Benzoyl Peroxide And Acne

Benzoyl Peroxide Acne

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most frequently used medications that is used to treat mild acne topically. It is made up of two parts, one part benzoyl and the other one peroxide.  

Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter products, such as Clean and Clear and ProActiv. It is also in gels, washes, cleansing bars, cleansing lotions, facial masks and sticks and prescription creams. It is a very inexpensive method at treating acne and it is one of the first treatments discovered for this condition. It is usually the first product that is used for people who have mild to moderate acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is known to have three basic properties. It is used as a effective antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and oxidizing agent. As stated above it is known to kill bacteria that thrives on the face and in pores and also destroys yeast. In treating acne it is usually used in concentrations of 10% or less. There are some people who are allergic to this product and if they are, then they can get benzoyl peroxide in a 2.5% concentration.

It is a strong bleaching agent, therefore when applied to hair or fabrics, can be decolorized immediately.

How Benzoyl Peroxide Treats Acne?

There are certain types of bacteria that are responsible for the acne breakouts. These bacteria however can not live in an environment that is full with oxygen. Benzoyl Peroxide works by introducing oxygen into the pore and as a result this kills the acne causing bacteria. This means is that once the bacteria population is reduced, then the acne breakouts are reduced as well.

Another way in which benzoyl peroxide is effective in treating acne is that it is able to get rid of the excess dead skin cells that clog the follicles of the face. Once it is cleared, it will enable to reduce the chance of an acne breakout because the bacteria cannot thrive.

In treating acne, benzoyl peroxide use has to be continuous even after the acne clears up. The reason for this is that if the treatment stops, then the bacteria can build up and that increase the chance of the acne returning.

To treat mild to moderate acne with benzoyl peroxide it is good to start with a lotion or a gel, that has a concentration of 2.5%. If you start with a higher percentage such as 10% it has the ability to irritate and damage the skin. The reason you start with the lower concentration is to allow the skin to become used to the product so you can gradually increase the %. The % can also be increase if you see no results after a few weeks.

In treating acne, the use of benzoyl peroxide is done by applying a thin layer of lotion or gel to the skin. This is done after the skin has been washed and dried properly. It is applied to the skin once or twice a day thoroughly to the affected regions of the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide is a very strong bleaching agent and it can bleach clothes, hair and towels. When using the product you must take good care and make sure it is not in contact with the mentioned products. Before retiring to bed, you need to make sure that it is completely dry.

Despite its antibacterial properties, the benzoyl peroxide also has some side effects it carries with it. With typical use, the face might experience dryness, flaking, redness and burning. These are mild and typical for people who are using benzoyl peroxide to treat acne.

These side effects can be reduced if the directions for the medication are followed correctly. If the effects continue, then you may have to cut back on the use or get a lotion that has a lower strength.
If you experience severe redness and peeling, extreme burning, itching, swelling or rash then you should stop using the product and contact your dermatologist.