Over-the-counter (OTC) acne products and prescription drugs with benzoyl peroxide can really dry your skin. Nearly everyone who uses it has some amount of dryness, flaking, and peeling. But you don't have to ditch the treatment.
If you use a product containing benzoyl peroxide, it is best to wait until this product has been fully absorbed before applying a serum and/or moisturiser. Benzoyl peroxide works best when it has the chance to absorb into the skin first. This only takes a few seconds.
The first thing you will notice is that benzoyl peroxide will leave your skin dry, really dry. You can stave off some of the dryness and flaking by using a good oil-free moisturizer every day. Even if you don't normally use one, you'll want to start now.
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.
1 If you're just beginning with your benzoyl peroxide treatment, start using moisturizer now, even before you notice any uncomfortable dryness. You may be able to stave off the worst of it. If you've already succumbed to benzoyl peroxide-induced dryness and flakiness, slather on moisturizer as often as necessary.
When it happens, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the dry area (smile lines) before applying the benzoyl peroxide. Do this for just a few days and then resume the benzoyl peroxide again. Rest assured that Vaseline will not cause your skin to break out.
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.
Benzoyl peroxide creates free radicals and is known to cause premature skin aging, just like repeated sun exposure or persistent acne.
Treatments that work on top of the skin include Benzoyl Peroxide, salicylic acid, or a retinoid treatment. Dr. Reed says she recommends a variety of these treatments and a combination approach to treating acne can be particularly effective. Retinoids and salicylic acid focus more on the skin's surface.
Consider any medicines and skin care products you already use. Some may make your skin more sensitive, such as prescription retinoid creams or products containing retinol or benzoyl peroxide. Exfoliating while using these products can trigger acne breakouts or excessive dryness.
It can even remove dark spots and pimples or acne scars. The key difference between any benzoyl peroxide product and other topical antibiotics for acne like clindamycin is that our bodies do not build up an antibiotic resistance to the product.
Why does benzoyl peroxide make skin so dry? It's so drying because it dries up excess sebum (oil) on the skin. Acne is caused in part by excess oil and dead skin cells that clog follicles.
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.
The best way to apply to apply benzoyl peroxide is by cleansing the skin, then applying non-comedogenic moisturiser, wait for the cream to get absorbed and dry out on the skin. It hardly takes 5-10 minutes and lastly apply benzoyl peroxide cream/ointment.
This dehydrated skin condition is only temporary and does not affect the skin's collagen and elastin or age the skin in any way. Second, while benzoyl peroxide does create an oxidative environment, which creates free radicals, it's important to understand that not all free radicals are bad for you.
Can You Become Immune To Benzoyl Peroxide? While it may seem like the more you use benzoyl peroxide, the more of a tolerance your skin will build to the ingredient, the opposite is true. “Skin does not become immune to benzoyl peroxide,” says Dr. Luftman.
Benzoyl peroxide, like all treatments, takes time to work. You may need to wait eight to 10 weeks, sometimes a bit more before seeing a noticeable improvement in your skin. As tempting as it may be, don't slather on more medication, or apply more often than directed.
Your skin is very smart; it regulates itself and produces only as much sebum as it needs to stay healthy, hydrated, and youthful. However, when we wash it too much, it first becomes overly dry. This leads to a backup of dead skin, and in turn triggers an overproduction of sebum.
You should absolutely moisturize your skin even if you have active acne. It's an absolute myth that moisturizing your face will worsen your acne. In fact, moisturizers are necessary to keep acne-prone skin as relaxed as possible.
Although Vaseline® Healing Jelly doesn't directly treat acne, its protective formula means it could help your skin recover faster from a breakout.
It saves feet from blisters, hydrates lips and now a Reddit user found out that it can clear up acne. Users with cystic acne even said it works wonders on healing bumps and breakouts.
"Petrolatum is inherently comedogenic, which means it will clog the pores," he says. "It won't heal acne—it will literally cause it." Since petroleum jelly does have some anti-inflammatory effects that can help diminish the look of redness, Dr. Lain says.
Generally speaking, dermatologists say purging should be over within four to six weeks of starting a new skin care regimen. If your purge lasts longer than six weeks, consult your dermatologist. It could be that you need to adjust the dosage and/or frequency of application.