benzoyl peroxide may be effective for uneven skin tone, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
If your uneven texture is thanks to acne, your treatment plan should be customised to tackle both these concerns. “Use clarifying cleansers that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to get rid of acne bacteria and deep cleanse pores,” says Dr Sethi.
Benzoyl peroxide works particularly well for inflammatory acne, which is characterized by red bumps that contain pus — pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules — instead of whiteheads and blackheads.
Benzoyl peroxide works to exfoliate dead skin cells and penetrate deep down to dry up excess sebum and unclog the pores, creating a drying effect. This active ingredient works best on whiteheads and cystic acne.
Salicylic acid is more effective for blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide works well for mild pustules. The severity of your breakouts. Both ingredients are intended for mild breakouts, and they can take several weeks to take full effect.
This medication is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It may be used in combination with other acne treatments. When applied to the skin, benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel.
What can I do to treat KP on the body? Gentle, twice daily use of a nylon net sponge with an alpha hydroxy acid, sulfur or benzoyl peroxide soap or cleanser can sometimes solve mild KP problems.
Chlorine dioxide complex cleanser has been reported as effective. The affected area may be washed once or twice a day with a gentle cleanser such as Dove. Acne-prone skin may benefit from more therapeutic cleansers such as salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
“AHA, BHA, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and rosehip oil to get effective results — just ensure you are not using retinol as well as AHA or BHA's during the day," says Graf.
Exfoliate. “Periodically exfoliating helps improve your skin texture,” says Dr. Mudgil. “Exfoliate with either a gentle peel or exfoliating wash.” Another great option is to visit your dermatologist for a chemical peel.
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.
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.
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid work differently, but they can both be helpful in treating acne. While current research supports benzoyl peroxide's effectiveness, salicylic acid may cause less side effects. You can use these two OTC medications together or separately.
Try medicated creams.
Apply an over-the-counter cream that contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. These creams help loosen and remove dead skin cells. They also moisturize and soften dry skin.
There is no cure for keratosis pilaris. But the symptoms can be managed. KP can improve with age and without treatment. Treatment may improve the appearance of the bumps.
If you have keratosis pilaris on your face, it may look like acne, and you may look flushed. The skin on your face may be dry and chapped. Some people with keratosis pilaris only get a few flesh-colored bumps. Others have noticeable bumps that can look like a rash.
Keratosis pilaris (KP) may be associated with phrynoderma (vitamin A deficiency). Interestingly, a significant association has also been found between acquired ichthyosis and keratosis pilaris as common cutaneous manifestations in persons with type 1 diabetes.
Amy Wechsler Dermatology, says: “Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids are the best treatment for KP—look for products with salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid to help exfoliate and smooth the skin."
"Gentle moisturizers and topical creams work best for keratosis pilaris," Rodney says. "Cetaphil and CeraVe moisturizers and lotions are safe, effective products. These contain many of the beneficial keratolytic ingredients."
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.
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.
Benzoyl peroxide is good for all types of acne, including cysts, blackheads and whiteheads, but it's particularly great at treating inflammatory cystic acne.