Can I use benzoyl peroxide after salicylic acid?
Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are well-known acne-fighting ingredients. Both are often found in over-the-counter products and prescription blends. With a wide variety of skincare products available, you can easily find a formula that works for you and your skin.
However, despite having such potent ingredients, there are also some common side effects associated with these powerful ingredients. Don’t worry, we’ll cover that in today’s blog post, and with any luck, we’ll also answer the question of whether you can use benzoyl peroxide after salicylic acid.
Before we get into the details, let’s first do a quick overview of these ingredients and their benefits for the skin.
What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is the most potent ingredient for fighting acne. You’ll often find it used as a prescription because many people find this strength to be most effective for fighting zits and blemishes, especially when they are large, red, and swollen. Benzoyl peroxide works differently than salicylic acid because it fights bacteria on the skin that can cause frequent breakouts and acne flare-ups.
The biggest downside to using such a powerful ingredient is the risk of unnecessary skin irritation, especially for sensitive skin. To avoid severe irritation, benzoyl peroxide is not recommended if you suffer from the following conditions: eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. I recommend that you consult your doctor before adding any new skin care routine.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is the most commonly used beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and one of the most effective chemical peels. Compared to other acids, it is oil-soluble and can penetrate deep into the skin to reach the bottom of the pores to remove excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities.
Salicylic acid has been shown to have the best results against acne and blackheads. With continued use, you will find that the clarity of your skin can be easily and effectively maintained as the acid removes dead skin cells and removes dirt and bacteria from the skin. The downside of this acne-fighting acid is that it can easily cause itching, stinging, tingling, and peeling of the skin. You will also find that if overused or used incorrectly, salicylic acid can strip the skin of all oils, making it feel uncomfortable and extremely dry. This causes the skin to produce too much sebum (the natural oil in the skin), which can lead to more breakouts.
Which comes first, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
The general rule of thumb when applying skincare products is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest. This determines which ingredient gets applied to the skin first. To keep your skin healthy and happy, you should wait about 10 to 15 minutes between each application, as this gives the skin enough time to rebalance and stabilize its pH levels in preparation for the next step of treatment.
Another way to use both ingredients in your daily routine is to alternate the time you apply them to the skin. Many users like to use a toner with salicylic acid in the morning and then opt for a benzoyl peroxide serum in the evening. Ideally, you should use active ingredients in your evening routine as they are less likely to cause free radical damage, such as: B. UV rays and environmental pollution.
Should I use salicylic acid before benzoyl peroxide?
Well, it depends on your skincare products, and as I mentioned before, you should apply your skincare routine in order from thinnest to thickest consistency. It is considered safe to use salicylic acid before benzoyl peroxide. Make sure you are using the product correctly and have developed skin tolerance.
If you have concerns or are unsure about how best to use your product, consult a doctor or dermatologist. You can also read our dedicated blog post on whether you should use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid first.
Can salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide be used to treat acne?
Yes, absolutely! Both ingredients are very effective for treating acne, and many people find that the combination of the two produces impressive results.
You will often find that salicylic acid is the most commonly used of the two ingredients because it is more readily available in over-the-counter formulas. Dermatologists often recommend benzoyl peroxide for mild to moderate acne and blemishes. For more severe acne, combining the two ingredients is the ultimate combination, but it takes time and commitment. This is because you may deprive your skin of important sebum, causing extreme irritation. Therefore, make sure your skin has developed some tolerance to these ingredients. After 2 months, your skin clarity is expected to improve, but if you experience even mild irritation, you should stop using your product and consult your doctor.
How long should I wait before applying a moisturizer after using benzoyl peroxide?
After using a benzoyl peroxide-infused product, it’s best to wait until the product is fully absorbed into the skin before applying a moisturizer. For extra benefits, we recommend choosing a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. You should also double-check that your moisturizer formula contains non-comedogenic ingredients, as this can be counterproductive. In contrast, gel moisturizers not only retain moisture in the skin, but they also form a physical barrier on the surface of the skin. This provides additional protection for the skin and prevents free radicals, bacteria, and everyday impurities from penetrating the skin.
Is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide better for hormonal acne?
Benzoyl peroxide is considered the best active ingredient when it comes to treating hormonal acne because it specifically treats larger pimples on the chin, cheek, and jawline areas. You’ll also find that of the two active ingredients, benzoyl peroxide has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that salicylic acid lacks.Benzoyl peroxide penetrates deep into the skin to eliminate bacteria and excess sebum that can clog pores and cause inflammation.
Learn more about using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to fight acne here. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram if you have any additional questions.
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.