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Benzoyl Peroxide–the Acne Bacteria Terminator |
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Benzoyl peroxide has been the most effective treatment for acne till date and many of today’s popular topical applications use it as the active ingredient. Over-the-counter creams, lotions, gels and cleansers as well as stronger prescription medications use benzoyl peroxide. It is the treatment of choice for mild to moderate acne sufferers because apart from efficacy benzoyl peroxide is also quite inexpensive.
Benzoyl peroxide works by killing bacteria found in clogged skin pores, removing yeast from the skin surface, and cleaning out dead skin cells from the blockages. Benzoyl peroxide oxygenates the skin pores which the bacteria cannot tolerate. It also reduces yeast from the skin surface.
These anti-acne properties of benzoyl peroxide have made it the number one choice of ingredients for some of most popular over the counter acne treatments such as Exposed Skin Care. Besides benzoyl, exposed also includes some more natural as well as chemical compounds to further boost the efficacy of treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide for treating acne comes in creams, exfoliating gels, lotions, soaps and shaving creams.
Directions for use with creams and lotions:
* Wash your face with a gentle cleanser or a mild non-medicated soap. Rinse and pat dry.
* Apply the gel, cream or lotion on the whole face and not just the pimples. Rub gently.
* Rinse with water.
Directions for use with exfoliating masks:
* Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Rinse and pat dry.
* Apply the mask on the face using gentle circular motions. Keep for 10-15 minutes or as directed.
* Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Shaving creams containing benzoyl peroxide can be used like any other, but don’t apply aftershave lotions without consulting your dermatologist.
Benzoyl peroxide does come with its flip side though. Excessive use causes redness, peeling, and itchiness since it is a drying agent. There could even be some allergic reactions. It is advisable to follow the directions given on the label and not exceed the doses.
Thankfully there are several concentrations of benzoyl peroxide in the OTC products – 2.5%, 5% or 10%. Higher concentrations cause greater side effects. So you can fall back on the lesser concentrations and still get the benefits of benzoyl peroxide. There isn’t much of a difference in the primary effects anyway.
Tips:
* Don’t wash your face for one hour after applying benzoyl peroxide and also don’t apply any other medication for that duration.
* Continue with the treatment for at least a month to see the results. In fact for the first three weeks your acne might actually worsen, but goes on reducing after a month of daily use.
* Apply the treatment to the whole face and not just as a spot treatment.
* Don’t compensate for missed doses; just get on with the regular schedule.
* Consult your doctor if the side effects are too strong for you.
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