Explore Different Types of Benzoyl Peroxide Wash Acne Medications

If you suffer from adult acne, back acne, teenage acne, hormonal acne or acne rosacea, many acne cleansers can help. Acne cleaners are generally used to remove accumulated oil, make-up, sweat, and dirt on the surface of your skin. These cleansers contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or antibacterial ingredients, all of which make it easier for topical acne treatments to be absorbed. Benzoyl peroxide wash and cleansing products are especially effective in treating mild to moderate acne.

Mild acne is characterized by the presence of blackheads, whiteheads, or milia (bumps on the skin surface with a very obvious white head), with possible infrequently occurring papules (small red bump on the skin that does not contain pus) or pustules (red bump on the skin with a white top or head filled with pus, oil, and cell debris).

Why Is a Benzoyl Peroxide Wash Effective?

Benzoyl peroxide removes unwanted dead skin cells to exfoliate the skin and help loosen impacted pores, thereby disinfecting and killing acne-causing bacteria. Used as both a treatment and a preventative measure, dermatologists recommend using benzoyl peroxide washes on the affected areas and any other areas where you commonly experience breakouts. Excessive use of acne cleansers may lead to dry, irritated skin, so most individuals will only need to cleanse once or twice daily (typically in the morning and evening) for optimal results.

What to Look For in Benzoyl Peroxide Wash?

With so many different options available, check to see whether your acne cleanser contains an antibacterial agent, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and anti-inflammatory properties. These are key ingredients in helping to rid your skin of acne.

Your benzoyl peroxide wash should help remove excess oil from the skin as well as significantly destroy acne-causing bacteria while removing dead cells. Many dermatologists suggest finding hypoallergenic products that have little to no fragrance and choosing formulations suitable for normal to sensitive skin types. Look for acne cleansers like Proactiv that are non-comodogenic (do not clog pores), non-drying, water-based (washes off easily and keeps pores clear) or oil-free.

Most benzoyl peroxide washes can be purchased over-the-counter, but those requiring higher concentrations will need to see a dermatologist. Studies have shown that stronger concentrations are often not needed and can actually cause more skin problems than help alleviate them.

Forms of Benzoyl Peroxide Washes

Learn about the different types of cleansers and which would be best for your specific skin type. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide cleansers are normally available in liquid washes, cleanser bars, or foams:

Cream: Cream, milk, and lotion cleansers are good for taking make-up off dry skin in one step. This is usually not a good option for individuals with acne-prone or oily skin.
Cloth: Contains scrubbing textures that exfoliate and penetrate deeper into skin. Great for on-the-go washing and works well for most skin types.
Liquid: Numerous ingredients and types of lather available. Usually suitable for all types of skin, depending on product features.
Foaming: Airy cleansers that are light in consistency, so great for delicate, sensitive and dry skin, though not as effective on oily skin.
Bar: Not quite designed for acne-prone skin, because the solid particles may clog skin, and bars also tend to leave a drying film after washing.

If you do use a benzoyl peroxide wash, you do not have to use a standard soap bar to cleanse the same area as this might cause excess irritation, drying, and redness. Consider adding a moisturizer to your regimen, similar to the three-step regimen Proactiv offers, to counteract any skin dryness.

For Mild Acne

Try cleansers with smaller concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, usually 2.5%, which can release sebum (oil) from pores. Additional ingredients can help loosen up the dead skin cells that may block pores.

For Severe Outbreaks

For severe acne, higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide help clear bacteria and dead skin cells, while boosting oxygen in pores to prevent new bacteria from forming. Test any cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide before you use it for the first time, especially if you have eczema. About 2% of people are sensitive to the cleansers. Put a dab of the cleanser on your forearm and leave it there for 30 seconds. Wash off, pat dry, and wait 24 hours. If there is no reaction on your forearm, then you can use it on your face.

Keep in mind that it may take up to six weeks to see the full effect of the treatment.