Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid for Acne

Published by Grace | Filed under Arbonne

As someone who has dealt with acne practically her whole life, this comparison was super important to me. When I was younger, I tried everything to help clear my skin, and there was really nothing out there to help control my acne. I tried every over-the-counter solution and even tried several different products from my dermatologist, and no bueno. I’ve decided now that I’ve found something that works for me, it’s time to do some research and provide some information that everyone could use, because it would be incredibly selfish of me to not share answers that my friends and family need.

I came upon this article when researching Arbonne’s Clear Advantage line (it uses Salicylic Acid) which talks about the differences between 2 popular acne-fighting ingredients, Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

There are quite a few Benzoyl Peroxide solutions out there, but probably the most popular solution is Proactiv, so the article I came upon was intended to compare it to Clear Advantage. I learned that Benzoyl Peroxide is a strong and inexpensive acne solution that treats P. acnes. One of the side effects of it is that it has a tendency to bleach fabrics, which is an indicator of how strong it is. Because of its strength, it may be considered too harsh for sensitive skin types. It may also prove to be very effective at first, but because the skin is so resilient and can adapt quickly, the skin will eventually build up a resistance to Benzoyl Peroxide and stop working. Products containing Benzoyl Peroxide will often add other botanicals to help soothe the skin and balance out its strength.

Salicylic Acid is an FDA-registered ingredient for the treatment and prevention of acne, and the key ingredient in Arbonne’s Clear Advantage line. It’s a gentler ingredient that treats comedonal acne, as well as whiteheads and blackheads. It’s not only used to help clear acne, but is also common in many anti-aging skincare regimens because it’s a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are highly coveted among skincare enthusiasts due to their skin refining properties, and for that reason, it’s a little more expensive than Benzoyl Peroxide. You’ll find that not only will your acne be in control, your skin texture and tone will improve.

Both solutions work as exfoliants, sloughing dead skin cells and preventing pores from getting clogged, and also preventing pores from growing. You’ll also need to continue using both solutions to prevent acne breakouts. They both may also cause redness, dryness, or flaking, so build up your skin’s tolerance by using small amounts at first, and gradually build up. For example, just wash with the medicated wash once a day, every other day and work your way to twice a day, every day. It is NOT suggested to use both treatments at the same time, as it will only increase irritation and could possibly cause breakouts because the skin is then overstimulated. You should also discontinue the use of other intensive skin treatments, like retinol or anti-aging products, unless recommended by a dermatologist. Using an oil-free moisturizer (like Arbonne’s FC5 Oil-Absorbing Day Lotion, Jan Marini’s Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant, or Dermalogica’s Active Moist – some of my faves) can help reduce these side effects. And, protecting your skin with one that has SPF in it, all the ones I just recommended do, will also help reduce the signs of aging caused by sun damage.

Conclusion: since I didn’t have any luck with Proactiv, Salicylic Acid is proving to be a better solution for me. I’ve used the RE9 Advanced Serum every other night and the Clear Advantage Spot Treatment and my skin just looks healthier, without being overdried or red. I’m not sure what other salicylic acid products smell like, but I love the clean, natural scent of the products I’ve been using. The Clear Advantage Skin Support Supplement has also been a great help in preventing breakouts. It contains zinc and antioxidant vitamins C and E which not only give your skin a healthy glow from the inside out, but also help strengthen your immune system – bonus! It’s also encouraged me to drink more water, another key factor in helping to maintain healthy skin, because I don’t like taking pills of any kind and I drink a full glass of water with it.

Resources:
About.com – Benzoyl Peroxide
About.com – Salicylic Acid
A Review of Two Different Approaches to Acne Treatment
Arbonne Clear Advantage
Proactiv: What Causes Acne