment.

How long should I wait to apply moisturizer after benzoyl peroxide?

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.

Should I use salicylic acid everyday?

Is it okay to use salicylic acid every day? While it is okay to use salicylic acid every day, it could cause irritation. Many dermatologists, therefore, recommend using the acid in moderation, beginning by applying it three times a week and working up from there.

Can I use niacinamide and benzoyl peroxide at the same time?

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 salicylic acid and niacinamide together?

Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together? The simple answer is yes. They complement each other well. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin.

Should I use benzoyl peroxide twice a day?

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.

Is benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid?

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.

Does salicylic acid make acne worse?

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.

When should you not use benzoyl peroxide?

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.

Previous article
Can retinol cause little bumps?
Next article
Can I use benzoyl peroxide while using retinol?