Common Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects
Most effective acne treatments, like those made by Proactiv, rely on benzoyl peroxide as a main active ingredient. Some people experience side effects from benzoyl peroxide, but the side effects are usually mild. If you have recently started using an acne treatment, then you might see some of these benzoyl peroxide side effects.
The Most Common Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects
Dry skin is by far the most common of all benzoyl peroxide side effects. In fact, most people experience a small amount of dryness when they start using benzoyl peroxide. If you experience dry skin while using a benxoyl peroxide-based product, then you can usually counteract the effects with a skin moisturizer. Many moisturizers are specifically designed for people with acne, so choose a product that will work well with your skin.
Flaking is also fairly common, as is redness and itching. Again, a good moisturizer should help you control these benzoyl peroxide side effects. If the problem persists, though, then you should contact your dermatologist. You may need to switch to another type of treatment that will not irritate your skin.
Uncommon Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects
Benzoyl peroxide has been found to cause swelling in some people. This, however, rarely happens. If you experience swelling, then you should discontinue use of the product and contact your dermatologist for more information. The swelling will usually go down after you stop using the benzoyl peroxide.
About 1% of people experience burning while using benzoyl peroxide. If you do, immediately discontinue use and contact your doctor because burning is often a sign of an allergic reaction. You may need to avoid all products containing benzoyl peroxide, but only a dermatologist can determine this.
Preventing Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects
Many people experience benzoyl peroxide side effects because they don’t use acne treatments properly. It is important to follow directions carefully.
Most products will instruct you to use a certain amount each day. Using more than the recommended amount can cause benzoyl peroxide side effects, especially dry skin. If you have never used an acne treatment before, then it is best to start with a small application and work your way up to the recommended dose. If, for instance, the product’s instructions say that you can apply the treatment up to three times a day, then you should start with one application per day. You can add additional applications over several days or weeks. Starting off with large doses, though, can irritate skin, causing dryness, redness, or flaking.
You can also avoid benzoyl peroxide side effects by choosing products that contain low concentrations of the chemical. There is a wide range of acne products on the market. Many of those made by Proactiv and other companies have a 2.5% concentration level of benzoyl peroxide. Maximum strength products, however, can have as high as 10%.
Start with products that have a low concentration. That way you can determine what level you need to eliminate acne without causing significant benzoyl peroxide side effects. If 2.5% works for you, then there is no reason to use a 10% product. Doing so will just increase the likeliness that you will experience side effects. If 2.5% products do not help you get clear skin, then try a 5% product before using maximum strength treatments.