Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are considered powerhouse ingredients that help treat acne. Even though both are equally effective in reducing inflammation, they have different mechanisms. As a result, you cannot interchangeably use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to treat acne. So, what exactly is the difference between the two ingredients? How do they work? Let’s find out more about them in this article. Read on.
Image: ShutterstockBenzoyl peroxide is an effective non-prescription drug that is extensively used for topical application because of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (1). It has anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and comedolytic properties that help treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris (1). Benzoyl peroxide is used in creams, lotions, and gels in 2.5% – 10% dosages. The prescribed dosage varies depending on the severity of acne that needs to be treated.
Benzoyl peroxide is known to decrease excess sebum production, which is a major cause of acne. Overactive oil glands trigger acne by clogging your pores. Benzoyl peroxide absorbs this excess oil and dries it out.
The bacteria under the topmost layer of your skin can trigger the spread of acne and lead to other issues like pus, swelling, and bleeding. Topical application of benzoyl peroxide kills these bacteria to treat acne. The oxidizing properties of benzoyl peroxide help eliminate anaerobic bacteria effectively. This ingredient also reduces inflammation and redness and dries out pimples.
Note:
Don’t ever apply benzoyl peroxide directly to your skin. Use it indirectly through products that contain this ingredient.
Using BP in conjunction with clindamycin or erythromycin can decrease acne significantly (2).
The Lancet’s Global Health Metrics report presented striking data regarding acne vulgaris. In 2019, it accounted for 4.96 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) globally, with 3.52 million DALYs occurring among individuals aged 15-49. The report integrated new data from Poland (2015-2017) and USA claims data (2015-2016) into its model, emphasizing the substantial burden of acne on the affected population. These individuals may benefit greatly from using benzoyl peroxide.
Pro Tip
People with very sensitive or dry skin might find benzoyl peroxide too harsh and drying. In such cases, lower concentrations or alternative treatments might be recommended.
Now that you know everything you need to know about benzoyl peroxide, let’s check out what effect salicylic acid can have on acne.
Dermatologists have been recommending salicylic acid for acne for decades, and it has now become a big part of the skin care industry. Salicylic acid is known to treat acne at the root by scraping off dead skin cells without drying your skin out. It is a natural exfoliant (3). It also promotes comedolytic activity. Most acne treatments contain salicylic acid, and it is usually combined with other ingredients to improve its efficacy (4). Products use anywhere between 0.5- 5% concentration of salicylic acid. Higher concentrations can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Trivia
Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring compound originally derived from the bark of willow trees.
Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that permeates your skin easily and breaks down the fatty acids in the excess sebum that your skin secretes (5). By doing this, it unclogs your pores, thereby controlling acne.
Salsa, a blogger, shared her experience about using salicylic acid as a spot treatment on her oily skin in her blog. She said, “I have this big, aching, and ‘mad’ soon to be acne last night, and I ran out of acne patch so I’m using BHA as a spot treatment, I leave it overnight and the soon-to-be acne is no longer as red and as painful as yesterday. It doesn’t make the acne disappear, but it calms down the acne (i).”
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent (5). This means that it helps soften a protein called keratin that is a big component of our skin. It permeates and softens the skin that has hardened around clogged pores.
Salicylic acid helps open up your pores and regenerate new skin cells. It also boosts collagen production, thereby improving the overall texture of your skin.
Salicylic acid improves blood circulation, which, in turn, helps clear the oil built up in acne-prone areas. It also prevents the accumulation of sebum. Increased blood circulation also leaves you with brighter and clearer skin.
Now that you know everything about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and how they help treat acne, you must be wondering which one is better. Read the next section to find out!
We hope this article has helped settle the salicylic acid vs. benzoyl peroxide debate. Both the ingredients are used as potent treatments for acne, and both work in different ways. However, if we have to pick a clear winner, we would keep salicylic acid ahead of benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid is comparatively gentle on the skin, decongests the pores, regulates sebum production, and removes dead skin cells. On the other hand, benzoyl peroxide kills the acne-causing bacteria, thus, treating the acne. However, it can be harsh on your skin, and excessive use of benzoyl peroxide may cause other skin issues.
Therefore, before you pick any of the two, do thorough research. Consult a doctor to determine which topical ingredient in what concentration may help your condition. Since acne also needs to be treated internally, the doctor may suggest oral medications or other topical ingredients like retinoids to treat your condition.
Is it safe to use both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid at the same time?
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid do different things. Therefore, many spot treatment creams combine them to combat all the issues caused by acne. However, benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, redness, and peeling. It’s best to use them separately by alternating between night and day creams.
Watch the following video that compares salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. The video shares a detailed analysis of the benefits of each ingredient and which one is better for acne treatment.
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
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