How It Works, Side Effects, and How to Use It
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical acne treatment.
It works as an antiseptic to kill bacteria that cause acne breakouts.
It also fights acne by removing excess oil and dead skin cells.
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Benzoyl peroxide formulas include skin cleansers, toners, gels, and creams.
While benzoyl peroxide is very effective on acne, it can also irritate skin and cause dryness and flaking.
In rare cases, an allergic reaction can occur.
This article provides step-by-step instructions for how to use benzoyl peroxide for acne.
It also explains how benzoyl peroxide works, its side effects, and when to see a dermatologist.
What Is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used to treat acne breakouts.
It’s found in many different forms, fromcleansers, lotions, creams, gels, and toner-like solutions.
Benzoyl peroxide also helps keep pores clear from blockages.
How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide
How you use benzoyl peroxide depends on the product.
Do not use benzoyl peroxide near your eyes or inside your mouth or nose.
To avoid side effects, stick to using only one jot down of benzoyl peroxide product at a time.
If your skin is more sensitive, try using a benzoyl peroxide face wash every other day.
Astringents
Toners and astringents are applied after washing and drying your skin.
These products are sold in medicated pads or liquid.
Leave-on Treatments
Topical benzoyl peroxide gels and creams are typically more potent.
They can be applied directly to individual pimples or used all over.
Leave-on spot treatments can be used one to three times a day.
Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects
Benzoyl peroxide, like many acne medications, can cause dryness and peeling.
Dry skin is the most common side effect.
Try using it every other day for a week or two.
Using a good moisturizer will help too.
And possibly rough, peely, and flaky too.
These are all normal side effects.
you’re able to manage this dryness, though.
First, tryusing a moisturizeras often as you need, but at least twice a day.
This will act as a sort of buffer between the medication and your skin.
Can You Be Allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide?
Some people just can’t handle benzoyl peroxide, especially if your skin is super sensitive.
And, yes, some people are truly allergic to this medication.
But there are differences between a benzoyl peroxide allergy and normal side effects.
Benzoyl peroxide can cause some fairly intense dryness, peeling, and flaking.
You also may notice redness, burning, and itching right after applying the medication.These are normal reactions.
In any case, stop using it and call your healthcare provider right away.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
Patience is a virtue, and this adage definitely applies to treating acne.
Benzoyl peroxide, like all treatments, takes time to work.
As tempting as it may be, don’t slather on more medication or apply more often than directed.
You’ll increase your chances of annoying side effects, and it won’t clear up acne any faster.
You’ll still get new breakouts during this time, so don’t fret.
Over the course of several weeks, breakouts will slowly become fewer and farther between.
Consistency is your best friend when treating acne.
Skipping days will set your treatment back.
You’ll see the fastest improvement with regular, consistent use.
Another biggiekeep benzoyl peroxide away from your towels and pillowcases.
Benzoyl peroxide will stain anything it comes in contact with.
A Word From Verywell
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective treatment for acne.
OTC benzoyl peroxide is appropriate formild acne.
Prescription benzoyl peroxide medications work better formoderate acne.
But benzoyl peroxide isn’t the only acne treatment option available.
Making that call is the first step toward clearer skin.
Acne products often contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sometimes both.
Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid helps dissolve dead skin cells to clear out your pores.
You may have better results with one or the other depending on your skin and key in of acne.
Benzoyl peroxide works as a topical medication.
Once absorbed into the skin, benzoyl peroxide is converted into benzoic acid.
If your acne is clearing with benzoyl peroxide, you should keep using it.
Discontinuing use maycause the acne to come back.
Yes, the active ingredient in Proactiv is benzoyl peroxide.Proactiv is a three-step acne treatment kit.
Some Proactiv products also containglycolicorsalicylic acid.
Proactiv isn’t the only acne treatment regimen that contains benzoyl peroxide.
Other multi-stepacne treatments are less expensive than Proactivbut equally effective.
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