Trying to find the right skin care regimen can be overwhelming, especially when you're battling acne. Fortunately, two powerful ingredients have been widely praised for their ability to fight breakouts – benzoyl peroxide and retinol. Although using either one separately may be beneficial, the real question is: what happens when you combine them? Can you actually use benzoyl peroxide with retinol?
Benzoyl peroxide and retinol have different pH levels that can have adverse effects on your skin. You may see skin reactions such as irritation, dryness, redness, or inflammation when you mix them.
In general, combining retinoids and benzoyl peroxide together may impact both the efficacy and potential for side effects as there may be decreased efficacy of the ingredients and increased potential for irritation. That said, there are some products that are specifically formulated with a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide to help maintain stability and minimize irritation, but these typically require a prescription.
Luckily, there are ways to incorporate the two ingredients into your skincare routine. Look no further than PROVEN Skincare that provides personalized skincare sets that gradually increase the dosage of acne-fighting ingredients like retinoids. Let’s explore the safest ways to use benzoyl peroxide and retinol to get the most benefits for your skin.
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Overview of Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol
You can easily find skincare products infused with benzoyl peroxide or retinol in drug stores and beauty stores. Even certified-board dermatologists highly recommend them for patients suffering from moderate to severe acne. To gain a better understanding of their properties:
- Benzoyl peroxide oxygenates the pores, which helps kill acne-causing bacteria [1]. The topical medication ranges from 2.5% to 10% for over-the-counter acne treatments.
- Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which helps stimulate skin cell turnover and collagen production [2]. It’s typically used after acne breakouts to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Both ingredients are an effective solution for managing acne and enhancing overall skin health. To get the best results, it's important to take the proper precautions and apply them in the right order. We recommend applying a daily moisturizer with SPF or night cream to seal the moisture and help repair your skin barrier as these ingredients tackle your acne vulgaris. If you want to use both ingredients, then apply the benzoyl peroxide spot treatment in the daytime and retinol at night.
What Happens When Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol Mix?
You could render the two actives useless and cause more skin irritation if they’re applied at the same time. When used together, the alkaline nature of benzoyl peroxide can degrade retinol’s effectiveness to combat acne. This can exacerbate stressed skin conditions that’s especially prone to acne.
It’s important to note that the reaction varies from person to person. Other factors that can impact the effectiveness of both treatments include concentration amount and frequency applied. After all of this information, how can you feel confident in your acne solutions?
How to Safely Use Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol
We want you to feel empowered throughout your acne journey. And the first step is learning how you can use benzoyl peroxide with retinol. We recommend alternating the times you use them. Benzoyl peroxide can be used in the morning with sunscreen layered on top to minimize sensitivity to the sun. Then, you can use retinol at night to effectively get rid of dead skin cells. Other useful tips include:
- Start off slowly – If this is your first time using these ingredients, begin with a lower concentration to allow your skin to acclimate. Start with an application every other day, then increase the frequency as your skin gets used to it.
- Use a gentle cleanser – Wash your face with a non-irritating facial cleanser that soothes your skin. Preserve as much of your natural oils as possible to minimize the risk of dryness and irritation.
- Be patient with results – It can take two to three months before clear skin is on its way. If you’re experiencing skin purging, that can be a positive sign that the treatments are effective. Work with a board-certified dermatologist to help monitor your skin’s progress as you incorporate benzoyl peroxide and retinol into your skincare routine.
Formulated Just For You, By You
Regardless if you have dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin, it’s possible to use benzoyl peroxide and retinol to treat acne. It just boils down to the correct ways to use them. But if you’re tired of the guesswork, then switch to PROVEN Skincare.
We understand the importance of customized skincare that caters to your individual skin type. We offer AI-powered skincare solutions that are designed to combat acne and any associated issues. Our Skin Genome Quiz can help us assess your skin's DNA to create a personalized skincare routine. Start your journey to a healthier complexion and clear skin today.
