April 12, 2022

Combating acne: should you use benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinol?

By Srishty Singh

What exactly is benzoyl peroxide? Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication that is used to fight acne breakout. It is an ingredient found in cleansers, lotions, and creams that are primarily used to kill acne-causing bacteria and hence, combat acne. It is available as medication over-the-counter as well as cosmetics from renowned brands. It is an antimicrobial that kills and minimizes the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. How does benzoyl peroxide affect the skin? Benzoyl peroxide combats the bacteria on the skin which instigate acne. It helps to unclog the pores and remove dead skin cells which lead to blockage. It also prevents new acne from erupting. It should be used only topically. Caution must be exercised when using a benzoyl peroxide lotion. Wash your hands well before and after the application. The product must be used daily and you will see results within 4 weeks. The full effect of the treatment is noticeable after another 2-4 months. If you are using benzoyl peroxide for the first time, it is expected that your skin might experience redness, slight tingling sensations, or irritation. And this is where Foxtale’s super-soothing Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer comes to the picture. This is what you need to calm your skin down after using any kind of active. With skin-loving ingredients such as ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, and much more, you can enjoy using your actives and have barrier friendly skin! Benzoyl peroxide benefits vs side effects Benzoyl Peroxide comes with both benefits as well as side effects. Here is a glimpse of both of them: Benefits of benzoyl peroxide: Helps to shed dead skin cells and brightens the skin Acne scars are lightened over time Prevents eruption of new acne It unclogs the pores and helps reduce whiteheads and blackheads too Shows noticeable results quickly Side effects of benzoyl peroxide: Skin irritation Flaking and peeling of skin Leaves stains on clothes and hair Some may be allergic to it Keeping in mind the side effects, it is best to patch-test or get recommendations from a dermatologist, before using this product. You can also consider alternate treatments. Here is something about perfecting your skin using cellular beauty that is a holistic approach to skincare. Comparing benzoyl peroxide to other treatments Apart from benzoyl peroxide, there are two more ingredients popular for combating acne. Here is a comprehensive comparison between benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol, all of which are useful for combating acne: Benzoyl Peroxide Salicylic Acid Retinol Treats pustules Kills bacteria Treats mild to moderate acne Reduces antibiotic resistance Not suitable for sensitive skin Treats blackheads and whiteheads Removes dead skin cells Treats acne and dandruff Exfoliates and reduces pore size Safe and gentle for all skin types Speeds up skin cell turnover Prevent collagen breakdown Regulates skin cell functions Mild and suitable for most skin types When you understand the different ways in which benzoyl peroxide can affect your skin, it gets easier to incorporate the ingredient in your skincare routine while avoiding the side effects.