You definitely can and in fact, salicylic acid can make benzoyl peroxide work more effectively. That’s because salicylic acid exfoliates, allowing for other treatment ingredients to penetrate better. And it’s why some all-round products contain a mix of both ingredients – for example, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Spot Eliminating Gel, $13.99 from pharmacies.
However, it could be worth focusing on one ingredient, depending on your particular skin issues. Salicylic acid tends to be recommended for comedones (whiteheads, blackheads) due to its exfoliating and therefore unblocking action; while benzoyl peroxide is more hard-hitting and suggested for pustules and papules (the big angry ones). Dermalogica offers product starring each. Its MediBac Overnight Clearing Gel ($61.50, see Dermalogica) is great for keeping congested areas in check; while its MediBac Special Clearing Booster ($69) contains a 5% level of benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria and deflate more major breakouts.
I’ve used Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel and it’s quite effective if you have occasional pimples on your face, it says it works overnight but really it takes around 2 days max to see a result
Comment by Anniex — November 11, 2008 @ 7:04 pm