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Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide: Which is more effective on acne?
  • Dreniva
    I just wonder which is more effective on acne? Is it salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide?
  • PurpleRulesPurpleRules
    I think benzoyl  peroxide is more effective but it's also much harsher. It get's rid of the acne faster but then I'm left with a red, dry, irritated spot long after the pimple is gone. Salicylic acid doesn't irritate my skin as much so ultimately, my skin clears up faster.
  • taiwanesegurltaiwanesegurl
    I just read this on totalbeauty.com
    Teenagers are still fed the idea that benzoyl peroxide is the end-all, be-all for pimples. But if you have sensitive skin, BP can cause contact dermatitis. What's worse, a pimple or an allergic reaction?
    Calendula and 2 percent salicylic acid can calm a zit's inflammation but they won't really resolve the infection, which is why derms choose hydrocortisone cream for their own flare-ups.
    Fusco recommends dabbing a glob on a zit overnight to reduce inflammation and redness, and resolve the infection. "But only do this for two nights max as a quick fix. Steroids aren't something you want to use on skin consistently or for long periods," she notes.
    Total Beauty info
  • vananners
    Salicylic Acid is an exfoliant that can penetrate the oil barrier in skin and "sweep" pores out; it's also anti-inflammatory. Benzoyl Peroxide is a antibacterial agent that addresses the bacterial side of acne. These products are best used together, as Salicylic addresses the inflammation and clogs and BP addresses the bacteria that feed and multiply, causing inflammation. These can be very harsh on skin, though, so be sure to start slowly in the regimen.
  • disablingmercury
    Ah! I've tried using the two together and ended up with a very painful rash over most of my face...not doing THAT again! I would not recommend mixing topicals, but maybe a bp wash with a sa topical. Still, I will never mix the two again. It was awful. I've had good luck with SA and exfoliating a couple times a week.
  • taiwanesegurltaiwanesegurl
    SA is also a mild antibiotic.
    and OUCH for the rash!! 
  • disablingmercury
    Really? Huh, didn't know that. Interesting.
  • mo
    Neither. Adapalene, Retin-A Micro are the most effective & cutting edge treatments. Both have a better tolerance when compared to regular Retin-A or Tazorac.
  • honeybee3
    I developed a very bad allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide after using it in Proactive. It worked very well for about two years, but my skin built up a tolerance to it because I overused the product. The salicylic acid never has bothered me and I've used it in many, many products, however it isn't effective at all.
  • bluecurls
    The prodcut I'm using now (Biore Pore Scrub) has salicylic acid in it and it is also oil free, my skin looks great! Clearing up my black heads well and spots. BP sounds way too harsh for my skin!
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