The Skin Care Fact Center

There are a lot of preparations to help you become acne free, benzoyl peroxide acne products are one of the most common. Over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide include the Proactiv, Clearasil and the Acne Free range. Although benzoyl peroxide does have some side effects, they are generally minor and it is a useful therapy for the acne of most people. In this benzoyl peroxide evaluation we’ll take a look at some of the products which are available and how helpful they are.

How Do Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations Work?

Benzoyl peroxide is a product that releases oxygen deep in the skin. The acne causing bacteria, Propionibacteria acnes, is not able to live in an oxygen rich environment so this product stops it from growing and causing a problem. The bacteria thrives in pores clogged by dust, dirt or dead skin cells which often results from of out of control hormones which are prone to produce too much sebum during the teenage years. Benzoyl peroxide can help to prevent more breakouts and flare ups and will have to used without a break, even if there is no redness or pimples, instead of as a spot cure.

What Types of Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments are Available?

Benzoyl peroxide is a good product to use if you suffer from mild or moderate acne and can be purchased OTC as a gel, lotion or cream with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and also in concentrations up to 10%. It is a good idea to start with the 2.5 gel, which is usually extremely helpful, and increase the concentration as your skin has become accustomed to the product or if a lower concentration is not working well enough. You should gently wash your face once or twice each day with a benzoyl peroxide wash then use the lotion or gel. Ensure that you apply it over the whole of the area affected to prevent flareups in unaffected areas. For those who suffer from acne on the body, benzoyl peroxide body washes can be very effective.

Take Care When Using Benzoyl Peroxide Products

Be careful while you are using benzoyl peroxide products as it will remove the color from not only your clothes, but your hair and could even discolor your pillow case! For those who are using using a benzoyl peroxide body wash ensure to dry yourself thoroughly before you get dressed or you will more than likely bleach your clothes!

Some Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments

In your aim to become acne free, benzoyl peroxide products will usually be extremely effective but you need to be familiar with any side effects that this product can cause. These may include itching or burning of the skin, redness, dryness and perhaps some flaking. While these are usually insignificant if you experience a a more severe reaction stop using the preparation and approach a dermatologist who may suggest alternative treatments. You should never apply a preparation with high levels of benzoyl peroxide at the outset as your skin may react, therefore purchase a benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel or cream at first and use until your skin becomes accustomed to this level.

Does Benzoyl Peroxide Have Long Term Side Effects?

Benzoyl peroxide acne treatments must to be applied for over the course of months or years to be useful and to stop the acne from coming back. It is known that benzoyl peroxide releases free radicals on the skin and it might be thought that this could lead to skin cancer long after treatment has stopped. Scientific studies have not shown that this is the case up to this date. However if you are a nursing or pregnant woman, be aware that there are no studies to show that using benzoyl peroxide is safe for your baby so we advise you not to use it at this time.

Conclusion

Benzoyl Peroxide treatments are effective and generally well tolerated by most people as a treatment for acne. These preparations are in general safe and can be used for a long time.

For more information please visit us at Benzoyl Peroxide Products for Acne