Q: Salicylic or Benzoyl?
I got this information off webmd.com.
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide, found in products like Clearasil, destroys
the P. acnes bacteria by penetrating the follicle and releasing hydrogen
peroxide. (Acne cannot survive in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.) It is an
underrated form of treatment, says Guy Webster, MD, PhD, vice chairman of the
department of dermatology at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. The
problem is that most people don’t use benzoyl peroxide products correctly, says
Webster. They apply the medicine to existing pimples rather than using it
wherever they are likely to get acne, which can prevent it from popping up in
the first place. "I would see far fewer acne patients if people knew how to use
benzoyl peroxide correctly," he says.
Salicylic acid: Available in a number of lotions, creams, and pads (Stridex, for
example), salicylic acid helps unclog pores by chemically destroying the plug.
You must use salicylic acid treatments continually in order to see results, as
pores clog up again once you stop.
This is the link: