So you break out. Maybe you look in the mirror and you see an eruption of angry, red bumps. Or maybe it’s all clogged pores for you – whiteheads and blackheads stretch across your skin. Either way, you’re looking for a solution.
All of these quests have led you to two heroic ingredients of the acne-fighting world: salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Although these ingredients are effective on their own, they are often used interchangeably to try to clean people. That’s okay, isn ‘t it? They both fight acne, and both are effective, so it does not matter which one you use, does it? Wrong. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are not the same – not for long. Each has its own unique purpose, advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to recognize the difference between the two. That’s what we’re here for. Continue reading to learn all about the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. On top of that, learn how to see which skin your skin needs.
What is salicylic acid?
Let’s first start by discussing salicylic acid, an ingredient you can find in everything from cleansers 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 willow bark. “Salicylic acid acid penetrates the lipid layers between skin cells and into pores to expose them, dissolve debris from the skin, reduce skin inflammation and treat papules and pustules of acne, “he explains. It can also break the connections between skin cells to increase exfoliation and cell turnover. “
Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, a skin-certified dermatologist in Miami and the founder of Dr. Loretta skin care, says salicylic acid is the only beta-hydroxy acid (others, such as lactic acid and glycolic oils, are alpha-hydroxy acids). “Of all the hydroxy sure, salicylic acid is best to penetrate deep into pores, so it is very effective in expressing debris and oily accumulation in pores and on the skin surface, “she says.
What is benzoyl peroxide?
“Benzoyl peroxide is a peroxide with antibacterial, irritating, keratolytic, anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties,” Hartman explains. “It is a mainstay of acne therapy and has been part of dermatological care for decades.”
It differs from salicylic acid in that it does not exfoliate the skin. Instead, it offers powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it is directly targeted at the bacteria that causes acne to break out in the first place. According to Ciraldo, benzoyl peroxide kills P. acnes, which are the bacteria responsible for acne.
Which one needs my skin?
You can see what ingredient your skin needs, based on the type of outbreak you are experiencing. Because salicylic acid is an exfoliating acid and thus solves clogging pores, Hartman says that ‘it works best on blackheads and whiteheads’, although it is also ideal for aging the skin, a photo-damaged skin and uneven skin tones caused by hyperpigmentation is affected. “
Benzoyl peroxide, according to Ciraldo, “works best on red, inflamed acne lesions, since the inflamed acne lesions are those that have overgrown the P. acnes.” It differs from whiteheads and blackheads, which are clogged pores without much bacterial overgrowth.
To summarize, if blackheads and whiteheads are the object of your existence, then reach for a product that contains salicylic acid, which increases the pores that clog, break up and cell turnover, revealing a brighter and smoother skin. If you are dealing with severe, red and inflamed acne, you should go for a product with benzoyl peroxide. This will kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce existing inflammation.
What else do I need to know?
Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are not without drawbacks. Let’s talk salicylic acid first. “If the concentration of salicylic acid acid too high or the frequency of use is too high, it can become irritating and cause excessive dryness of the skin, especially for people with dry skin, “Hartman explains. You can see that you use the ingredient too much if you peel, redness , experiencing irritation, or itching.
Benzoyl peroxide is even drier than salicylic acid, so ‘it should be used with caution by people with dry skin, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.’ It can also be annoying, which is why you should slowly introduce it to your routine. “Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be irritating, especially for those with a dark skin tone,” Hartman says. “It can also bleach clothes and should be applied with care to damage textiles. Hands should be washed thoroughly after application to the skin.”
No ingredient should be used too much, with the risk of irritation and drought. When used sparingly and intentionally, both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be effective in fighting acne.
Products containing salicylic acid
Dr Loretta Micro Exfoliator Cleaner ($ 35)
“Our sulfate-free Dr. Loretta Micro Exfoliating Cleanser is ideal for acne,” says Ciraldo. “We formulate it with organic pure coconut oil to hydrate the skin and give it soothing effects to counteract the acidity of the salicylic acid.”
SkinCeuticals LHA Gel Cleanser ($ 41)
“Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser contains salicylic acid acid among others polyhydroxy sure that the pores decompose, treat acne and prevent aging in a gentle lather that leaves the skin clean and yet hydrated, “says Hartman.
Tata Harper AHA + BHA Serum Discovery ($ 88)
This is another recommendation from Hartman, who says that it is “a powerful serum that contains alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids in a natural remedy with a clean supply.” We like that it contains vitamin C for the protection and brightening of antioxidants.
Grown Alchemist Stain Treatment Gel ($ 49)
Grown Alchemist’s Blemish Treatment Gel will stop breakouts in their spores without causing excessive dryness or irritation. This is all due to chamomile and arnica extract – both reduce inflammation, soothe and soothe the skin.
La roche-posay Effaclar Medicine Gel Salicylic Acid Facial Cleanser ($ 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.
Verse Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser ($ 17)
Versed’s Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser contains apple fruit extract for a slight exfoliating effect and blue color for natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Zitsticka Goo Getter ($ 19)
Senior beauty editor Erin Jahns swears by these hydrocolloid dots, which extract impurities while salicylic acid, tea tree oil and niacinamide work to treat the lesion.
Zo Skin Health Renovation cushions for the complex ($ 51)
Jahns also swears by these treatment blocks, which contain glycolic acid along with salicylic acid, for a one-two punch exfoliation (not to mention the physical exfoliation obtained from the texture of the pillows).
Products containing benzoyl peroxide
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser ($ 12)
Beauty editor Courtney Higgs reaches out to this benzoyl peroxide cleaner when she breaks out. “I do not often suffer from outbreaks, but here is a cleanser I would like to keep up with for the rare occasion that I need more than a spot treatment,” she says. “I am convinced that this foaming cleanser can wash away even the most stubborn oil from my skin. I sometimes use it when I have used heavy moisturizers for a few nights in a row, which has resulted in my product being soft. Cleansers cannot clean.”
Glossier Zit Stick ($ 14)
Higgs also likes this trendy treatment from Glossier. “It’s so effective at cleaning disposable pimples and reducing swelling,” she says. “There are all three acne ingredients that are known to clear scars 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 did not make a joke when we said La Roche-Posay is one of our favorite brands. This spot treatment is no exception. It contains 5.5% benzoyl peroxide to rapidly lower acne-causing bacteria.
Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion ($ 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 shining.
Obagi ClenziDerm MD Therapeutic Lotion ($ 84)
The price is definitely nothing to mock, but with 5% benzoyl peroxide, this moisturizer definitely keeps stains in the wheels.
Paula’s choice Regular strength daily treatment for skin cleansing with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide ($ 18)
This face cream contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to target acne-causing bacteria before it can ruin your skin. It also has a matte finish, which means that your skin does not look shiny after application.
Next: I pecked my skincare routine with this random ingredient, and my acne disappeared
This article originally appeared on Who What Wear
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