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.
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.
A dermatologist may not recommend benzoyl peroxide if you have sensitive skin, as this skin type is more prone to side effects such as rashes and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide also might not be the best choice if you have eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
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.
“Do not use benzoyl peroxide with any other medicines that may have drying or irritating effects on your skin, including alcohol-based skincare products,” says Dr Saleki. Instead, swap these treatments (which could actually be doing more harm than good) for the benzoyl peroxide product you are given.
“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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
If you're wondering which goes first – niacinamide or benzoyl peroxide, it's probably better to apply benzoyl peroxide first and then, once it has absorbed into your skin, follow with niacinamide. This way the niacinamide can also help provide antioxidant protection to your vitamin e depleted skin.
Benzoyl peroxide and retinol deactivate each other, so they should never be used together.
Using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can help increase their effectiveness. Many OTC products contain both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. You could even use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, followed by a benzoyl peroxide lotion.
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.
How long does it take for benzoyl peroxide to start working? Generally it takes around 4 weeks for your acne to improve, but full effects from the medication can take 2 to 3 months. Keep in mind that your acne will get worse in the first few weeks before it starts getting better.
You can also try applying a thin layer of moisturizer to act as a buffer before applying benzoyl peroxide on top. Be sure to bolster the rest of your routine with soothing, hydrating ingredients to avoid negative side effects.
There are treatment options available that might speed the healing of your pimple. Salicylic acid, sulfur, and benzoyl peroxide are the active ingredients in many of these products. The Mayo Clinic recommends starting with a product that has a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide as its active ingredient.
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.
First, lather your face with a Benzoyl Peroxide wash. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
According to dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Libby, the best moisturizers to use with benzoyl peroxide are oil-free, noncomedogenic, and made with “hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone.” Dr.
A prescribed retinoid product can be combined with a product containing benzoyl peroxide against spots. Make sure that you first allow the benzoyl peroxide to dry thoroughly before applying the retinoid product. You can use products containing retinol under your eyes, but not on your eyelids.