How to Use Salicylic Acid & Benzoyl Peroxide for Face Treatment
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide products are two popular ingredients in face treatment products because of their ability to clear acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, benzoyl peroxide works to clear up acne by reducing the P.acnes bacteria and removing dead skin cells from the skin to remove blackheads. Salicylic acid prevents acne lesions by unclogging the pores. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Salicylic acid cleanser
- Salicylic acid toner
- Benzoyl peroxide treatment cream
- Noncomedogenic moisturizer
- Spatula
Instructions
-
-
1
Cleanse the skin with a cleansing product containing salicylic acid. Many of the formulations on the market include alpha hydroxy acid, such as glycolic to produce a deep clean. Apply the cleanser to dry skin using the hands. Do not use a washcloth to avoid over stimulating the skins oil producing glands. Once water is added the acids will begin to lose effectiveness. After rinsing the skin, blot it dry with a soft cloth. Do no scrub the skin dry because rubbing the skin too much can exacerbate and acne condition.
-
2
Use an exfoliating scrub that contains salicylic acid two or three times a week. Choose an exfoliant that has very small grains. Wet the hands when applying it for ease of application. Starting from the neck working up, use gentle circular motions to apply the exfoliant. Don't scrub hard. The exfoliant will do the work. It will unclog pores as well as give and even skin tone. After rinsing the face with warm water to remove the exfoliant, gently blot the skin dry with the soft cloth.
-
-
3
Apply a benzoyl peroxide treatment to the skin. There is a vast selection of brands available. A concentration containing 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide is sufficient without causing irritation to the skin. With clean hands apply the treatment to the face, gently dabbing it on to small sections at a time. Do not rinse the skin following this step.
-
4
Hydrate the skin with a noncomedogenic moisturizer. Noncomedogenic means the moisturizer will not block your pores. Skin has a tendency to become flaky when using a cleansing regime of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. If the moisturizer comes in a jar, use a spatula to remove the product. Even the cleanest hands can contaminate a skin cream and allow harmful bacteria to fester and find its way to clean skin on subsequent applications.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use of benzoyl peroxide should continue after acne clears to keep new acne from forming.
A skin care specialist in a skin clinic or dermatologist's office can perform a chemical peel face treatment with salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid can cause an allergic reaction in someone allergic to aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin, you should replace the salicylic acid in this face treatment with an alpha hydroxy acid.
