People can find benzoyl peroxide in over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments or in lower concentrations in supermarket products, such as face and body washes. Benzoyl peroxide also has bleaching qualities.
Using benzoyl peroxide topically will give you even-looking skin tone due to its bleaching properties. With regular use, it might also make your skin appear brighter.
Benzoyl peroxide does not usually darken your skin. Some brown or purplish spots may appear in the acne-affected areas, which are completely normal and part of the healing process. But in rare cases, benzoyl peroxide can cause hyperpigmentation and dark skin.
Benzoyl peroxide is a harsh solution that can cause bleaching. It may cause your skin to look whiter, and can affect the color of your hair (including your eyebrows) if it comes into contact with the same strands regularly and repeatedly. Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach clothing and other materials.
In higher concentrations, the product can be found in teeth whitening agents and hair bleaching products because it does have a bleaching quality. It can even remove dark spots and pimples or acne scars.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a characteristic of acne, and benzoyl peroxide does little to help. It can create significantly more hyperpigmentation, especially in medium to darker skin because of the irritation that it can cause.
The side effects of benzoyl peroxide can affect the areas of skin to which a person applies it. They can include: dryness and peeling skin. irritation, which can cause a burning or stinging sensation.
And they can't be bleached out by benzoyl peroxide. Since it's tough to completely stop benzoyl peroxide from coming in contact with your towels and sheets, even with careful treatment, white is the linen color of choice here. Benzoyl peroxide cleansers linger on the skin, even after being washed off.
Visit any home with a teenager with acne and you're likely to see towels with bleached-out spots. Benzoyl peroxide is the culprit. It's one of the most common ingredients in acne cleansers, gels, and creams and it bleaches towels, leaving orange blotches when towels are wet.
Yes, benzoyl peroxide can bleach your hair. What many don't know is that benzoyl peroxide has uses that extend beyond acne treatment. The ingredient is a well-known bleaching agent that's used for industrial purposes.
Do be aware, though, if you use Aczone along with benzoyl peroxide it can temporarily turn your skin yellow, orange, or brown. Not to worry, this color can typically be washed away.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Premature Skin Aging:
Benzoyl peroxide creates free radicals and is known to cause premature skin aging, just like repeated sun exposure or persistent acne.
If you've ever struggled with acne, you may have tried benzoyl peroxide to zap it. And even though products containing this ingredient warn that it may bleach fabric, you still always learn the hard way yourself.
During the first 3 weeks you are using benzoyl peroxide, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. If your skin problem has not improved within 4 to 6 weeks, check with your doctor.
Its enduring popularity goes beyond its availability and affordability — benzoyl peroxide can help treat inflammatory acne lesions and related scarring. It's most helpful when used together with other treatments, such as topical retinoids.
Benzoyl peroxide is often used in acne treatments due to its antimicrobial properties. It also has a drying effect, so it is effective at minimizing oily build-up in the pores.
Before applying, wash the affected area with a nonmedicated cleanser. Then rinse and pat dry. Using a circular motion, apply a thin layer of the mask evenly over the affected area. Allow the mask to dry for 15 to 25 minutes.
Benzoyl peroxide is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
In some cases, benzoyl peroxide can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots).
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
If you have blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid alone should work well to clear out your pores. If your acne tends to be inflammatory, such as papules and pustules, opt for benzoyl peroxide to stop outbreaks at the source. For sensitive skin, start with salicylic acid, since it's less likely to cause irritation.
Can I Use Both Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together? "It's safe to use both together at low concentrations to attack your acne on all fronts," the dermatologist explains.
How long does it take for benzoyl peroxide to start working? Generally it takes around 4 weeks for your acne to improve, but full effects from the medication can take 2 to 3 months. Keep in mind that your acne will get worse in the first few weeks before it starts getting better.