Acne affects as many as 80 percent of people between ages 11 and 30. Topical medicines, including lotions, soaps, creams, gels and cleansing pads, use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid as the active ingredients to treat acne.
Function
Acne treatments aim to heal pimples, prevent new pimples and scaring and decrease the psychological stress of acne. To decrease acne, keep the face clean, limit sun exposure, use care when shaving your face and affected areas and choose oil-free makeup. Add over-the-counter and prescription medications contaning benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid on the advice of your dermatologist.
Effects
Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid increase skin turnover, which limits the clogging of pores. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria responsible for the inflammation of acne, Propionibacterium acnes. Salicylic acid, a keratolytic agent, worsk by thinning the skin around the pimple and loosening the outermost layer of the skin. Salicylic acid also decreases the shedding of cells into the follicles, which can prevent clogging of the pores.
Benefits
You can use topical medications containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for mild acne to prevent additional lesions. For severe cases, treatment may also include these medications combined with prescription drugs.
Considerations
Start with benzoyl peroxide, MayoClinic.com recommends. Begin with lower concentrations and increase the strength and frequency of application as needed. Topical treatments may take several weeks to produce an effect, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. For persistent acne, add a second treatment with a different active ingredient, such as salicylic acid.
Warning
Benzoyl peroxide can contribute to excess drying, scaling, burning and redness. Start with lower concentrations to avoid these side effects. Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid can cause skin irritation and stinging after use. Dermatologists suggest waiting five to 15 minutes after washing your face or showering to help avoid irritation that can occur with topical acne medications.
