“10 per cent strengths of benzoyl peroxide are often considered too irritating and might have side effects such as dry, flaky skin and possibly more breakouts. I recommend starting with a 2.5 per cent concentration applied twice daily and waiting a few weeks to see how your acne responds.”
"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.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, benzoyl peroxide is the most effective acne-fighting ingredient available without a prescription. It works best on traditional red, pus-filled pimples (pustules).
Krant and Dr. Garshick maintain that benzoyl peroxide is just as effective in treating acne at 2.5 percent and 5 percent as it is at 10 percent. The difference, both dermatologists say, is that the higher percentages run the risk of irritating or drying out the skin too much.
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.
PanOxyl's Daily Control Acne Creamy Wash is ideal for daily use on acne-prone skin and can be used two to three times a day.
Clean the skin thoroughly before applying this product. One to three times daily, wet skin and cover the entire affected area with a thin layer, liberally applying to areas to be cleansed. Massage gently into skin for 10-20 seconds working into a full lather, rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
They all essentially do the same job, but if you were to ask a dermatologist, they're likely to recommend trying a lower strength to begin with. That's because, the higher you go, the more chance there is that you'll dry out the skin excessively and cause irritation.
The 2.5% benzoyl peroxide formulation was more effective than its vehicle and equivalent to the 5% and 10% concentrations in reducing the number of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules).
When it comes to body acne, skin can typically tolerate a higher percentage of benzoyl peroxide. "PanOxyl's maximum strength 10% BP formula, the highest strength available without a prescription, is great to use in the shower to keep your chest and back acne under control," Dr. Choi Kim says.
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 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.
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.
When using benzoyl peroxide, we recommend that you start at 2.5% and build up over time as needed. Do not start at the 5% or 10% formulations.
Benzoyl peroxide makes an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne. 2 Start with a lotion or gel in a 2.5 percent strength. Higher percentages are available but may irritate the skin. Start with a lower strength to allow your skin to become acclimated to the treatment.
Don't Mix: Benzoyl peroxide with retinol, acne prescription tretinoin with caution. As previously mentioned, benzoyl peroxide and retinol can deactivate one another when used together. While prescription acne treatments can be used with BP, tretinoin requires extra care.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. What can I do if benzoyl peroxide does not work? Speak to a doctor if your skin does not improve with benzoyl peroxide, or if acne is making you feel very unhappy.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Improvement in acne is usually seen after 3 weeks of use, and maximum benefit after 8-12 weeks of use. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than directed.
Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with 1 application daily, then gradually increase to 2 or 3 times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.
I found out through social media that the maker of PanOxyl - a U.S.-based GlaxoSmithKline subsidiary called Stiefel - had halted production due to a 'global manufacturing supply issue'. It had been taken off the market, along with other Stiefel acne products. I was devastated, and so were others.
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.