Numerous topical and oral solutions are available for treating acne. Doctors prescribe creams, gels and ointments that include salicylic acid, benzoyl-peroxide as well as other components.
The researchers estimate that acne affects around 15% of teens However, it can last throughout adulthood. Women are more susceptible to experiencing acne than males.
Salicylic acid and benzoyl-peroxide are two frequently used ingredients in prescription (OTC) or prescription medicines.
This article will discuss the benefits and negative consequences of salicylic acid as well as benzoyl-peroxide.
There are a variety of acne products which contain salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
Salicylic acid can be described as an acid also found in the drug aspirin. The chemical benzoyl peroxide can be that is found in bleaching products.
You can purchase acne-related products which contain salicylic acid without prescription. Salicylic acid is found in a variety of wash-off and leave on products with concentrations ranging from 0.5 percent to 2.5%.
Most people take salicylic acid very well, but it’s effectiveness is limited for treating acne. Although benzoyl-peroxide has an A-grade rating for its recommendations however, salicylic acid is only an ‘B’ rating.’
There are also acne treatments which contain benzoyl peroxide available at pharmacies including AcneFree UK. The amount of benzoyl-peroxide in these products is 2.5 percent to 10 10%.
Certain acne medicines contain benzoyl-peroxide together with additional ingredients. These medications are only available through prescription. Epiduo as well as Epiduo Forte are the two items that contain benzoyl Peroxide and an ointment-based Retinoid.
Below, we review the advantages of both types of acne treatments:
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid assists in exfoliating the skin by allowing skin cells to separate from each other. This process may stop the development of pimples.
One study tested using 0.5 percent salicylic acid twice daily with a placebo for an experiment lasting 12 weeks. Users of the salicylic acid supplement experienced a significant decrease in acne than those who were using an untreated placebo.
Certain studies have suggested that chemical peels using salicylic acid can help to reduce the appearance of mild acne. However, one must repeat the procedure several times and the effects do not last for long.
Doctors suggest making use of salicylic acid up to three times a day.
Benzoyl peroxide
Research has shown that benzoyl peroxide can be effective in treating acne. Doctors advise using benzoyl-peroxide alone to treat mild acne, as well as in conjunction in combination with other oral and topical acne treatments for more severe acne conditions.
The wide use of oral and topical antibiotics for treating acne has led to an increase in resistance to this Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, which is the cause of acne. Doctors might recommend benzoyl peroxide as it can help stop the bacteria from developing resistance.
The people who use benzoyl-peroxide products might notice a difference by the third week of treatment however, they might only notice the maximum effect within 2 to 3 weeks.
People who are allergic to salicylic acid shouldn’t apply it to their skin. A lot of OTC wash products as well as acne treatment contain salicylic acid, therefore it is crucial to review all ingredients that are listed on labels.
Other effects associated with salicylic acid are:
Redness on the skin
inflammation
Dryness
peeling
To avoid these typical adverse reactions, patients may begin by taking it every day and gradually increase the dosage to 2 or 3 times each day, as long as they are able to tolerate it.
Excessive and prolonged use of salicylic acid especially for children who are less than 12 years old can result in salicylate toxicity.
Salicylic acid could be a mediator in some ways which include:
Acidifying agents
Certain blood thinners
Antiidiabetic drugs
aspirin
corticosteroids
diuretics
methotrexate
pyrazinamide
sulfur
uricosuric agents
Any person taking these medications must consult a physician prior to taking OTC acne treatments.
Benzoyl peroxide’s side effects could be:
peeling
redness
burning
irritation
The greater the amount of benzoyl peroxide present in your product the greater the chance someone will experience these adverse negative effects.
The product in which it is contained.
A doctor can assist someone choose the suitable oral or topical product according to the type of acne they suffer from.
If doctors are able to are diagnosed with acne, they categorize the problem as moderate, mild or severe. This classification allows doctors to select the best treatment.
Salicylic acid wasn’t mentioned in the guidelines as studies have demonstrated its only a limited effect on improving acne. A lot of people still utilize salicylic acid to treat acne due to it being easily available without prescription.
Doctors may suggest the addition of salicylic acid to other treatments to treat severe or moderate acne.
Benzoyl peroxide can be used on its own to treat mild acne. If they are not able to see improvement with benzoyl peroxide, they could look into other options like topical anti-bacterial creams or Retinoids.
If a person is experiencing uncomfortable reactions to either salicylic acid or benzoyl-peroxide it is possible to reduce the amount or often they take the products. Anyone suffering from severe or insufferable side effects should discontinue using the product.
Other acne treatments include topical retinoids as well as oral antibiotics and Spironolactone.
There are other options for treatment in addition to or with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. They include:
Retinoids applied to the skin
Topical antibiotics
Oral antibiotics
mixed oral contraceptives to females
spironolactone
in rare cases, isotretinoin
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two drugs used for treating acne. Research suggests that salicylic acid may not be as effective.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommend using benzoyl-peroxide for mild to severe acne on its own or in conjunction alongside other treatments for acne.
Users of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can experience dryness, inflammation and peeling on the areas of the skin that they are using the product.
Doctors could, therefore suggest using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide at least once a day and every two days dependent on the patient’s tolerance.
It can take as long as three months before one notices an improvement on the look of their acne following the use of benzoyl Peroxide.
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