Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: A Guide to Using Both for Acne

Should I Use Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid First?

If you have suffered from severe breakouts before, you may already have a full understanding of what benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can do for the skin. But if all of this is new to you, then you’ve come to the right place as we are going to help shed a little light on both of these skincare ingredients and the best way of using them and when to use them in your daily regime.

Benzoyl Peroxide Vs Salicylic Acid- What is the main difference?

Both of these ingredients have an exceptional ability to help keep your skin clear of breakouts and blemishes, although it may feel as if they are targeting the same areas, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid vary in the ways they treat the skin and any active flareups you may be currently suffering from.

Salicylic acid helps to remove the build-up of dead skin cells that can clog pores which eventually leads to a spot or blackheads, whilst benzoyl peroxide will kill any bacteria that is also a culprit at creating pesky breakouts. Each ingredient is highly effective at treating acne and both are considered safe enough to use in conjunction with each other. For example, one evening you can use salicylic acid, and then benzoyl peroxide the following evening which is a a highly beneficial way of treating problematic skin. As always, we highly recommend seeking advice from your GP or dermatologist before using high concentration of these ingredients.

The habit of your breakouts and skin type have also got a part to play in the overall appearance of your complexion. If you find there are constant active spots and blackheads on your face then benzoyl peroxide would be the ideal ingredient to use. For more hormonal breakouts, salicylic acid will help you buff away the dead skin cells and keep on top of the clarity of the skin.

What is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide, also known as BPO, is an over the counter skincare ingredient that has the ability to kill bacteria on your skin. It is available in a number of concentrations ranging from 2.5%, 5% and 10% allowing sufferers of moderate to severe acne to be treated. It also contains exfoliating properties that steadily increase the cell turnover of the skin by removing any dead skin cells whilst ridding the pores of any excess sebum too.

Once you have applied benzoyl peroxide to the skin, it will set to work at targeting all the lesions found on the skin from blackheads, whiteheads and active red pimples. Its ability to kill the bacteria and reduce the size of the breakouts in rapid time allows you to start noticing a difference in your skin after just five days. You can understand it’s popularity with its ability to deliver such impressive fast results. Be warned however, using the right amount of benzoyl peroxide is vital to keeping your skin looking its best as the wrong amount will result in some side effects, such as dryness, peeling and redness.

The skincare benefits of benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is able to kill any form of blemish causing bacteria

Benzoyl peroxide helps to increase the turnover of dead skin cells allowing the skin to become rejuvenated

Benzoyl peroxide is sold over the counter in varies strengths making it easier for many people to use by matching their skin type and concerns to the best percentage level

Benzoyl peroxide in fast-acting and will show results in 5 days

Side effects of using benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, redness and sometimes peeling to the skin

Benzoyl peroxide can cause bleaching if it comes into contact with dark fabrics

Benzoyl peroxide is known to cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots and uneven skin tone)

What should you not use benzoyl peroxide with?

When using benzoyl peroxide for treating breakouts and blemishes its best to avoid using retinol at the same time as both these ingredients have similar effect on the skin which results in them cancelling each other, resulting in them both becoming a useless step in your skincare routine.

With benzoyl peroxide being quite a potent anti-blemish ingredient, the chances of it potentially causing dryness to the skin are high, this is why it is advisable to team this bacteria-fighting ingredient with products that are enriched with moisturising and hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. Once you have locked moisture into the skin you must also remember to protect it from environmental stresses, the main one being UV rays. Applying a daily SPF is an important step in your routine when using benzoyl peroxide as the exfoliation can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, SPF of 30 and above will keep the skin safe from any damage.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, also known as BHA and is able to reach down into the lower layers of the skin. It can help treat acne and has the ability to exfoliate the skin and unclog the pores of any build-up of excess sebum, bacteria and left-over debris. Quite often you will find the skin suffers from a build-up of dead skin cells which is another contributing factor to blemishes. Salicylic acid is able to dissolve the bonds holding the dead skin cells to the top layer of the face, making dead skin cells easier to buff away and reveal the new vibrant skin underneath.

Much like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is formulated into many over the counter products and comes in varying concentrates from 0.5%-2%. One of the main differences between the two ingredients is salicylic acid is able to combat blemishes whilst soothing the skin which makes this a unique benefit of salicylic acid compared to other spot fighting ingredients that are known to cause dryness, redness and irritation. You can find out more about this BHA in our blog post about the skincare benefits of salicylic acid.

The skincare benefits of salicylic acid

Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin by removing a build-up of dead skin cells

Salicylic acid is able to reduce the appearance of pores

Salicylic acid is able to sooth the skin and calm inflammation

Salicylic acid is a BHA and is able to work further down into the layers of the skin

Salicylic acid can deep clean the pores of any bacteria, excess sebum and debris that can clog pores

Side effects of using salicylic acid

Salicylic acid if used incorrectly can cause redness, blistering and a rash

Salicylic acid unlike benzoyl peroxide can take a number of weeks before showing any results

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. By adding these into a routine that contains a number of other powerful acne fighting ingredients you will really notice a difference in your complexion. To help you build a blemish-fighting routine you can check out our blog about which ingredients help clear acne for more information.

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DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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