Applying daily retinol to the skin is an essential part of many of our skincare routines, and it has the power to keep a youthful-looking, radiant glow at any age. If your goal is to practice a healthy, consistent, anti-aging skincare routine, dermatologists warn that using a benzoyl peroxide product while also using retinol can lead to extremely dry skin, and other negative effects.
We checked in with dermatologists and other skincare experts to learn more about this harmful skincare combo, and what products you can use with retinol instead. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at MyPsoriasisTeam and Aida Bicaj, esthetician and celebrity facialist.
Drawbacks of using Benzoyl Peroxide with Retinol
Benzoyl peroxide is often found in "acne products, both as a cleanser and spot treatment," Chacon explains. This ingredient, when used with retinol, can "be very irritating," she warns, "often burning the skin."
When it comes to natural aging, she notes that "skin inherently becomes drier, due to less active oil-producing glands, and doesn’t retain moisture and healthy fats."
Benzoyl peroxide, she stresses, is often too harsh on delicate skin as it is, and when "used on already weakened skin," it adds to the problem, and "not necessarily fixes it."
Retinol and retinoid products on their own, Chacon continues, "can improve cellular turnover which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and snubs them out before they even form."
Using a strong ingredient like retinol with another one like benzoyl peroxide can ultimately cause a negative reaction, SLMD reports, because "benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent, while retinol is an antioxidant." In theory, the outlet adds, "the two may react chemically and cancel each other out."
Bicaj agrees, and says that while benzoyl peroxide can be "great for treating acne," it can be" too harsh on skin that's sensitive and can cause more dryness to the skin."
It is also important, she advises, to "avoid foamy cleansers and soaps," with this ingredient, as "this is how the skin starts to become dehydrated," and these types of products "strip protective oils that your skin produces."
With age, Bicaj adds that those oils "start to diminish," so by using these kinds of ingredients, "you are actually speeding up the aging process."
Instead, Try Glycolic Acid
A great alternative to benzoyl peroxide (and one that won't hurt your skin while using retinol) is glycolic acid, Chacon points out.
"Glycolic acid is my favorite ingredient that is rejuvenating and has anti-aging properties other than retinol," she says, "It is also a skin brightener."
Chacon recommends many skincare products that contain it, including "cleansers, lotions, and serums." It has "never stung" her skin, she says, or "caused irritation in any way." (Sounds worth a try!)
Chacon concludes that meeting with your dermatologist can help you find the best skincare ingredients for your skin type, including retinol and glycolic acid products.
