The skin care market is flooded with products to counteract clogged pores, remove oil build-up, and clear blemishes, so knowing which ingredients to look for can be tricky. Two top picks are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, but how do you know when to use each one or why they’re so often found in anti-acne treatments? Dermatologist Whitney Bowe M.D. takes the guesswork away by explaining the perks of each key ingredient, what adverse side effects they may cause, and which products she most recommends containing each one.
Salicylic Acid: What To Know
Benefits
“Salicylic acid can exfoliate the skin as well as decrease inflammation,” explains Bowe. “The cells in the lining of the hair follicles of people with acne tend to multiply quickly, and stick to one another. Salicylic acid works by dissolving this cement that holds those sticky cells together in the clogged pores. Most effective acne treatments can make skin a bit red and inflamed while the skin adjusts to them. This ingredient is unique because it’s very effective at fighting acne, but it has a soothing, calming effect on skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of this ingredient are not surprising, given its close chemical relationship to one of the most well-known anti-inflammatory drugs available, acetylsalicylic acid (also known as aspirin!).”
Downsides
“Problems can arise when high concentrations of salicylic acid are applied to a large area of skin for a long period of time. When this occurs, something called salicylate toxicity can occur. That being said, the concentrations of salicylic acid found in over-the-counter products designed to treat blemishes (and the dark marks they leave behind) are too low to cause trouble. Some over-the-counter wart treatments, on the other hand, have much higher concentrations of salicylic acid, so you wouldn’t want to spread those all over your body! Levels of salicylic acid found in products designed to clear your complexion are usually very well tolerated. They almost never cause irritation or peeling when used once or twice a day.”
Benzoyl Peroxide: What To Know
Benefits
“Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ingredient that is effective against all kinds of acne lesions (blackheads, whiteheads, and big red pimples). It is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria, rather than simply slowing down their growth. It also works very quickly, improving acne as early as five days after starting treatment. It’s a great first line treatment for acne, but it’s also helpful to use in combination with antibiotics. In fact, benzoyl peroxide has the ability to prevent antibiotic resistance!”
Downsides
“One thing to watch out for with benzoyl peroxide is that it can bleach dark fabrics. Be sure to apply the benzoyl peroxide after you pull that navy sweater over your face! It can also cause drying, peeling, and redness if it’s not delivered in the right amount, surrounded by the right mix of ingredients.”
Trina’s Take:
Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid are two great tools to have in you acne fighting arsenal. Benzoyl Peroxides bacteria fight action is especially great for white heads and cystic breakout. Salicylic keeps blackheads at bay.
If you’re looking for products that contain these two key ingredients, here are Trina’s top pick:
Trina Renea Skincare Clear Away Cleanser with AHA/BHA is a deep pore foaming cleanser, which includes Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids of Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic.
These natural acids loosen the bond of dead skin cells to accelerate the natural skin renewal process. Natural Jojoba Beads gently exfoliate the skin to prevent occlusion of pores.
Trina Renea Calm and Clear, is 5% benzoyl peroxide cleanser is the strongest for stubborn breakouts. Blended with Aloe Vera, your skin will stay calm and it will prevent you from over drying and irritation that benzoyl peroxide can generally cause. This cleanser is great for the face, chest and back.
Trina Renea Skincare Clear Away Pore Refining Pads Is a combination of glycolic acid 5% and salicylic acid 2% in a pad
helps clean, exfoliate and prevent breakouts on the face, chest and back. Kills bacteria on the surface of your skin to help with blackheads and acne. Take it in your gym bag when you don’t have time to wash your face. Great for travel.
Jan Marini, Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment , is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology as one of the most effective antibacterial agents proven to significantly reduce the presence of P acne bacteria (the bacteria believed to play a primary role in the inflammatory aspect of the acneprocess).
To find out more about any of these products or schedule a time to meet Trina, please feel free to drop us a line at facialbungalow@gmail.com or call 323-570-2664.