How To Treat Acne with Benzoyl Peroxide

Whether you've just started applying benzoyl peroxide, or you're considering trying out this acne treatment, you most likely have concerns. Learn how to deal with acne with benzoyl peroxide and find out how to get the best outcome from your treatment.

What Is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used to deal with acne breakouts. It's found in various forms, from cleansers, lotions, creams, gels, and toner-like treatments.

In fact, if you've used blemish-fighting skin care products at some point, you've most likely already used this active ingredient. It's a quite typical active ingredient in over the counter acne products.

However benzoyl peroxide is not simply an OTC treatment. It's also available stronger prescription strengths, and is an active ingredient in many combination prescription acne treatments, like:

• BenzaClin, Acanya, Onexton and Duac (all containing benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin).
• Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin).
• Epiduo (benzoyl peroxide and adapalene).
• Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial, which means it helps in reducing the quantity of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Less germs results in less breakouts.

Benzoyl peroxide likewise helps keep the pores clear from blockages. It's the most reliable over-the-counter acne treatment available on the market.

Possible Side Effects

Benzoyl peroxide, like many other acne medications, can cause dryness and peeling. Dry skin is the most common side effect.

The best method to fight this is to start off gradually, allowing your skin a chance to get used to the medication. Try using it every other day for a week or two. Applying a good moisturizer will help too.

Benzoyl peroxide can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's essential that you use sun block all the time.

Benzoyl Peroxide Can Make You Peel

Even if you begin cautiously and steadily, you can expect your skin to get dry. Very dry. And potentially rough, peely, and flaky too. These are all normal side effect.

You can manage this dryness, however. To begin with, try applying a moisturizer as frequently as you require, however at a minimum two times a day.

If your skin is extremely dry and peeling, try using the moisturizer first, under your benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel. This will serve as a sort of buffer in between the medication and your skin.

Many people find their skin gets used to the benzoyl peroxide with time and the dry, peeling skin disappears. It can take a number of weeks, however, as your skin adjusts to the medication.

Skin Feels Really Bad. Are You Allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide?

Some folks simply can't handle benzoyl peroxide, especially if your skin is super sensitive. And, yes, some people are genuinely allergic to this medication.

But there are differences between a benzoyl peroxide allergic reaction and normal side effects.

Benzoyl peroxide can cause some fairly intense dryness, peeling, and flaking. You also may find redness, burning, and itching right after using the medication. These are all normal reactions.

If you're getting swelling, serious redness, blisters, or incredibly inflamed skin, you might actually have an allergic reaction. In any case, stop applying it and call your doctor immediately.

Benzoyl Peroxide And Proactiv

Yes, the active component in Proactiv is benzoyl peroxide.

Proactiv broke ground as the very first acne treatment kit (suggesting a 3-step program instead of just one product) on the market. Some Proactiv products also contain active ingredients like salicylic or glycolic acid.

But Proactiv isn't the only acne treatment program which contains benzoyl peroxide. Many other brand names have actually followed down the Proactiv's road, so you have lots of other choices if you're looking for a complete acne skin care kit.

A lot of these acne treatment products are cheaper than Proactiv, so you'll save some money. However you do not need a complete kit. You can purchase benzoyl peroxide cleansers and lotions individually and use them together, essentially developing your own acne treatment regimen.

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

Patience is a virtue, and this expression definitely applies to treating acne. Benzoyl peroxide, like all treatments, requires time to work. You may require to wait 8 to ten weeks, sometimes a bit more prior to seeing a noticeable progress in your skin.

As appealing as it may be, do not slather on more medication, or apply more often than you should. You'll increase your chances of frustrating side effects and it will not clear up acne any quicker.

During this time you'll still get new breakouts, so do not fret. Throughout a number of weeks, breakouts will slowly become less and further between.

What Can I Expect from My Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment?

So you're all excited and prepared to begin using benzoyl peroxide. That's excellent!

However did you hear that lots of people quit using benzoyl peroxide prior to it ever has a chance to work? Knowing what to expect from your treatment can help you get the very best results possible.

Tips for Using Benzoyl Peroxide.

Once you start with benzoyl peroxide, the biggest tip to remember: be consistent. Consistency is your best buddy when treating acne. Skipping days will set your treatment back. You'll see the fastest progress with regular, consistent use.

Another big deal: keep benzoyl peroxide far from your pillowcases and towels. Benzoyl peroxide will stain anything it contacts with. White linens and wearing old shirts to bed will help avoid or minimize benzoyl peroxide stains (or at least keep you from being too distressed when staining does occur).

Last Words And Conclusion.

Benzoyl peroxide is an effective treatment for acne. OTC benzoyl peroxide are great for moderate acne. Prescription benzoyl peroxide medications work better for moderate acne.

Benzoyl peroxide isn't the only acne treatment choice out there. If you're having trouble with acne, and need help getting it under control, do not wait to see a doctor. Making that call is the first step towards the clearer skin.