Neither benzoyl peroxide nor salicylic acid is healthier on your pores and skin, as a result of they each deal with zits in a different way, says Dr. Levin. Salicylic acid exfoliates your pores and skin and treats your zits by “loosening up the surplus useless pores and skin cells, sebum, and buildup in your pores to assist forestall blackheads and whiteheads,” she says.
Nonetheless, benzoyl peroxide is a topical therapy that kills the “overgrowth of micro organism in your pores and skin that may be accountable for new breakouts showing, and in addition treats the prevailing zits you’ve,” says Dr. Levin. That stated, salicylic acid is far gentler than benzoyl peroxide, however is typically not as efficient for persistent cystic zits .
Nonetheless, it’s not beneficial to make use of each a benzoyl peroxide cleanser and a salicylic acid exfoliator in the identical routine, as they’ll trigger irritation and dryness when used concurrently. Dermatologist Joshua Zechiner, MD, recommends lathering up at night time with a low p.c benzoyl peroxide cleanser, then a 2 p.c salicylic acid therapy or toner (similar to The Bizarre Salicylic Acid 2% Answer, or my favourite, Paula’s Selection). 2 % Exfoliating BHA Toner) within the morning. Utilizing these two merchandise collectively is the easiest way to deal with zits—in case your pores and skin can deal with it—since you’re utilizing “substances that focus on the various factors that result in breakouts,” he says.
