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 can bleach clothes quickly and easily. It can also leave a rust-colored or orange stain on fabrics, depending on the other ingredients in the acne medication. Natural fabrics are more likely to bleach faster than synthetic ones, but all fabric is vulnerable to bleaching.
If you're wearing benzoyl peroxide lotions and creams to bed, your pillowcases and sheets can be stained even if the lotion is dry. It just takes the smallest amount of skin oil or perspiration to transfer the BPO from your skin to your bed linens. No worries if you've got white towels or sheets, though.
Visit any home with a teenager with acne and you're likely to see towels with bleached-out spots. Benzoyl peroxide is the culprit. It's one of the most common ingredients in acne cleansers, gels, and creams and it bleaches towels, leaving orange blotches when towels are wet.
As the name suggests, microfiber is constructed from tightly-stitched synthetic fibers that resist bleaching and staining, even when in direct contact with benzoyl peroxide.
These serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people. Stop using benzoyl peroxide if: the skin that you're treating becomes swollen. you get blisters on your skin.
"Yes, benzoyl peroxide can absolutely bleach your brows," says New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. "Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent. That's one of the effects of most peroxides." Luckily, using benzoyl peroxide on the regular doesn't mean you have to get used to rocking a lighter shade of brows.
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.
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.
To use the cream, gel, lotion, or stick: Before applying, wash the affected area with a nonmedicated soap and water or with a mild cleanser and then gently pat dry with a towel. Apply enough medicine to cover the affected areas, and rub in gently.
"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.
Yes, benzoyl peroxide can bleach your hair. What many don't know is that benzoyl peroxide has uses that extend beyond acne treatment. The ingredient is a well-known bleaching agent that's used for industrial purposes.
In higher concentrations, the product can be found in teeth whitening agents and hair bleaching products because it does have a bleaching quality. It can even remove dark spots and pimples or acne scars.
Let benzoyl peroxide creams and lotions dry completely before dressing, or lying on your pillow at night. And always wash your hands well after using any benzoyl peroxide treatment. If you have dark hair, you'll also want to keep benzoyl peroxide away from your hairline.
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.
Products that may cause purging
Retinoids such as Tretinoin, acids such as salicylic, and benzoyl peroxide are just a few of the products that cause purging. These products contain active ingredients that increase the skin cell turnover rate, therefore causing your skin to purge.
Mostly because Benzoyl Peroxide can “potentially bleach your hair” warns Dr. Prystowsky. Opt for “Salicylic acid and AHA's, like glycolic acid and lactic acid,” which “are better options” for treating scalp acne.
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.
First, apply a generous amount of Vaseline to your nose or designated area with blackheads and keep layering it on. Second, once the petroleum jelly is applied cover it up and wrap in plastic wrap until it stays in place and is formed to your face. Third, go to sleep with the mask on.
Can I Use Both Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together? "It's safe to use both together at low concentrations to attack your acne on all fronts," the dermatologist explains.
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.
“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.”
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.