Can You Use Benzoyl Peroxide and Glycolic Acid Together?
Benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid are two of the most popular acne-fighting ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide is known for its bacteria-killing abilities, while glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells and helps unclog pores. With both being potent acne treatments, you may be wondering if you can use benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid together in your skincare routine. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. It comes in various concentrations, typically ranging from 2.5% to 10%. Once applied to the skin, benzoyl peroxide gets converted into benzoic acid and oxygen. The oxygen released helps kill acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes.
In addition to its antibacterial effects, benzoyl peroxide also has mild comedolytic properties, meaning it can help loosen and clear away dead skin cells and debris that clog pores. By keeping pores clear, benzoyl peroxide can prevent new breakouts from forming.
Benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter in the form of gels, creams, cleansers, and spot treatments. It’s often found in combination products containing other acne medications like salicylic acid or clindamycin.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. It’s one of the most popular and effective AHAs due to its small molecular size, allowing it to easily penetrate the skin.
Once inside the skin, glycolic acid works to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells. This helps clear pores, stimulate new cell turnover, and reduce fine lines and discoloration. Glycolic acid also has mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe acne.
Glycolic acid is found in various concentrations in over-the-counter skincare products, typically ranging from 5% to 20%. Higher concentrations up to 70% can be used in professional chemical peels performed by dermatologists.
Benefits of Using Both
Benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid are two of the most researched and proven-effective acne treatments. Using them together can provide complementary benefits:
- Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria.
- Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells and debris from pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide helps treat and prevent new breakouts.
- Glycolic acid smooths the skin’s texture and tone.
In essence, benzoyl peroxide works underneath the skin surface to target acne-causing bacteria, while glycolic acid works on the surface to remove pore-clogging dead cells. Using them together provides a “one-two” punch against acne.
Potential Side Effects
As with any active skincare ingredients, using benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid does come with some potential side effects and risks. The most common side effects include:
- Dryness - Both ingredients can be drying, especially benzoyl peroxide. Using a lightweight moisturizer can help offset dryness.
- Irritation/redness - Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide may cause redness, stinging, and peeling, particularly in those with sensitive skin. Start by using them once every 2-3 days until your skin builds tolerance.
- Photosensitivity - Glycolic acid can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Be sure to wear SPF 30 or higher when using glycolic acid.
- Purging - Glycolic acid may cause purging - acne breakouts as clogged pores come to the surface. This typically subsides within 4 weeks as pores continue to clear.
Tips for Using Together
While glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide are generally safe to use together, introduce them slowly into your routine and take care to listen to your skin. Here are some tips:
- Start by using glycolic acid 2-3 times a week at night. Slowly increase frequency based on your skin’s tolerance.
- Use benzoyl peroxide once daily in the morning or night. Limit contact with unaffected skin to avoid excessive dryness/peeling.
- Apply benzoyl peroxide first after cleansing, as it works best on bare skin. Follow with glycolic acid.
- Alternate nights using glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide to reduce irritation.
- Use a moisturizer and SPF daily when using these ingredients.
- If using ready-made combination products, test a small area first for a few days before full application.
- Consider using lower concentrations to start, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Stop use and see a dermatologist if you experience severe redness, peeling, irritation, or cystic breakouts.
The Case for Using Benzoyl Peroxide and Glycolic Acid Separately
While benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid can certainly be used together, some dermatologists advise using them separately. Here’s why:
Risk of Irritation
Combining two potent acne fighters may simply be too irritating for some skin types, especially sensitive, dry, or thin skin. Even when buffered in moisturizers, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid together may overload the skin for some people.
Decreased Efficacy
There is some evidence that benzoyl peroxide can inactivate glycolic acid when applied together, reducing its exfoliating effects. Similarly, glycolic acid may impact the antibacterial activity of benzoyl peroxide.
Using them separately ensures you get the maximum effects from each ingredient.
Flexibility in Application
Applying benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid separately allows you to customize your routine as needed. For example:
- Spot treat only affected areas with benzoyl peroxide to avoid excessive dryness.
- Use glycolic acid as an all-over treatment 2-3 times a week for smoother, glowier skin.
- Adjust frequencies and concentrations of each ingredient based on your skin’s needs week-to-week.
Separating them out provides more control over where, when, and how often you use each product.
How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide and Glycolic Acid Separately
Here is an example routine for how to effectively use benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid separately:
AM
- Gentle cleanser
- Benzoyl peroxide spot treatment or thin layer over problem areas
- Light moisturizer
- Oil-free sunscreen SPF 30+
PM
- Gentle cleanser
- Glycolic acid serum or chemical exfoliant 2-3 times per week
- Moisturizer
- Benzoyl peroxide spot treatment as needed over pimples
This allows you to use benzoyl peroxide during the day when its photostable, while applying glycolic acid at night. It also limits benzoyl peroxide use to areas that need it, reducing dryness and irritation.
Other Acids and Ingredients to Use With Caution
Benzoyl per
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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