Are Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid Effective Acne Treatments?

If you're on the hunt for a solution to acne & breakouts, chances are you've come across Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic acid. These powerful ingredients are commonly used in acne products and have been proven to be effective in treating acne. The key to finding the right product for you lies in the formula type (cleanser, cream, lotion, toner, etc.) and the percentage of each ingredient.

Benzoyl Peroxide Explained

Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic that reduces the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin's surface. You can find it in cleansers, gels, spot treatments, or creams with varying concentrations, which can be purchased at drugstores or prescribed as an over-the-counter treatment. While it's effective at reducing bacteria and speeding up the skin-renewal process, it can also cause dryness, redness, skin sensitivity, and excessive peeling. Itching, irritation, and allergic reactions are also possible, so it's important to avoid excessive sun exposure while using it and avoid long-term use. It's worth noting that Benzoyl Peroxide can also kill beneficial bacteria along with the harmful ones, which can lead to imbalanced skin microbiome in the long term, making the skin more vulnerable to breakouts and other skin issues.

Salicylic Acid Explained

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that works by clearing clogged pores and speeding up the skin renewal process. This ingredient can be found in various acne products, such as cleansers, toners, and spot treatments. While it's generally well-tolerated, using it in high concentrations can cause skin damage over time This is because it works by exfoliating the skin, which can lead to dryness, peeling, and mild stinging in some individuals. It can also also negatively impact the skin's pH level by making it more acidic than usual. This can then lead to irritation, inflammation, and ultimately breakouts, making it a less-than-ideal solution for those with sensitive skin

Potential Risks of Traditional Acne Treatments

While short-term side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic acid have been studied extensively, long-term effects are yet to be determined. However, it's worth noting that these ingredients can come with some immediate risks, including dryness, redness, skin sensitivity, excessive peeling, itching, and allergic reactions. It's also important to avoid excessive sun exposure while using them.

A Gentle Acne Solution: pH-In Skin

Unlike traditional acne treatments, pH-In Skin takes a microbiome-friendly approach that won't disrupt your skin's delicate balance. Each formula in our range is designed to treat acne-prone skin,  while maintaining a healthy skin pH and microbiome.