As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol: "It is not recommended to use benzoyl peroxide and retinoids together as they can literally cancel each other out rendering them less effective," explains Dr. Marchbein.
Benzoyl Peroxide can potentially oxidise Vitamin C, which will in turn make it less effective. Use them in your routine like this: Much like retinoids, these two will need to be kept separate. And since Vitamin C is such a gun in the AM, keep that for mornings only and use your Benzoyl Peroxide at night.
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.
Bad mix: Retinol, benzoyl peroxide and exfoliating acids (like alpha hydroxy acids [AHAs] and beta hydroxy acids [BHAs]) carry some degree of cell turnover and exfoliation powers which, combined with vitamin C's already powerful effects, can be an open door to irritation, allergic reactions and skin peeling.
Skin products containing a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions; or. Skin products that are too drying or abrasive, such as some cosmetics, soaps, or skin cleansers.
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.
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid work differently, but they can both be helpful in treating acne. While current research supports benzoyl peroxide's effectiveness, salicylic acid may cause less side effects. You can use these two OTC medications together or separately.
Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
“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.
Is it safe to use both at the same time? Your treatment plan could very well include both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at the same time. However, applying both products on the same area of skin — even at different times of day — can increase your risk for excessive drying, redness, and peeling.
To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, C-50 Blemish Night Treatment), PHA Toner.
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.
However, certain concentrations of benzoyl peroxide could deactivate retinoids, while salicylic acid can reduce their efficacy. “To avoid this, we recommend using the benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in the daytime and the retinoid at night,” she says.
Use a Moisturizer Every Day
But most people find benzoyl peroxide too drying to the point of being uncomfortable. It can also make your skin burn, flake, and peel. The best way to counteract this is to use a noncomedogenic moisturizer every day.
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.
"I always advise my patients to use a well-tolerated moisturizer after applying benzoyl peroxide, as well as sunscreen during the day as the skin is more susceptible to UV damage when using an acne treatment like [benzoyl peroxide]." It's also worth noting that benzoyl peroxide may bleach the skin.
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.
“Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes the vitamin C and also makes it less effective,” says Dr. Chiu. Instead, use benzoyl peroxide at night and vitamin C in the morning, or use them on different days—they just shouldn't be layered onto your skin at the same time.
They occur when the pore's walls break down, causing a bigger pimple to form. Pustules are typically white and, unlike papules, they contain pus. A person may find that a pustule is tender to the touch. Nodules and cysts are larger than papules and pustules and may need medical attention.
Cystic acne is a type of inflammatory acne that causes painful, pus-filled pimples to form deep under the skin. Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog skin pores. With cystic acne, bacteria also gets into the pores, causing swelling or inflammation.
Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent and can turn the skin whiter. While you are using topical benzoyl peroxide, you may notice your skin turning one shade lighter after prolonged use. It is for this reason that benzoyl peroxide is not advised for scalp acne, as it can turn the hair white.
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.
Benzoyl Peroxide is commonly reported to cause skin dryness and sensitive skin can become red and irritated.
Benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C shouldn't be combined for the same reasons retinol and benzoyl peroxide shouldn't be used together. Benzoyl peroxide will oxidize vitamin C and make it ineffective.