There are two main concerns about using benzoyl peroxide with retinol together. The first is that these products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you are using both, it is best to schedule the application of each at different times of the day.
Benzoyl peroxide is an acne-fighting chemical
Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical that acts as a non-specific oxidizing agent. This makes it very effective at fighting acne. It works by causing a peeling reaction on the skin, removing dead skin cells and pore-clogging impactions. It can be used to treat acne alone or in combination with other acne medications.
Although it’s an effective acne-fighting chemical, using too much of it can cause side effects. It can make the skin dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach hair and discolour fabrics. Therefore, people with sensitive skin should use products with a lower concentration.
There are several types of benzoyl peroxide-based acne products available. There are creams, cleansers, masks, and spot treatments that contain varying concentrations of the chemical. Benzoyl peroxide products are most effective at 2.5 percent to 5 percent concentration. Higher percentages can cause dryness and irritation. For this reason, dermatologist Kathryn Dempsey recommends that people use products with a 4 percent concentration.
Benzoyl peroxide is available in both prescription and OTC forms. For best results, consult your healthcare provider before using this chemical. Depending on your insurance coverage, prescription benzoyl peroxide is often cheaper than OTC versions. You may also want to check out GoodRx coupons to save money on your prescription.
It can be used with retinol
Benzoyl peroxide and retinol can be used in conjunction to treat acne. However, they have different effects, so they should be used in a staggered fashion. For best results, use retinol at night and benzoyl peroxide during the morning.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on certain prescriptions, consult your doctor before starting a retinoid treatment. Also, be sure to patch test the product before using it, to avoid any potential reactions. Benzoyl peroxide can also be irritating to sensitive skin, so it’s best to use it sparingly.
Retinol and glycolic acid can both cause dryness and can deactivate each other. While both are excellent exfoliants, it’s best to use them sparingly, especially if they’re being used as a spot treatment. As a general rule, retinol is more effective at treating acne than glycolic acid, which works on the topmost layers of the skin.
Clinical trials have shown that a combination of benzoyl peroxide and retinol can improve acne vulgaris outcomes. In the AAD VMX 2021 study, benzoyl peroxide was associated with a greater reduction in total acne lesions in patients than retinol alone. Moreover, both agents were well tolerated in the study population.
It can make your skin more sensitive to the sun
Some people might be surprised to learn that certain ingredients in skin care products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. These ingredients are typically alpha-hydroxy-acids. They can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays and leave you with a painful rash. They can also cause skin to become more prone to blisters and inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is why it’s important to apply sunscreen in the morning and use a broad-spectrum SPF.
Some acne medications can cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun, which is undesirable. These products can also make your skin peel and become dry, making it even more vulnerable to sun exposure. The technical term for this condition is photosensitivity, which means your skin will be more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays than normal. Ultimately, this will cause you to burn when exposed to UV rays.
When using a retinol acne treatment, make sure to use SPF. This is because retinol will break down under the influence of sunlight. Therefore, it’s important to apply SPF the next morning after applying the retinol product.
Benzoyl peroxide with the ingredient retinol is a great anti-aging ingredient, but it can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. As long as you don’t go out in the sun too often, you should be fine. Nonetheless, you should wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply a good moisturizer.
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