Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most commonly used chemicals in acne treatment products, and people have used this for a long time! Benzoyl peroxide acts primarily by adding oxygen to the skin, which kills acne and unclogs the pore. Also, it removes dead skin around hair follicles, which prevents pores from getting clogged in the first place. So not only will Benzoyl peroxide help to get rid of acne, but it also helps to prevent acne! About all topical treatments available over the counter contain this chemical. It’s in everything from creams and lotions to cleansers. However, that doesn’t mean it is a permanent cure.
How Benzoyl Peroxide Treats Acne
The bacteria responsible for acne cannot live in an oxygen-rich environment. Therefore, a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment kills bacteria by forcing oxygen into the skin’s pores. The diminish of bacterium significantly reduces the number of skin pore breakout episodes. It also helps to eliminate dead skin cells contributing to the problem.
Follow Up Treatment
Dead skin cells can create and exacerbate pore blockages, which can also be a factor in chronic acne. In this way, it can eliminate breakouts before they even begin. When using a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment, the regimen must continue even after the skin shows signs of clearing up. If you discontinue medications, bacteria can slowly return; however, you can discuss with a dermatologist the proper length of time your skin will need the treatment and in which form.
Acne Treatment Gels
Benzoyl peroxide acne treatments can come in cleansers, gels, or creams, most often in a strength of 2.5%. Apply the cream in a thin layer to clean and dry skin up to twice daily. Common side effects associated with this substance are dry or flaking skin.
Possible Side Effects
Though topical treatments containing peroxide are considered safe and free from serious side effects, side effects can occur anytime. The daily use of an oil-free moisturizer on the skin can alleviate the side effects. Following the provided instructions with the packaging reduces your chances of experiencing any side effects. Benzoyl peroxide can be irritating, though. It can cause dryness and flakiness for people with dry skin and give some users a rash.
If you have open wounds or cuts, don’t use anything containing benzoyl peroxide in this area. Some people have slight adverse reactions, such as mild burning, itching, or swelling. If you experience these, you must discontinue using that product and immediately check back with your dermatologist.
Combat the side effects
There are two things you can do to combat these side effects. First, the cream has several strengths, including 2.5%, 5%, and 10%, which are the most popular. Those who experience extreme skin dryness often begin using the 10% strength immediately. I recommend starting with 2.5% and working your way up, allowing your skin to determine what percent is too intense. If you upgrade to 5%, but the irritation is too fierce, move back down to 2.5%. You can also buy a facial skin moisturizer.
Please make sure that it is oil-free and it is non-comedogenic. Non-Comedogenic means that it will not block the pores. You have to make certain both these components are in the facial moisturizer! You can use any moisturizing cream that is non-comedogenic and oil-free, but if you are looking for a recommendation, it is Proactive Solution Green Tea Moisturizer. This product is non-comedogenic and oil-free and comes at a low price of six dollars. Benzoyl peroxide is an effective ingredient in getting rid of acne.
Caution
Don’t combine products that contain this chemical with any other topical treatments. If you don’t, you may end up making the acne treatment ineffective.
If you continue to suffer regular breakouts, you also have other options. One promising treatment is called a Zeno acne clearing device. It is a thermal device that is hand-held, and that clears pimples away in just a few hours. It is hands down, the fastest effective acne treatment on the market. It isn’t inexpensive, but unlike topical solutions that you use up and have to replace, you buy it once and can use it for years if you take care of the unit. Peruse; therefore, it ends up being very reasonable.
Conclusion
Acne is a common, unsightly, and often frustrating skin condition, and many people are eager to be free from them. However, if you have mild to moderate acne, a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment will most likely reduce, if not eliminate, your problem.
