Benzoyl Peroxide

Today, I'd introduce one of the most common acne medicine: Benzoyl Peroxide. It is one of the most frequently used acne treatment medications. Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in countless over-the-counter products, such as Clearasil and ProActiv.

Benzoyl peroxide can be found over the counter in cleansers, gels, and lotions, as well as in stronger prescription creams. It is generally an inexpensive treatment, and can be found in both name brands and generic products. All benzoyl peroxide products work similarly. Benzoyl peroxide is often the first treatment choice for those suffering from mild to moderate acne.

How Benzoyl Peroxide Works

Propionibacteria acnes, or P. acnes, are the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. They cannot live in an aerobic (oxygen-rich) environment. Benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen into the pore, thereby killing P. acnes.

Another factor that makes benzoyl peroxide so effective is its ability to help rid the follicle of excess dead skin cells. Clearing the pore of cellular debris will lessen the chance of pore blockages, or comedones. Because of this, benzoyl peroxide helps prevent breakouts before they start.

The use of benzoyl peroxide often must be continued, even after acne clears up. Once treatments are stopped, bacterium populations can increase and acne may return.

How to use Benzoyl Peroxide

Research suggests that 5 and 10% concentrations are not significantly more effective than 2.5% and 2.5% is usually better tolerated.

Most common treatment methods call for a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide lotion to be applied over a thoroughly cleansed and dried skin. It can be used once or twice daily. Apply thoroughly over all areas affected by acne. Do not use just as a spot treatment. Benzoyl peroxide must be applied to all affected areas of the skin, as it works to stop pimples before they erupt.

Possible Side Affect

It commonly causes initial dryness and sometimes irritation, although the skin develops tolerance after a week or so. If unwanted side effects occur, you may want to scale back use to every other day, or use a benzoyl peroxide lotion in a lower strength. A small percentage of people are much more sensitive to it and liable to suffer burning, itching, peeling and possibly swelling.