Though it can add a pleasant fragrance to skincare products and cosmetics, it may not be worth the risk. Decker, A., & Graber, E. M. (2012). It also has the ability to dissolve keratin, the protein that acts as a glue to keep dead skin cells together in the stratum corneum. Without a doubt, two of the biggest power-players when it comes to waging war on acne are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne. This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. This is effective because dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, leaving it looking dull and also possibly clogging pores. People can use other treatments instead of or in combination with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. exfoliating dead skin cells that can clog pores, frequently asked questions about acne, here. Now lets see how benzoyl peroxide works to keep your skin acne-free. The most effective treatment for a salicylate allergy is to avoid salicylate. Kszycka PK, Lange E, Gajewska D. Effectiveness of personalized low salicylate diet in the management of salicylates hypersensitive patients: interventional study. Salicylic acid is one of the oldest acne-clearing ingredients in the beauty industry. Benzoyl peroxide / salicylic acid topical is also known as: BeyondClear, Cleanse & Treat, Cleanse & Treat Plus, Inova 4/1, Inova 8/2. These include preparations containing a combination of salicylic acid and topical corticosteroid, e.g. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne medications. Receive your FREE Doctor-Approved Beauty Guide. In case you need a refresher on those lovely BHAs, these acids are oil-soluble, meaning they can penetrate deep into your pores and unclog them at the source. These include: Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two medications that people use to treat acne. Pregnancy Warnings; Breastfeeding Warnings; Benzoyl peroxide / salicylic acid topical Pregnancy Warnings. WebBenzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid. American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be used to treat acne on the face and body. Animal studies with benzoyl peroxide have not been reported. Benzoyl peroxide is available in many different types of products, including washes, creams, gels or pre-moistened cloths. What Do Patients and Caregivers Need to Know about Oral Food Challenges? It exfoliates, helping your skin to shed dead cells more effectively. It has a sweet, floral smell thats somewhat reminiscent of balsamic products like vinegar. Epiduo and Epiduo Forte are two products that contain benzoyl peroxide and a topical retinoid. However, people who are allergic or sensitive to salicylate may experience asthma-like symptoms, nasal congestion, itching, rash, runny nose, or hives. Baenkler HW. The typical dose is to apply salicylic acid shampoo on your scalp and rinse two times a week. For those with a sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is obviously the better option. You dont necessarily have to choose one ingredient over the other, either. Using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can help increase their effectiveness. Many OTC products contain both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. When using salicylic acid preparations do not use any of the following preparations on the affected area, unless directed to do so by your doctor: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Topical preparations containing salicylic acid, 387253001, 771900008, 767474001, 292659003. Apply a small amount of the product to one or two small areas of your skin for three days. The strength of benzoyl peroxide in these products varies considerably between 2 and 10 percent. However, this is not easy because of its widespread use in foods, beauty products, and medications. Cosmetics or soaps that dry the skin or are designed to peel/exfoliate. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But while you should definitely steer clear of using hydrogen peroxide for acne (short answer: It's way too harsh for your skin), there's tons of research1 touting the latter as an effective acne treatment because of these antimicrobial properties. Thus, if youre concerned about these side effects, it might be best to stick with salicylic acid or a low strength benzoyl peroxide product. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Salicylic acid comes from the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) family. American Academy of Dermatology Association. So what can you do? Like most allergies, a true salicylate allergy can't be cured. Pro and Contra: Provocation Tests in Drug Hypersensitivity. Mild side effects that typically subside include: More serious side effects may require medical attention. Animal studies with oral It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet, floral smell. Yang Z, Zhang Y, Lazic Mosler E, et al. WebThe lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of Salicylic Acid is around $49.78, 82.38% off the average retail price of $282.49 . It works well for more mild forms of acne, can reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and can be safer for those with sensitive skin. Be sure to use all products as directed and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Its very effective at getting through the oil that exists in our pores or follicles to exfoliate the skin cells that exist there, Dr. Schmid says. Topical preparations of salicylic acid, either alone or in combination with other medicines, can be used to treat the following common scaly skin conditions: Viral warts Sensitive skin types should also avoid benzoyl peroxide products. Some studies have suggested that salicylic acid chemical peels may help improve mild acne. A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations. It's available in both prescription form (read: you must visit a dermatologist) or OTC (so you can buy it your drugstore). Chin RL, Olson KR, Dempsey D. Salicylate toxicity from ingestion and continued dermal absorption. Many OTC washes and acne treatments may contain salicylic acid, so it is essential to check all the ingredients on the label. But if your acne tends to be inflammatory like pustules or cystic acne, opting for benzoyl peroxide will help you target these outbreaks, right from the source! Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. A salicylate allergywhich is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a salicylate intoleranceis a reaction that occurs when a person comes into contact with salicylates. You could even use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, followed by a benzoyl peroxide lotion. Salicylic acid will not cause excess dryness and irritation like benzoyl peroxide. However, true allergic reactions happen when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances called allergens. Sensitive skin types should also avoid benzoyl peroxide products. Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal + Salicylic Acne Treatment, KLUR Stellar Restoration Corrective Complex, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment With Benzoyl Peroxide. Some acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide in combination with other ingredients. Salicylates are found naturally in some plants (such as white willow bark and wintergreen leaves) and are thought to protect the plant against insect damage and disease. It clears excess oil and dead skin cells from your pores. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'skincarelab_org-leader-1','ezslot_12',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-skincarelab_org-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'skincarelab_org-leader-1','ezslot_13',184,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-skincarelab_org-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-184{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Benzyl salicylate is vegan and safe to use for those living a vegan lifestyle. Benzoyl peroxide is typically used once or twice a day, and it may take four to six weeks to see the effects of this medication.. Doctors recommend using products that contain salicylic acid one to three times daily. Given the limited benefits, its not worth it. It is a beta hydroxy acid that functions by going deep into your skin layers and dissolving the dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil which clog your pores and eventually lead to acne. Benzyl salicylate can cause contact dermatitis (skin irritation) to people with sensitive skin types. But is one better than the other? The best part? On the other hand, Benzoyl Peroxide is an organic acid belonging to the peroxide family which is mainly known for its antimicrobial properties. Doctors may recommend adding salicylic acid to other treatments for moderate or severe acne. The biggest difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties, while salicylic acid primarily targets The key difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid removes dead skin cells that can clog pores. Books about skin diseasesBooks about the skin Failing to follow instructions may lead to increased absorption through the skin and salicylic acid poisoning. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. arrow-right-small-blue The short answer is yes, you can use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together. The American Academy of Dermatology recommend using benzoyl peroxide for mild to severe acne alone or in combination with other acne treatments. Using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can help increase their effectiveness. For example, benzoyl peroxide products (which tend to be more drying) might come buffered with hydrating actives to simultaneously lock in moisture while shrinking pimples in size. The 4 Best Spot Treatments for Acne Available at Drugstores, How Nodular Acne Looks and How to Treat It, Butt Acne and Other Causes of Butt Pimples, A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations, Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. In fact, heres where the similarities between these super-ingredients end! Protect areas surrounding the affected area by applying petroleum jelly around the periphery of the area to be treated. The possible side effects of both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are similardryness, peeling, and irritation. Lindsey Desoto is a licensed, registered dietitian and experienced medical writer. Want another modality to help you on your acne journey? 100% ORIGINAL guarantee for all products at azanicare.com, Return within 14 days of receiving your order. An allergist may ask for your detailed medical history and ask you to keep a food diary to diagnose a salicylate allergy to foods. Like its cousin, hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide is antimicrobialmeaning it can kill bacteria. It's also important to closely work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan. Benzoyl peroxide can stain fabric (bedding, clothing, or towels) and bleach hair. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. One drawback of benzoyl peroxide is that while it does effectively kill P. acnes, it also kills the good bacteria that keep your skin healthy. This can leave skin feeling dry and irritated, which for some people can make skin look worse.