What is Better for Acne: Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid?

As an acne sufferer, you have probably spent quite a bit of time looking at skin cleansers, lotions, and creams. Although there are hundreds of different acne products out there, there are really only two acne fighting ingredients: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

These two ingredients are mixed into different products in an infinite number of ways - in different portions, with other skin soothing herbs, with oatmeal or other lotions, or sometimes the two are even used together! The list goes on.

But which of these acne-fighting chemicals is more efficient in treating acne? Lets examine.

Benzoyl peroxide is probably the more widely used acne ingredient. Its powerful, and produces quick results. It works by drying out all the oils on the surface of the skin, preventing any acne-causing bacteria from flourishing and becoming a pimple. But its definitely not an end-all-be-all. Products that contai
BP usually work for a few weeks to a few months before the acne starts to come back.

The reason that benzoyl cannot completely cure acne is because it actually does more damage to your skin than good! When the BP dries up all your skins surface oils, the body naturally respondes by producing more oils, sometimes up to 10X more oil than it should. This leads to increased break-outs and cystic acne that not even a harsh chemical like benzoyl peroxide can manage.

The other reason that BP does not do very well in curing acne is that it doesn't aid in the healing process, it rather hurts it. Sure, the BP will dry up oils, but it won't help your acne heal any faster. It is physically damaging to the skin, and prevents your body's natural "good" oils from doing their job to create glowing, healthy, skin.

The good side of benzoyl peroxide is that its cheap, and in many cases, is quick to clear acne in just a matter of weeks, even if temporarily.

Salicylic acid is a much gentler, natural approach to acne treatment. Salicylic acid works by controlling the amount of oil on the surface of the skin, rather than demolishing all oils in sight. This works in your favor because you need a small amount of oil on your skin to prevent redness, irritation, and most importantly - so that your body doesn't go into overdrive to produce more oil than necessary.

The bad news about salicylic acid however, is that it is a slower treatment than its competitor, BP. The average time it takes to clear acne using salicylic acid is about 1-2 months, which is why most acne sufferers opt for the benzoyl peroxide. One thing to note though: salicylic acid works long-term.

If you do decide to use SA for your acne, it might take longer to see results - but once you see results they will be permanent. In my opinion its worth it to treat acne the right way from the beginning, rather than go for the quickest method that doesn't really solve the problem.

In the end, its up to you and what your skin is most responsive to.