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.
You'll usually use the gel once or twice a day. If you have sensitive skin, use the gel once a day, before going to bed. Try to avoid strong sunlight while using benzoyl peroxide gel.
Your treatment plan could include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at the same time, but it is best to space them out to decrease your risk for peeling, redness, dermatitis and drying. Doctors suggests switching between products every night, or using one in the AM and the other in the night.
You should apply benzoyl peroxide to the whole of the area where your spots occur and not just to each spot. Benzoyl peroxide 5% gel should be applied about 15 minutes or so after washing the area with soap and water and gently drying with a towel.
An oil cleanse is always necessary at night, as you will be removing the sebum your skin produced during the day, makeup, SPF, and environmental pollutants.
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. Definitely use it immediately after cleansing, just before applying your benzoyl peroxide treatment, and right before bed.
“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.
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.
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.
Such is the case with benzoyl peroxide. It can take up to six weeks for new products to take full effect. If you don't see any improvements after six weeks, consider seeing a dermatologist. They might recommend a prescription-strength formula, especially if your acne is severe.
However, certain concentrations of benzoyl peroxide could deactivate retinoids, while salicylic acid can reduce their efficacy. “To avoid this, we recommend using the benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in the daytime and the retinoid at night,” she says.
Benzoyl peroxide may be used up to twice per day. After cleansing and toning, apply the product in a thin layer around the entire affected area of skin. Let the product dry for a few seconds before applying your moisturizer. If you're new to benzoyl peroxide, start with once a day only.
Yes, you can use benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide at the same time. In fact, many experts suggest teaming highly potent and drying ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide with hydrating ones, such as niacinamide. With benzoyl peroxide penetrating further into the skin, it can sometimes cause some irritation and dryness.
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.
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.
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.
"Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ingredient that is effective against all kinds of acne lesions (blackheads, whiteheads, and big red pimples). It is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria, rather than simply slowing down their growth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can still use your benzoyl peroxide products, just not in the same part of your routine as the vitamin C. Try using vitamin C in the morning and benzoyl peroxide in the evenings, or use them on different days.