Benzoyl Peroxide Or Salicylic Acid for Acne?

Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are used to treat acne and both have their side-effects too.

These drugs are included in most recommended home remedies to treat acne.

Note: Consult your doctor before using any of these drugs.

Let’s start with Salicylic acid.

Salicylic Acid for Acne

Also known as beta hydroxy acid is commonly used to treat skin diseases. Salicylic acid promotes shedding of dead skin cells; this is a great way to exfoliate your skin. Many cosmetic products already included salicylic acid to their ingredients list.

Acne which is caused due to accumulated dead cells and excess sebum clogging pores can be treated when you can shed dead cells clearing pores. Anyway excess oil can’t be effectively control by salicylic acid. For this purpose (to control excess sebum) use jojoba oil or aloe vera gel.

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic and belongs to same class that of aspirin. If you’re allergic to aspirin don’t use salicylic acid.

Not just acne with salicylic acid you can treat warts, stretch marks, remove calluses and corns and other skin diseases.

Directions to use Salicylic acid

Concentrations of salicylic acid in products vary from .5% to 2%. Get the one prescribed by dermatologist. Follow doctor or instructions given on product.

Various forms of salicylic acid found in market are, salicylic acid pads, a salicylic acid lotion, cream, gel. Use any one among them.

Wash the area before applying medication. Pat dry and apply medication on bumps, avoid medication coming in contact with eyes, nose or other sensitive parts of the body, wash immediately if medication gets in these areas.

It’s important to continue using salicylic acid for best results.

Side Effects

Not every skin loves these remedies. You may see redness, dryness or irritation on your skin. Stop using salicylic acid as soon as you feel irritation.

Apply natural moisturizer after treating with salicylic acid.

Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne

This is one of the most recommended and inexpensive treatment for acne. Many over-the-counter products include benzoyl peroxide as an ingredient; even in medication this drug is prescribed.

Acne is mainly caused by excess sebum (oil), dead cells and bacteria. These bacteria are called P. acnes. When pores gets blocked oxygen is not allowed, so this oxygen less environment is favorable for P.acnes to grow and multiply. Applying benzoyl peroxide will promote oxygen into pores thus making it difficult for these bacteria to survive; also it reduces number of break outs on skin.

Directions to use Benzoyl Peroxide

Get a lotion or gel with 2% of benzoyl peroxide, higher percentage may irritate your skin.

Wash the affected part and then apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide, leave it for few minutes and rinse it off. Avoid nose, eyes and other sensitive parts getting in contact with this lotion or gel.

If you see no result after using for weeks, try increasing the dosage.

Side Effects

Like salicylic acid bezoyl peroxide may leave your skin dry and flaky. Though you may see acne is treated, you‘ll have dry skin left.

Consult your dermatologist before continuing with these remedies.

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