Whats the difference between salycilic acid and benzoyl peroxide and which one is better?

what do each do? Which one is more effective in acne clearing?Whats the difference between salycilic acid and benzoyl peroxide and which one is better?
Salicylic acid is the chemical compound with the formula C6H4(OH)CO2H, where the OH group is adjacent to the carboxylic acid group. This colorless crystalline organic acid is widely used in organic synthesis and functions as a plant hormone. It is probably best known as a compound that is chemically similar but not identical to the active component of aspirin. The name derives from the latin word for the willow tree (Salix), from whose bark it can be obtained.








Contents





* 1 Medicinal and cosmetic uses


* 2 Other uses


* 3 See also


* 4 References


* 5 External links





[edit] Medicinal and cosmetic uses





Also known as beta hydroxy acid (compare to AHA), salicylic acid is the key additive in many skin-care products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, callouses, corns, keratosis pilaris and warts. It treats acne by causing skin cells to slough off more readily, preventing pores from clogging up. This effect on skin cells also makes salicylic acid an active ingredient in several shampoos meant to treat dandruff. Use of straight salicylic solution may cause hyperpigmentation on unpretreated skin for those with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick phototypes IV, V, VI), as well as with the lack of use of a broad spectrum sunblock.[1][2]





The medicinal properties of salicylate (mainly for fever relief) have been known since ancient times. The substance occurs in the bark of willow trees; the name salicylic acid is derived from salix, the Latin name for the willow tree. [3]


Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)


Enlarge


Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)


Cotton pads soaked in salicylic acid can be used to chemically exfoliate skin


Enlarge


Cotton pads soaked in salicylic acid can be used to chemically exfoliate skin





Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) can be prepared by the esterification of the phenolic hydroxyl group of salicylic acid.





Subsalicylate in combination with bismuth form the popular stomach relief aid known commonly as Pepto-Bismol. When combined the two key ingredients help control diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, and even gas. It is also very mildly anti-biotic.





Toxicological effects of 100% salicylic acid, however, are mostly harmful. It is harmful by ingestion, inhalation, and through skin absorption. It acts as an irritant, and chronic effects have shown 100% salicylic acid to have mutagenic effects (DNA damage), and act as a sensitizer (allergic reactions after repeated exposure). This is why most acne treatment medication uses a percent range of 2-5 in solution.





Other uses





* Salicylic acid is toxic if ingested in large quantities, but in small quantities is used as a food preservative and antiseptic in toothpaste. For some people with salicylate sensitivity even these small doses can be harmful.





Benzoyl peroxide, like most peroxides, is a powerful bleaching agent. Contact with fabric (including clothing and bed linens) or hair can cause permanent color dampening almost immediately. At high concentrations, benzoyl peroxide is highly flammable and explosive and should be handled with care. In the United States, the monograph for benzoyl peroxide is 2.5% to 10% for both prescription and over the counter use.





[edit] Uses





Benzoyl peroxide is effective in the treatment of most forms of acne. It is typically placed over the affected areas in gel or cream form, in concentrations of 2.5% increasing through the usually effective 5% to up to 10%. Research suggests that 5 and 10% concentrations are not significantly more effective than 2.5% and 2.5% is usually better tolerated.[1][2] It commonly causes initial dryness and sometimes irritation, although skin tolerance usually occurs after a week or so. A small percentage of people are much more sensitive to it and liable to suffer burning, itching, peeling and possibly swelling[3]. It is sensible to apply the lowest concentration and build up as appropriate. Once tolerance is achieved, increasing the quantity or concentration a second time and gaining tolerance at a higher level usually gives better subsequent acne clearance. Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover and clearing pores, thus reducing the bacterial count there as well as directly as an antibacterial.





Other common uses for benzoyl peroxide include dyeing hair, and as an active ingredient in teeth whitening systems. It is also used in the preparation of flour, and can be used as an initiator and catalyst for polyester thermoset resins (as an alternative to the much more hazardous methyl ethyl ketone peroxide).Whats the difference between salycilic acid and benzoyl peroxide and which one is better?
Holy smokes Timothy.... you know your compounds!


I'll let his answer handle what the difference is...


As far as which is better, it all depends on the individual person.


They are both extremely effective in clearing acne and controling bacteria. Some people have sensitivities to one or another however. I do prefer salycillic acid with my clients because it's usually less drying, but very healing.


Unfortunately the only answer for you would be to try them individually, each for 3 weeks straight, and see which result you like the best. 3 weeks because that will give you skin time to adjust. You may break out worse at the beginning, but it will get better. Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water because that can also balance the skin.
benzoyl peroxide is bleach and dries up the area, salicic acid burns the acne, but its painless
Ive found that Benzol peroxide works better... salycillic acid dries skin out more
I struggled with acne for years and I finally found the solution that works for me. We have been fooled, tricked, deceived, and just plain lied to. It's time that someone put a stop to it, and everyone learn the truth!





Those of us who suffer from acne have usually been given 2 choices and neither of them work:





1. Over the counter remedies such as cleansers, creams, ointments, etc. These things have been proven over and over again not to work. Why? It does not address the root cause of the problem.





2. Go see a doctor and or dermatologist. They will generally prescribe prescription drugs which include topicals and or antibiotics. This, too, has been proven over and over again not to work. Why? It does not address the root cause of the problem.





I found a step-by-step program that cured my acne and it has never come back. It is amazing and doesn鈥檛 use any drugs or doctors. The truth is that acne can be cured鈥f we know the secret the doctors and drug companies don鈥檛 want us to know.





There is a great website: http://cure-my-acne.info/3daycure/ that has all the details. I really suggest you check it out and see if it works as well for you as it did for me.
OK yes it benzoyl peroxide it kills the germs Bactria salicylic is nothing it can be found like in clean n clear but use proactive i use it It rock it's the best you love it to