This treats existing acne and may help prevent new spots. It works best when you use it regularly. Benzoyl peroxide usually takes about 4 weeks to start working. It can take up to 2 to 4 months for the treatment to have its full effect.
Around eight to 10 weeks after you start using the product, your skin should be much clearer. You'll still have the odd spot or two. If the treatment didn't work as well as you wanted, it's a good idea to visit a dermatologist. A prescription treatment might work better.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You've probably seen these emergency pimple treatments at the drugstore — usually an extra-strong solution of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. And yep, they can actually get rid of pimples overnight.
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.
Often found spot treatments and acne-focused skincare products, benzoyl peroxide is generally okay to use either in the morning or night, with one exception. "Benzoyl peroxide can be used during the daytime, but is often combined into formulations with other acne-fighting retinoids.
Applying a clean, cloth-covered ice pack over a pimple can help reduce redness and inflammation from an acne blemish. Apply spot treatment products. Putting on spot treatment products such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil can help to reduce acne blemishes.
Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They are often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause your skin to become flaky. The flare ups caused by purging have a shorter lifespan than a breakout.
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.
"Even at low levels, benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and opens pores," says Dr. Zeichner. In fact, studies show that high amounts of benzoyl peroxide (the most available is 10 percent) are more irritating but no more effective than their lower-concentrated counterparts.
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.
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.
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.
Dermatologists recommend CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for people with acne as it works to cleanse the skin and remove oil, without disrupting the skin's protective barrier. It won't clog pores or dry the skin out, and contains niacinamide and ceramides to help calm and moisturize irritated skin.
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.
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.
While retinoids do a lot of the heavy lifting, benzoyl peroxide washes go in for the knockout by helping to remove excess P. acnes bacteria on your skin. PanOxyl starts killing these bacteria almost immediately on contact. PanOxyl acne washes can also be used anywhere blackheads may appear.