Benzoyl Peroxide For Oily Skin: What You Need To Know
Can benzoyl peroxide be helpful for people with oily skin? Will it make the skin too dry? Will it increase oil production instead? How does it compare to salicylic acid?
Let’s see what the experts have to say.
Can You Use Benzoyl Peroxide For Oily Skin
Yes, you can. Many dermatologists and skin care experts often recommend using low concentrations of benzoyl peroxide for oily skin.
Since benzoyl peroxide is lipid-soluble, it will effectively penetrate the skin.
This can especially be helpful if your oily skin is also acne-prone since oily skin is one of the main risk factors for chronic acne.
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Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide on Pores: What You Need to Know
Does Benzoyl Peroxide Bleach & Lighten Skin: Actual Truth
How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Help Oily Skin
Benzoyl Peroxide breaks up oil and removes it from the pores and layers of the skin. By doing this, benzoyl peroxide can help to keep your oil level in the skin under control.
However, it is important to achieve the right balance.
This is because using benzoyl peroxide too often or in too high a concentration can cause excess dryness. This will push your skin into overdrive, producing more oil as compensation.
This is why it is important that you use a Moisturizer After Benzoyl Peroxide, click here to learn more.
And it’s important to use it correctly, click here to learn how often you should use Benzoyl Peroxide and how long you should leave it on.
Which Is Better For Oily Skin: Benzoyl Peroxide Or Salicylic Acid
The better choice between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for oily skin will depend on whether you have acne as well.
Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid strip oil from the skin.
However, the deciding factor will ultimately be how your skin reacts to these ingredients and whether you have active acne or not.
Oil control is a side benefit that can prevent the development of new acne from excess oil solidifying in your pores.
Related Articles –
Salicylic Acid For Oily Skin – What You Need To Know
Benzoyl Peroxide To Treat Acne Scars & Dark Spots
How To Choose Between Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid
When choosing between the two, here are a few things to do:
1-Consider the type of acne you have
Whiteheads and blackheads can be treated more effectively using salicylic acid. Mild to moderate inflammatory pustules respond effectively to benzoyl peroxide.
2- Pay attention to how severe your breakouts are
Both OTC benzoyl peroxide and OTC salicylic acid might take several weeks to fully take effect as they are both meant for minor breakouts. However, benzoyl peroxide could be useful as an immediate spot treatment.
3- Recall your skin’s sensitivity and overall health
Salicylic acid is gentler than benzoyl peroxide and may not irritate delicate skin much.
4- Anticipate your daily activity level
Sweating might transfer benzoyl peroxide to your clothing and discolor it if you are active during the day. You can think about using similar products solely at night or switching to salicylic acid.
5- Confirm or rule out any underlying conditions
Even though these ingredients are sold over the counter, this does not imply that they are suitable for use by everyone. If you are unsure whether you have an underlying skin issue, consult with your doctor.
Additionally, if you have diabetes, liver illness, or renal disease, you should also speak to your doctor before using either of these ingredients.
Also, always patch test any ingredient you plan to use on your skin before entirely starting the treatment.
How To Choose The Right Benzoyl Peroxide For Oily Skin
If you have mildly oily skin and mild to moderate acne
Washes can be used daily to help prevent oil build-up and to help clear up your acne. Start with a low-concentration wash (most commonly 2.5% or lower) a few times a week. Observe how your skin reacts to it for a little while.
Starting small and slow is less likely to dry out your skin or irritate it. You may increase the concentration and frequency of use depending on how your skin and acne react to the treatment.
If you have very oily skin and severe acne
In contrast to washes, creams and gels stay active for a long time after application, making them preferable for skin types with more severe acne, more oil, and for those who are less sensitive.
Related Article – Benzoyl Peroxide Soap: Benefits, Side Effects & Best Ones
If you have oily but sensitive skin
It would be best to use a low-concentration wash if your skin is oily yet sensitive. Irritation can cause the skin to produce even more oil, so you do not want to over-strip the skin or irritate it.
Can You Leave Benzoyl Peroxide on Overnight: Is it Safe
If you are treating body oil and acne (instead of your face)
On other parts of your body like your chest, back, legs and butt, you can use washes or gels in stronger concentrations. Some people start with 4-5% and work their way up to 10% depending on how their skin and acne react.
Related Article: How Long To Leave Benzoyl Peroxide On & How Often To Use
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products For Oily Skin
1- Differin Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Cleanser
This formulation contains 5% benzoyl peroxide that has been micronized to go deep into pores, destroy germs, and absorb extra oil. But at the same time, it also delivers a mild moisturizer designed to help your skin regulate itself and avoid unwelcome dryness.
Click here to check out the Differin Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Cleanser on Amazon.
2- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
This formulation was created specifically to be extremely mild on the skin. In addition to the acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide, the product also includes three separate ceramides to maintain a healthy and intact skin barrier, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and calming niacinamide.
Click here to see the price for the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser on Amazon.
3- PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
This cleanser is highly recommended by many professionals to cure body acne on the back, chest, and booty. You may thank the foaming action for making it simple to apply to all of these bigger surfaces.
It contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, which may be a little too harsh for some people’s faces but is often handled well by the body.
Click here to see the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash on Amazon.
4- Paula’s Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Skin Clearing Treatment
To reduce any skin redness often brought by BPO usage, this extremely light moisturizer contains calming herbal ingredients. It can be used twice daily to minimize excess oil production and moisturize the skin to prevent peeling or dryness.
Click here to check out Paula’s Choice Regular Strength Skin Clearing Treatment on Amazon.
5- M.A.D Skincare Blemish Repelling Gel
With a strong combination of 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, Green Tea, Licorice, Aloe Vera, and Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, this thin gel cream absorbs swiftly. As it gives antioxidants to your skin, this mixture of substances fights blemishes, reduces pores, regulates oil, and calms the skin.
Click here to get the M.A.D Skincare Blemish Repelling Gel on Amazon.
Sources:
Dermatologists explain how to use benzoyl peroxide to get rid of acne for good
Salicylic Acid vs Benzoyl Peroxide: Use, Benefits, Side Effects & More
