Can You Use Glycolic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together Safely for Acne?

Can You Use Glycolic Acid With Benzoyl Peroxide?

If you suffer from acne, you've likely used benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid independently. Benzoyl peroxide is a common acne treatment that works by reducing bacteria on your skin. Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores. With both ingredients being powerhouses for clearing acne, it seems logical to use them together in one skincare routine. However, some claim combining these ingredients can cause more harm than good. Let's take a closer look at how glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide work, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using them together.

How Does Glycolic Acid Work?

Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and belongs to the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family. It penetrates deep into the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production. This helps reduce pigmentation, even out skin tone, and give skin a plump, youthful appearance. Glycolic acid also clears pores by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. The removal of this built-up debris helps treat and prevent acne.

When applied topically, glycolic acid works quickly, showing visible results usually within two weeks. It is one of the most effective AHAs due to its small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate skin more deeply than other types of acid exfoliants. Glycolic acid is available in a range of over-the-counter skincare products, typically in concentrations between 5% to 20%. Higher percentages provide stronger exfoliation but may irritate sensitive skin.

How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Work?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication commonly used to treat mild to moderate acne. It has antibacterial properties and works by killing the bacteria that contributes to acne formation. Specifically, benzoyl peroxide attacks the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and reduces inflammation. When applied on the skin, benzoyl peroxide also helps peel away layers of dead skin cells through oxidation reactions.

Benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%. It comes in various forms like gels, creams, cleansers, and spot treatments. For treating acne, dermatologists typically recommend lower concentrations like 2.5% or 5% to minimize skin irritation. Overuse of higher concentrations can dry out and inflame the skin.

Potential Benefits of Using Glycolic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together

Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide are both highly effective for treating acne. Using them together can provide complementary benefits:

Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells and clears pores while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria.
The two ingredients may improve acne better in combination than individually.
Benzoyl peroxide helps prevent antibiotic resistance to topical acne treatments.
Glycolic acid enhances penetration of benzoyl peroxide into the skin.
Combining the two may reduce dryness and irritation from benzoyl peroxide alone.

Some dermatologists recommend layering benzoyl peroxide over glycolic acid. After cleansing, you would apply the AHA, let it dry, and follow with the benzoyl peroxide. This approach allows the glycolic acid to exfoliate and open up the pores so the benzoyl peroxide can penetrate more deeply.

Potential Drawbacks of Using Glycolic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together

Despite the potential benefits, using glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide together may cause more harm than good for some people. Potential issues include:

Skin irritation - Both ingredients may irritate sensitive skin, causing redness, stinging, and dryness.
Skin purging - Boosting cell turnover can cause existing pimples to purge out.
Chemical burns - The combination may be overly drying and damage the skin barrier.
Sun sensitivity - Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide increase photosensitivity.

Additionally, layering the products can neutralize their effectiveness. Benzoyl peroxide is most effective when applied directly to clean skin. Putting glycolic acid underneath may dilute its bacteria-fighting powers.

How to Use Glycolic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together Safely

If you want to use glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide together, proceed with caution. Keep these tips in mind:

Consult your dermatologist - Get professional guidance about using these powerful acne fighters together.
Patch test - Try using the combination on a small area first to test for irritation.
Use lower concentrations of both ingredients - Start with something like 5% glycolic acid and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.
Alternate applications - Apply glycolic acid in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night to minimize irritation.
Avoid daily use - Consider using the combination a few times per week rather than daily.
Moisturize - Use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to counteract dryness.
Use sun protection - Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily when using either ingredient.
Reduce frequency if irritation occurs - Cut back to every other day or a few times a week.
Stop use if severe irritation persists - Discontinue use if your skin stays red, flaky, or irritated.

The Bottom Line

Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide are both excellent for clearing acne. However, combining the two may be too harsh for some skin types. While using them together could potentially boost effectiveness, the mixture may also increase side effects like redness, peeling, irritation, and photosensitivity.

It's best to check with your dermatologist before trying to combine glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide in your acne skincare routine. If you do decide to use them together, opt for lower concentrations of both ingredients. Apply them separately, alternate days, and discontinue use if any severe irritation occurs. With the proper precautions, you may be able to reap the combined benefits of glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide for clearer skin.

FAQs

Can I use glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide together every day?

It's generally not recommended to use glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide together daily as this combination can be quite irritating and drying for your skin. It's best to use them on alternating days or a few times per week to minimize skin irritation.

Should I apply glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide first?

Some dermatologists recommend applying glycolic acid first to exfoliate the skin, followed by benzoyl peroxide. However, benzoyl peroxide works best when applied directly to clean skin. Another option is to use one product in the morning and the other at night.

What percentages of glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide are best to use together?

When using glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide together, lower concentrations are recommended to avoid irritation. Start with 5% glycolic acid and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Gradually increase strengths if your skin tolerates the combination well.

Can I use other exfoliants with benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is drying on its own, so it's best not to combine it with other strong exfoliating acids like salicylic acid or retinoids. Gentler alternatives like lactic acid or PHAs may be less irritating when used with benzoyl peroxide.

What should I do if glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide irritate my skin?

If you experience irritation like redness, stinging, peeling or dryness, stop using glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide together. Allow your skin to recover, then try reintroducing one product at a time to determine which one caused the reaction. You may need to reduce the usage frequency or concentrations. Check with your dermatologist if irritation persists.

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.