Can I use PanOxyl with The Ordinary Salicylic Acid?

Do you actually need both?

Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne causing bacteria and is especially useful for mild pimples. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and works best on blackheads and whiteheads. Having both types of blemishes gives the combination a practical purpose, but does not make two treatments necessary. The useful question is which blemishes need treating, not how many bottles can be recruited.15

If you are starting acne treatment, choose one product and use it as directed for six to eight weeks before adding another. For benzoyl peroxide generally, start with the lowest strength. Between PanOxyl's 4% Creamy Wash and 10% Foaming Wash, the Creamy Wash is the gentler formulation and contains moisturizing ingredients to help combat dryness.135

How should you use them?

Before introducing The Ordinary solution, patch test it on a small area once daily for three days. If the combination has been approved, a separated routine is PanOxyl in the morning and salicylic acid in the evening, rather than salicylic acid immediately after the medicated wash.23

1. 1In the morning, wet the skin and gently massage PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash 4% into it for one to two minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Start with once daily use.
2. 2In the evening, clean your skin gently before applying The Ordinary solution. Use your fingers rather than scrubbing, then rinse and pat dry.
3. 3Apply a thin layer of The Ordinary solution across the entire affected area, not just individual spots. Its US directions start at one application daily; do not jump straight to the maximum frequency.
4. 4Use moisturizer daily and wear sunscreen. Benzoyl peroxide increases sensitivity to sunlight. Keep both treatments away from your eyes, and avoid getting benzoyl peroxide on hair or colored fabrics because it can bleach them.

Leave extra exfoliants and scrubs out of this routine. Excess exfoliation can dry and irritate skin and worsen acne. A simple routine can be a complete routine, despite what the unused space on the shelf suggests.6

What if your skin gets irritated?

If irritation develops, stop combining the treatments and use only one acne medication at a time. For bothersome dryness or peeling from The Ordinary solution, reduce use to once daily or every other day. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about painful, itchy, or persistently irritated skin. Do not apply benzoyl peroxide to cuts, grazes, or infected skin.12

Stop using and rinse off The Ordinary solution if you develop hives, swelling around the eyes or mouth, blistering, or irritation, and seek medical advice promptly. Difficulty breathing or a swollen tongue or throat requires emergency medical help.12

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare professional before starting this combination. If you use prescription acne medication, ask your prescriber before adding either product.35

When should you expect results?

General acne treatment can produce fewer breakouts in four to eight weeks, with clearing taking around 16 weeks. Using extra benzoyl peroxide does not make it work faster. See a dermatologist if pimples are not improving after six to eight weeks, or sooner for deep, painful lumps or acne that leaves scars.157