Moderate to severe acne feels like a never-ending battle of products that produce no results. Luckily, there’s a way to combine two of the most powerful acne-fighting ingredients to see results. Learn how to use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together to treat acne.
Never Apply the Products at the Same Time
Applying benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid at the same time can lead to severe skin irritation. Both are potent acne treatments, and combining them directly is too harsh. Instead, use them at different times of the day. Your skin will benefit from each ingredient’s unique properties without overwhelming it.
Apply Salicylic Acid Products in the Morning
Applying salicylic acid products in the morning is a great way to begin your skin-care routine. Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), works by penetrating and exfoliating your pores. It removes dead skin cells and oil while reducing inflammation. When used in the morning, it prevents your pores from clogging throughout the day, which can lead to fewer breakouts.
Use Salicylic Acid in a Toner or Exfoliating Serum
Salicylic acid is one of the best toner ingredients for oily skin. It’s powerful yet gentle and can refine the skin’s texture and appearance of pores. After cleansing, apply the toner to a cotton pad and evenly wipe it across your face.
An exfoliating serum is another approach when implementing salicylic acid. It will unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and promote cell turnover. To use an exfoliating serum, apply a small amount to your fingertips and gently massage it into your skin, focusing on areas prone to breakouts. Using an exfoliating serum a few times a week can enhance your skin’s clarity and smoothness.
Apply Benzoyl Peroxide at Night
Benzoyl peroxide is more potent than salicylic acid. That’s why you must use it cautiously to see results and prevent inflammation and irritation.
Nighttime is the ideal time to apply it. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that cause acne. Applying it at night allows the ingredient to perform while your skin is in its natural repair mode. Not to mention, it reduces the risk of sun sensitivity.
Use Benzoyl Peroxide in Spot Treatments or Cleansers
Just like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide comes in several forms. One of the most favorable products is a spot treatment. Apply the product directly to individual pimples, whether it’s a whitehead, an inflamed bump, or a blind pimple.
Benzoyl peroxide cleansers are another great option. It comprehensively tackles breakouts by removing all acne-causing bacteria anywhere on the face. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin for one minute before rinsing.
A good rule of thumb is to apply a less aggressive, non-comedogenic cleanser in the morning. Save the benzoyl peroxide solely for at night. This way, you aren’t combining these acne-fighting ingredients or causing any irritation.
Using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together to treat acne is tricky. Follow these instructions closely, and within a few months, you’ll start to see glimpses of the clear skin you desire.
