A variety of topical and oral solutions are available for treating acne. Doctors prescribe creams, gels and ointments containing salicylic acid, benzoyl-peroxide and other ingredients.
The researchers estimate that acne affects around 15% of teens However, it can last throughout adulthood. Women are more susceptible to experiencing acne as compared to men.
Salicylic acid and benzoyl-peroxide are two frequently used ingredients in prescription (OTC) or prescription medication.
This article will review the advantages and adverse consequences of salicylic acid as well as benzoyl-peroxide.
There are numerous 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.
There are many acne products available that contain salicylic acids without prescription. Salicylic acid is found in a variety of wash-off and leave on products with concentrations ranging from 0.5 1 to 2percent.
The majority of people take salicylic acid very well, but it is not effective in treating acne. While benzoyl peroxide is ascribed an A-grade rating for the recommendation however, salicylic acid is only an ‘B’ rating.’
There are also acne treatments which contain benzoyl peroxide available at the pharmacy. 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. The products are only available through prescription. AcneFree UK is an item that contains benzoyl Peroxide.
Below, we will look at the advantages of both types of acne treatments:
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid assists in exfoliating the skin, allowing skin cells to break free from each other. This process may stop the development of pimples.
One study looked at the use of 0.5 percent salicylic acid two times daily with a placebo for an experiment lasting 12 weeks. The people who used the salicylic acid solution experienced a significant decrease in acne when compared to people who used the placebo.
Certain studies have suggested that chemical peels using salicylic acid could help reduce mild acne. However, one must apply them repeatedly and the effects do not last for long.
Doctors suggest the use of products that contain salicylic acid at least three times a day.
Benzoyl peroxide
The evidence suggests that benzoyl Peroxide is effective in treating acne. Doctors advise using benzoyl-peroxide as a treatment for mild acne, or in combination in combination with other oral and topical acne treatments to treat more severe issues.
The use of oral and topical antibiotics for treating acne has led to an increase in resistance to those who use Propionibacterium acnes bacteria which causes acne. Doctors may suggest benzoyl Peroxide as it can help stop the resistance to bacterial infections.
The people who use benzoyl-peroxide products will notice improvement after the third week, however, they might only notice an effect that is maximally noticeable within 2 to 3 weeks.
People who are allergic to salicylic acid is advised not to apply it to their skin. A lot of OTC products and treatments for acne contain salicylic acids, so it is crucial to review all ingredients that are listed on labels.
Other effects associated with salicylic acid may include:
Redness on the skin
inflammation
Dryness
peeling
To avoid these 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.
The prolonged and frequent consumption of salicylic acid particularly in children younger than 12 years old could result in salicylate toxicity.
Salicylic acid could also interact with certain mediations which include:
Acidifying agents
Some blood thinners
Antidiabetic medications
aspirin
corticosteroids
diuretics
methotrexate
pyrazinamide
sulfur
uricosuric agents
Any person taking these medications must consult a physician prior to taking OTC acne medication.
Benzoyl peroxide’s side effects could be:
peeling
redness
burning
irritation
The greater the amount of benzoyl peroxide present in your product the higher the likelihood someone will experience these adverse consequences.
The product in which it is contained.
A doctor can assist to choose the most appropriate oral or topical treatment according to the type of acne they’ve got.
If doctors are able to are diagnosed with acne, they categorize the problem as moderate, mild or severe. This classification will enable doctors to select the most suitable treatment.
Salicylic acid isn’t mentioned in the guidelines as studies have demonstrated its only a limited effect on improving acne. Many people continue to use salicylic acid to treat acne since it’s easily available without prescription.
Doctors may suggest including salicylic acid in other treatments to treat severe or moderate acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is a good option on its own to treat mild acne. If they don’t see improvement with benzoyl-peroxide, they may look into other options like topical anti-bacterial creams or Retinoids.
If someone experiences uncomfortable reactions to either salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide They may reduce how often they utilize the products. Anyone who experiences severe or unpalatable side effects should discontinue using these products.
Other acne treatments include topical retinoids and oral antibiotics and Spironolactone.
There are other options for treatment as an alternative or in conjunction 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 moderate acne, alone or in conjunction in conjunction with various acne treatment options.
The people who are using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can experience dryness, inflammation and peeling on the areas of the skin that they apply the product.
Doctors might, therefore, suggest using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide at least once a day at least every 2 or 3 days according to the individual’s tolerance.
It could take 3 months before someone sees significant improvements with the appearance their acne following the use of benzoyl Peroxide.