Benzoyl peroxide products are usually used to treat mild to moderate acne. When used to treat acne, benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel. Some brands are used to treat a certain skin condition called rosacea.
Benzoyl peroxide works to treat and prevent acne by killing bacteria underneath the skin, as well as helping the pores shed dead skin cells and excess sebum (oil).
It is recommended that you use benzoyl peroxide products once or twice each day. If you have sensitive skin or you experience excessive skin redness or peeling, just use the product once each day at night time.
Dark spots
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.
Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent and can turn the skin whiter. While you are using topical benzoyl peroxide, you may notice your skin turning one shade lighter after prolonged use. It is for this reason that benzoyl peroxide is not advised for scalp acne, as it can turn the hair white.
Benzoyl peroxide, like all treatments, takes time to work. You may need to wait eight to 10 weeks, sometimes a bit more, before seeing a noticeable improvement in your skin. As tempting as it may be, don't slather on more medication or apply more often than directed.
Try a spot treatment or pimple patch
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.
Skin products containing a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions; or. Skin products that are too drying or abrasive, such as some cosmetics, soaps, or skin cleansers.
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.
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.
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.
If the results are what you wanted, keep using benzoyl peroxide. The medication won't cure acne but if stop using it, your acne would come back. The responsibility of sticking to a skincare regimen is worth the reward of clear skin.
Spot treatments are usually used at night, while cleansers can be used morning and night. Benzoyl peroxide may increase your sensitivity to the sun, so it's important to be extra diligent with your sunscreen routine while using the ingredient.
Benzoyl peroxide products are usually used to treat mild to moderate acne. When used to treat acne, benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel. Some brands are used to treat a certain skin condition called rosacea.
Both of these agents have established efficacy in treating acne, with benzoyl peroxide being useful for killing acne-causing bacteria and retinol exhibiting the comedolytic properties of retinoids. However, on their own, benzoyl peroxide and retinol tend to be used for mild to moderate acne.
It is possible to shrink a cystic pimple with some basic home care. This includes keeping the area clean, applying ice, and using benzoyl peroxide. However, numerous cystic pimples or recurring breakouts may require help from a dermatologist.
Does benzoyl peroxide remove acne marks? Acne scars are usually the remains of acne on your skin. Benzoyl peroxide is useful in killing bacteria and shedding dead skin cells and excess oil from skin pores. It cleanses the skin and can help make acne scars look less prominent.
Benzoyl peroxide 5% gel or wash takes around 4 weeks to start working. It can take 2 to 4 months to have full effect.
As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they cancel each other out. "It is not recommended to use benzoyl peroxide and retinoids together as they can literally cancel each other out rendering them less effective," explains Dr. Marchbein.
Acne treatments — especially those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — are drying and a bit harsh on your skin. If you use too many treatments at the same time, your skin may become irritated, and you may actually suffer more breakouts as a result.
Heat, and light can speed up the expiration by weakening the active ingredient over time. Keeping your retinol moisturizer or benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment in a dark and cool environment like the fridge will slow down the degradation of the active ingredient.
"I always advise my patients to use a well-tolerated moisturizer after applying benzoyl peroxide, as well as sunscreen during the day as the skin is more susceptible to UV damage when using an acne treatment like [benzoyl peroxide]." It's also worth noting that benzoyl peroxide may bleach the skin.
Before the Benzamycin (erythromycin / benzoyl peroxide) is mixed, it should be kept at room temperature. Once the Benzamycin (erythromycin / benzoyl peroxide) is mixed and once you've brought the medication home, it should be kept in the refrigerator and is good for 3 months only.
First, lather your face with a Benzoyl Peroxide wash. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse it off with water.