When tackling acne, you normally look at a couple of options to get rid of the problem in terms of the products you can buy. There are products like benzoyl peroxide 10 percent washes, and salicylic acid options, but wish is the best for the job? That’s what we examine in this article.
The ingredients in each vary, and both are safe, generally speaking, but obviously, you also have to take your skin type and acne severity into consideration. So, in order to answer the main question, let’s take a closer look at each in isolation to determine suitability.
Benzoyl Peroxide 10 Percent
The first product to consider is benzoyl peroxide 10 percent, which tackles acne by attacking the root causes. We’re talking about blocked hair follicles, which become jammed up with dead skin cells, dirt and acne bacteria. BP washes like these are good for mild to moderate forms of acne and penetrate deep into the skin to clear away the blockages. It does take time, but it’s a very effective option.
If you’re using a 10% product, you’ll likely have a severe form of acne. However, if yours is mild, you might be better off using a 5% or 2.5% strength. Regardless of the level of product you employ, you need to get used to the idea that there will be some irritation and dryness.
You only need to worry when that irritation and redness becomes painful instead of simply being uncomfortable. Also, if you start getting blisters and hives, it’s not a good sign, and you should back off until your skin recovers before trying again at a lower level of product or frequency.
So, What About Salicylic Acid?
Almost as popular with acne sufferers are salicylic acid products, which work in a similar way. As well as dissolving the blockages in the pores, they reduce the production of excess oils, which – like BP washes – might make your skin dry and itchy. Users often find that it’s not quite as harsh as benzoyl peroxide and works well for less severe acne breakouts.
More suited to whiteheads and blackheads (i.e. the milder forms of acne), salicylic acid products for acne take a number of weeks of continuous use to see results.
Which is Better? Benzoyl Peroxide 10 Percent or Salicylic Acid?
The answer to that question depends very much on the user. As we’ve seen, if you have mild acne and are after a gentler choice, salicylic acid might be the right one for you. On the other hand, if your acne is more severe and you need the extra power, you might lean toward benzoyl peroxide.
With either option, you must remember to give the product time to work – meaning that your zits won’t immediately stop when you start using them. Follow the instructions on the packaging and adjust your use based on how your skin reacts, and you should find that you get the clear skin you’re craving.