Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide

In an epic battle to decide which organic compound is most effective in the treatment of mild to severe acne, it is benzoyl peroxide vs. salicylic acid, in a three week skin test.

If only acne treatments could be settled like heavyweight boxing competitions. In truth, both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are effective in treating aspects of acne development, as well as preventing the formation of future acne flare ups. Yet one of the treatments is considered more effective overall.

Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide

In order to better understand which of these two products make for the best acne treatment, it is necessary to understand what exactly they are and where they come from. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are “natural,” and neither is chemically based. While they may be added to creams, gels and skin toners, which are pumped full of chemical preservatives, these two products have been used for many things for many years.

Salicylic Acid

Many people are turned off by the word acid. We don’t think of our bodies producing acid, the fact that we consume acids on a daily basis (most soft drinks, coffee, vitamin water, foods are acidic) or realize that salicylic acid is actually a derivative from the plant we have named the Willow Tree. It is a beta hydroxy acid, and a naturally occurring plant hormone.

It has been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes, and is widely used in cosmetics and acne treatments. It is known for its ability to ease aches and pains as well as its ability to reduce fever. Because of this, it was used frequently as a multi-purpose anti-inflammatory even hundreds of years ago. It is still used as a key ingredient in the over-the-counter stomach aid, Pepto Bismol.

It would seem obvious as to why it would be used as an acne treatment, but it possesses another capability which makes it even more effective. Salicylic acid also possesses the natural ability to aid the skin in shedding dead skin cells. It neutralizes the skin’s bacteria and helps to constrict the pores. When used consistently, it can be an effective acne treatment.

Benzoyl Peroxide

A member of the organically synthesized peroxide family, benzoyl peroxide, when coming into contact with the skin, breaks down, creating an oxygenated environment. The bacteria living on the skin simply cannot survive in such an environment, thus one of the key variables in the development of acne has been destroyed.

Additionally benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, helping the skin to more rapidly regenerate new skin cell growth. When combined with a skin care regimen that includes exfoliation, benzoyl peroxide can be a highly effective acne treatment.

The drawback with benzoyl peroxide is the fact that it is a natural bleaching agent, so it can be drying. When beginning to use as an acne treatment, the 2.5 percent variety is recommended. Once an application has dried, the use of moisturizer is recommended. Along those lines, it is worth mentioning that if used regularly, the bleaching aspect will help reduce sun spots, dark surface spots as well as even out the general skin tone.

Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide – The Verdict

Overall, benzoyl peroxide is more potent than salicylic acid as a leave- on acne treatment. However, when used in conjunction with one another, for example a salicylic face wash with a leave on benzoyl peroxide cream, the results can be quite effective.