If you’ve ever see a dermatologist or aesthetician about treating your acne, they’ve probably recommended either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the key ingredient to look for in products that will help squash the issue. The big difference between the two, however, is that benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin, and salicylic acid (a betahydroxy acid, or BHA) helps dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can contribute to acne. Typically, if your skin is very oily, benzoyl peroxide will be recommended.
My skin is combination, but I’m no stranger to the occasional breakout. However, I tend to avoid strong acne products because they zap my skin of moisture, which ends up exacerbating the problem. JORI Skincare Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask is well-balanced and effective—here’s why.
My Skin Type:
Combination. I’m drier in the cold-weather months and oilier in the warm-weather ones thanks to the high humidity on the East Coast. Occasionally when I try a new product or use a formula with a high concentration of acids, I experience a little sensitivity (mainly redness, but sometimes tingling).
The Benefits:
What I love about this dermatologist-formulated mask is that you can wear it at night while you sleep, or during the day under your makeup. This is because the texture is super lightweight and dries invisibly—it feels like a gel-cream moisturizer. You can also use it to spot-treat if you only have one stubborn blemish keeping you from clear skin.
The key ingredient is micronized benzoyl peroxide, and micronization allows the bacteria-fighting active to penetrate deeper into the pores, which is where pimples originate. This is mixed with the brand’s proprietary blend of naturals that keep the formula balanced so it doesn’t strip the skin. A few standouts include saw palmetto, which is a botanical extract that helps balance the DHT hormone (too much promotes acne and oily skin); a good-for-your-skin fatty acid called linoleic acid that those who are acne-prone may be lacking; and niacinamide, which is a skin-care multitasker that improves the appearance of blemishes, dark spots and redness. Together, the combination helps treat existing pimples and helps prevent new ones from forming.
Key Ingredients:
Micronized benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), saw palmetto, niacinamide, zinc, linoleic acid, skullcap, and omega fatty acids (EPA, DHA and alpha-linolenic acid)
What It’s Free From:
Fragrances, dyes, parabens, phthalates and sulfates
How to Use It:
Apply a pea-size amount to your face, neck and/or chest (where there are pimples present, but avoid your eyes, lips and mouth). You can use it daily if it’s not too drying for your skin. If you have dry skin, the brand suggests applying your moisturizer first, letting it dry, and then applying the mask on top. Do not use this if you have very sensitive skin (this applies to most benzoyl peroxide products). Additionally, if you combine this mask with a salicylic acid product, you may experience an overdrying effect or irritation, so proceed with caution. Most dermatologists and aestheticians I’ve interviewed recommend using one or the other, unless a product contains both, which means it’s been formulated and tested to work accordingly.
Editor note: Though we love benzoyl peroxide and it can be incredibly helpful for those with acne, it can stain colored clothes and fabrics with a bleaching effect. Therefore, it’s best to only use white towels and wash cloths while using this product, and if you’re going to pull a tight shirt over your head after applying it (which may rub off slightly), keep this in mind.
Price/Where to Buy:
$52, joriskincare.com
