First, lather your face with a Benzoyl Peroxide wash. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse it off with water.
Keep the wash on your skin for no more than 1 to 2 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with water. Gently pat your skin dry.
You should not wash the areas of the skin treated with benzoyl peroxide for at least 1 hour after application.
There are things you can do to prevent benzoyl peroxide from staining. Thoroughly rinse off benzoyl peroxide cleansers. Let benzoyl peroxide creams and lotions dry completely before dressing, or lying on your pillow at night.
“Letting these products work their way into the skin for 60 to 90 seconds will do the job, or clearing pores and removing dead skin cells to provide a healthy glow.”
If the results are good, don't stop using benzoyl peroxide. The topical drug doesn't cure acne. If you were to stop now, your acne would come back. While this may feel like a bit of a pain, having clear skin is worth it.
“Spot treatments are usually used at bedtime, so after you cleanse, tone and apply moisturiser, then use the treatment on your spot and leave it overnight.” Even if you're using an acne patch and choose to do so in the day, follow your regular morning routine and then use the patch over it.
Can I leave Benzac on overnight? Yes, you can. When you first start using Benzac AC treatment gels it's recommended that for the first three days, you only leave the treatment on for a couple of hours and wash it off. This ensures that you are getting your skin used to benzoyl peroxide.
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.
Do You Put Benzoyl Peroxide All Over Your Face? Dermatologists recommend using benzoyl peroxide all over the face. This is the only way to clear up the pimples and prevent further development of acne.
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.
Dark spots
But constantly touching the zit can leave behind a stubborn dark spot or scar that can take weeks if not months to fade. But benzoyl peroxide can help you get rid of the dark spot quicker. It has the ability to slough off dead skin cells, making dark spots and scars appear less prominent.
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.
If your skin is too dry, then slather it often as necessary. 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.
Apply a small amount of the medication, gently rub into the area, and then shave. If you are using a cream, foam, lotion, or gel, apply it to the affected area as directed, usually once or twice a day. Before applying each dose, gently wash the affected area with a mild cleanser, then pat dry.
When using topical benzoyl peroxide, moisturize first. Let in soak in, then apply the benzoyl peroxide. This helps buffer the medication and compensates for its drying effects. With benzoyl peroxide cleansers or washes, first cleanse, then apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Benzoyl peroxide is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
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.
An exfoliating cleanser with benzoyl peroxide is often recommended for use when exfoliating skin that has acne, as long as the acne is not inflamed.