Do Benzoyl Peroxide Products Work?

There are a lot of preparations to help you become free from acne, benzoyl peroxide acne treatments are among the most common. Over-the-counter products formulated with benzoyl peroxide include the Proactiv, Clearasil and the Acne Free range. While benzoyl peroxide does have side effects, they are generally slight and it is an effective treatment for most people’s mild to moderate acne. In this benzoyl peroxide examination let’s take a look at several of the products that you can buy and how useful they are.

How Do Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations Work?

Benzoyl peroxide is a preparation that releases oxygen into the pores of the skin. The acne causing bacteria, Propionibacteria acnes, is not able to live in oxygen rich surroundings so it is prevented from growing and causing further outbreaks. Bacteria like this thrive in pores that are clogged by dead skin cells, dust and dirt which in general happens because of out of control hormones which are prone to produce too much sebum during the teenage years. Benzoyl peroxide can help to prevent any breakouts and flare ups and is best used constantly, even when the skin becomes clear, rather than as a spot cure.

What Types of Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations are Available?

Benzoyl peroxide is a good product to use if you suffer from acne that is mild to moderate and is available over the counter 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 or cream, which can be highly helpful, and increase the concentration as your skin has become accustomed to the product or if you need a better treatment. You need to gently wash your face once or twice each day with a benzoyl peroxide wash then put on the cream or gel. Take care that you apply it over all of the affected area to prevent the breakouts in otherwise clear skin. For those with body acne, benzoyl peroxide body washes can be very effective.

Some Precautions To Take When Using Benzoyl Peroxide Products

Be careful while you are using benzoyl peroxide products as it could remove the color from not only your clothes, but your hair and could even discolor your pillow case! If you are using a body wash with benzoyl peroxide make sure you have dried yourself completely before getting dressed or you will end up bleaching your clothes!

Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations

When treating acne, benzoyl peroxide preparations will generally be very effective but you need to be familiar with common side effects that can be caused by this product. These include burning or itching of the skin, dryness, flaking and redness. Though these are commonly insignificant if you find you experience a reaction that is more severe stop using the product straight away and approach a dermatologist who may recommend an alternative preparation. You should not use a product with a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide at the outset in case your skin reacts badly, therefore apply a benzoyl peroxide 2.5 gel first and apply until your skin gets used to it.

Does Benzoyl Peroxide Have Long Term Side Effects?

Benzoyl peroxide acne treatments must to be used for very long time to be effective and to prevent the acne from recurring. It has been known for a long time that benzoyl peroxide produces free radicals on the skin and some people have thought that skin cancer could be a result long after treatment has stopped. However studies have not shown that this is the case up to this date. In spite of this if you are nursing or are pregnant, studies have not shown that it is safe for your baby so we recommend you not to use these products during this time.

In Conclusion

Benzoyl Peroxide treatments are useful and typically well tolerated by most people as a cure for acne. These products are by and large safe and can be used for a long time.

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