Steps to Clear Acne
If you’ve been dealing with acne for some time and have done any research on how to clear acne, then you know that many experts feel that benzoyl peroxide is one of the best medications you can use to clear acne. A considerable number of the most effective over the counter acne treatments contain benzoyl peroxide, and dermatologists may prescribe higher concentration benzoyl peroxide as well. But why? What makes benzoyl peroxide such an effective method to clear acne?
How Acne is Formed
To understand how benzoyl peroxide works and why it can clear acne, it’s first important to understand what causes acne. Acne occurs when the pores of your skin, where the hair follicles are located, become clogged with debris such as dead skin cells and dirt. Sebum, oil your skin naturally produces to help the hair slide smoothly through the skin, serves as “glue” which binds these products together. Finally, P. Acnes, a very specific type of bacteria, infiltrates and agitates this material. The result is the red raised bumps you know of as pimples.
How Benzoyl Peroxide Works to Clear Acne
When benzoyl peroxide is applied to the skin, it penetrates below the surface and gets into these clogged pores. The action of benzoyl peroxide serves to unclog the pore, getting rid of those skin cells along with the dirt and oil. When this happens, oxygen rushes into the pore. P. Acnes bacteria require an anaerobic environment, meaning it cannot survive when exposed to oxygen. Thus, when the benzoyl peroxide gets into the pore, the pore unclogs, the bacteria die, and your pimples fade away.
The Best Way to Use Benzoyl Peroxide to Clear Acne
If your goal is to just get rid of a few pimples as they pop up, a topical solution of benzoyl peroxide should do the trick. However, for those with mild to moderate cases of acne that recur on a regular basis, a more consistent regimen of benzoyl peroxide should be used. A system of acne care products that contain benzoyl peroxide, when used as directed and on a regular basis, can make acne less likely to return in the future. Even if a single application of benzoyl peroxide is sufficient to clear up your current level of acne, acne causing bacteria can return, and the elements that this bacteria uses to form acne, such as sebum and dead skin cells, are always present. You need to keep using benzoyl peroxide to make sure that bacteria does not return and new acne does not form.
Other Facts About Using Benzoyl Peroxide to Clear Acne
It’s important that you get the right concentration of benzoyl peroxide to clear acne safely. Most acne medications you can buy have safe levels of benzoyl peroxide but make sure you are using a dermatologist approved treatment before proceeding. Also make sure your benzoyl peroxide treatment includes a moisturizer, as virtually any treatment to clear acne can have a drying effect on skin.