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.
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the many options available for treating acne. 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.
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.
There's no evidence that hydrogen peroxide can safely and effectively cure acne. In reality, hydrogen peroxide may actually increase scarring on the skin by interfering with the wound-healing process. It can also cause skin irritation and burns if used at too high of a concentration.
This treats existing acne and may help prevent new spots. It works best when you use it regularly. 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.
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.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a characteristic of acne, and benzoyl peroxide does little to help. It can create significantly more hyperpigmentation, especially in medium to darker skin because of the irritation that it can cause.
"The discoloration from dark marks will usually fade over time," says dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, who notes that they tend to take between 3-6 months to go away on their own. "But, there are a number of treatment options to help speed up the process."
If your skin remains smooth in dark or red areas, you simply have an acne mark. Those marks are not scars — they are just temporarily discolored. It usually takes 3-6 months for the marks to disappear. However, if you have a scar, you're dealing with permanent skin damage that needs treatment in order to disappear.
Acne scars are usually permanent, so it is important to see a dermatologist if you are developing them. Acne treatment can prevent scarring by stopping more spots from forming.
In some cases, a doctor or dermatologist may suggest a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to help improve the appearance of scarred areas. These milder treatments can be done right in the office. For serious scarring from previous bouts with acne, several types of treatment can help: Laser resurfacing.
It can bleach fabric. In some cases, benzoyl peroxide can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots).
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.
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.
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.
A: Benzoyl peroxide for skin basically kills acne-causing bacteria deep in the pores. Benzoyl peroxide is a good choice if you have whiteheads as well as red, raised bumps. Salicylic acid, which is found in white willow bark, is oil-soluble so it penetrates deep into the skin's surface to help unclog pores.
Benzoyl peroxide is often used in acne treatments due to its antimicrobial properties. It also has a drying effect, so it is effective at minimizing oily build-up in the pores.
While existing scars cannot be waved away via magic wand, you can speed up the fading process by regularly applying certain topical creams, lotions, and gels to them. Some common ingredients in these scar treatments include aloe vera, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, honey, and other hydrating materials.
Mix distilled water — a little at time — into 2 tablespoons of baking soda until it forms a paste. Wet your scar with distilled water and then apply the paste to the wet scar. Hold the paste in place with a warm compress for 15 minutes. Rinse the area and repeat daily.
You can get rid of acne scars naturally with over-the-counter (OTC) creams and gels, and home remedies such as apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Acne scars are the stubborn reminders of your former acne breakouts. There isn't a single treatment for acne scars since everyone's skin is different.
What makes acne scarring worse? Your own DNA plays a role in your scars! Your genes determine how well your skin heals, the amount of collagen produced and the depth of the acne lesions also controls the severity of the scars. However, you can make the scarring worse by smoking, squeezing the acne and picking at it.