Can Benzoyl Peroxide & Salcylic Acid Be Used Together?
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are common acne treatments. Both medications have similar side effects, such as skin peeling, redness and a burning sensation, according to Medline Plus. Deciding when to use both treatments together may depend on the severity of your acne and your doctor's recommendation. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Views
-
MedHelp.org's Alan Rockoff, MD says benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be used together. However, South Carolina's Department of Health & Environmental Control (SCDHEC) does not recommend using products containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid at the same time.
Rationale
-
The SCDHEC's says using products containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid at the same time potentially cause excessive skin dryness and irritation.
-
Properties
-
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective acne medication that kills Propionibacterium acnes--the bacteria responsible for acne inflammation--but can cause skin irritation and dryness. Salicylic acid promotes skin cell turnover to unclog pores but it can irritate and dry out skin.
Products
-
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid exist in facial cleansers, facial masks, acne spot treatment gels and acne lotions. Inova 4/1, Inova 8/2 and Cleanse & Treat are topical, prescription medications containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for the treatment of acne.
Precautions
-
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid medications such as the Inova brands and Cleanse & Treat are not for the treatment of mild acne. People younger than the age of 18 should consult a doctor before using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical medications, according to MSN Health.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit beauty mask #21 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
