So you’re exploding. Perhaps you look in the mirror and see an eruption of angry, red bumps. Or maybe all your pores are clogged for you – pimples and blackheads spread all over your skin. Either way, you are looking for a solution.
This whole search may have led you to two heroic ingredients in the world of fighting acne: salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients, while each is effective in its own right, are often used interchangeably by people who are trying to cleanse their skin. Okay, though, isn’t it? They both fight acne, and both are effective, so it doesn’t matter which one you use, right? Wrong. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are not the same – by any means. Each has its own purpose, advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to recognize the difference between the two. That’s what we’re here for. Read on to learn all about the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Also, learn to recognize which one your skin needs.
What is salicylic acid?
Let’s start by discussing salicylic acid, an ingredient that can be found in everything from cleaning products to masks, oils, moisturizers and more. According to Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid derived from the willow bark. “Salicylic acid penetrates through the lipid layers between skin cells and pores to unblock them, dissolve skin residues, reduce skin inflammation and treat acne wheals and pustules, “he explains.” It can also break the connections between skin cells to increase exfoliation and turnover cells. “
Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, an accredited dermatologist in Miami and founder of Dr. Loretta skincare, says that salicylic acid is the only beta hydroxy acid (others, like lactic and glycolic, are alpha hydroxy acids). “Of all the hydroxy acids, salicylic it is the best at penetrating deeply into the pores, so it is very effective in expelling waste and accumulating oil in the pores and on the surface of the skin, “she says.
What is benzoyl peroxide?
“Benzoyl peroxide is a peroxide with antibacterial, irritating, keratolytic, anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties”, explains Hartman. “It is the basis of acne therapy and has been part of dermatological treatment for decades.”
It differs from salicylic acid in that it does not exfoliate the skin. Instead, it provides powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it directly targets the bacteria that cause the acne rash in the first place. According to Ciraldo, benzoyl peroxide kills P. acnes, bacteria responsible for acne.
Which one does my skin need?
You can tell which ingredient your skin needs based on the type of rash that is occurring. Since salicylic acid is an exfoliating acid and therefore dissolves pore clogging residues, Hartman says it “works best on blackheads and pimples”, although “it is also ideal for aged skin, photodamaged skin and uneven skin tones affected by hyperpigmentation. “
Benzoyl peroxide, according to Ciraldo, “works best on red inflamed acne lesions, since inflamed acne lesions are those that show excessive growth of P. acnes”. This differs from pimples and blackheads, which are clogged pores without much bacterial growth.
To summarize, if blackheads and whiteheads are the curse of your existence, look for a product that contains salicylic acid, which will break up the debris that clogs the pores and increase cell renewal, revealing a clearer and smoother skin. If you are dealing with irritated, red and inflamed acne, look for a product that contains benzoyl peroxide. It kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces existing inflammation.
What else do I need to know?
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide have disadvantages. Let’s talk about salicylic acid first. “If the concentration of salicylic acid is too high or the frequency of use is too high, it can become irritating and cause excessive dryness of the skin, especially for those with inherently dry skin, “explains Hartman. You can say that you are using the excess ingredient if you feel peeling, redness, irritation, or itching.
Benzoyl peroxide is even more drying than salicylic acid, so “it should be used with caution, if applicable, by people with dry skin, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis”. It can also be irritating, so you should gradually introduce it into your routine. “Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be irritating, especially for those with darker skin tones,” says Hartman. “It can also whiten clothes and must be applied with care to avoid damage to fabrics. Hands should be washed thoroughly after application to the skin ”.
None of the ingredients should be used too much with risk of irritation and dryness. With that said, if used sparingly and with intention, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be effective in combating acne.
Products containing salicylic acid
Dr. Loretta Micro exfoliating cleanser ($ 35)
“Our Dr. Loretta Micro exfoliating cleanser without sulfate is great for acne,” says Ciraldo. “We formulated it with virgin organic coconut oil to moisturize the skin and provide soothing effects to neutralize the acidity of salicylic acid.”
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel ($ 41)
“Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser contains salicylic acid among other polyhydroxy acids that decongests the pores, treats acne and prevents aging in a soft foam gel that leaves the skin clean but hydrated “, says Hartman.
Tata Harper AHA + BHA Serum Resurfacing ($ 88)
This is another recommendation by Hartman, who says it is “a potent serum that contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids in a natural vehicle with clean credentials.” We like the fact that it contains vitamin C for antioxidant protection and lightening effects.
Grown Alchemist Stain Treatment Gel ($ 49)
Grown Alchemist’s Stain Treatment Gel will stop leaks without causing excess dryness or irritation. All thanks to the extract of chamomile and arnica – both reduce inflammation and soothe and soften the skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial cleansing gel with salicylic acid ($ 15)
Here it is – one of our favorite drugstore brands. This salicylic acid cleanser is part of the brand’s Effaclar line, which is specifically formulated for acne prone skin.
Versed Keep the Peace Soothing Cleansing Cream ($ 17)
Versed’s Acne-Calming Cleansing Cream contains apple extract for a light exfoliating effect and blue tansy for natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Zitsticka Goo Getter ($ 19)
Senior beauty editor Erin Jahns relies on these hydrocolloid spots, which extract impurities while salicylic acid, tea tree oil and niacinamide work to treat the stain.
Zo Skin Health Complexion renewal pads ($ 51)
Jahns also relies on these treatment pads, which contain glycolic acid along with salicylic acid for a double exfoliation effect (not to mention the physical exfoliation achieved with the texture of the pads).
Products containing benzoyl peroxide
CeraVe Cleansing cream for foaming acne ($ 12)
Beauty editor Courtney Higgs picks up this benzoyl peroxide cleanser when she starts having a nervous breakdown. “I don’t get rashes often, but here’s a cleaner that I like to have on hand for the rare occasions when I need more than a local treatment,” she says. “I am convinced that this foaming cleanser can rinse off even the most stubborn oil from my skin. In fact, I sometimes use it when I use heavy moisturizers a few nights in a row, resulting in product build-up that makes cleansers not smooth. are able to clean. “
Brighter Zit Stick ($ 14)
Higgs also loves this special treatment from Glossier. “It is very effective in clearing pimples and reducing swelling,” she says. “It has all three ingredients known to clean stains quickly: benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil and a less irritating salicylic acid derivative.”
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo acne treatment with benzoyl peroxide ($ 30)
We weren’t kidding when we said that La Roche-Posay is one of our favorite brands. This local treatment is no exception. It contains 5.5% benzoyl peroxide to eliminate acne-causing bacteria quickly.
Kate Somerville Anti-acne lotion to clear acne ($ 52)
Along with 5% benzoyl peroxide, this Kate Somerville lotion contains argan, saw palmetto and sesame seed extracts to absorb excess oil, which means it is another option for people who want to keep their shine under control.
Obagi ClenziDerm MD therapeutic lotion ($ 84)
Of course, the price is not ridiculous, but with 5% benzoyl peroxide, this moisturizer is sure to keep the stains away.
Paula’s Choice Daily regular cleansing skin treatment with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide ($ 18)
This facial lotion contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to fight acne-causing bacteria before they can wreak havoc on your skin. It also has a matte finish, which means that your skin will not shine after application.
Next: I increased my skin care routine with this random ingredient and my acne disappeared
This article originally appeared in Who What Wear
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