The Power of Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatments
Benzoyl peroxide is an efficient cleansing mechanism that is used on acne-ridden skin to help shed dead layers of skin and open blocked pores. Used to treat mild to moderate acne, benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent that helps to introduce oxygen to clogged parts of skin’s pores. The more oxygen your pores receive, the more inhospitable the environment for anaerobic bacteria to grow, which is what causes many breakouts.
Why Does Benzoyl Peroxide Work on Acne?
As the skin continuously regenerates itself with new cells, it must also shed old cells, which occurs through tiny hair follicles that extend from the inner layer of the skin to the skin’s outermost surface. Sebaceous glands that secrete sebum (oil) are also found within these hair follicles. Acne occurs when dead skin cells and oil become plugged inside the follicle, leading to a blackhead. This creates an environment devoid of oxygen, which then activates the body’s inflammatory process, leading to an influx of white blood cells and blood flow, thereby creating a pimple.
Benzoyl peroxide will:
- Remove the dead skin cells on the skin, so that hair follicles become unplugged and the sebum can once again flow.
- Decrease the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Deactivate the inflammatory process.
What Forms Does Benzoyl Peroxide Come In?
There are many choices when it comes to over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide. Luckily, that means that you do not have to limit yourself to one type of treatment — you can continue exploring various options until you find the one that works for you. Here are various forms that benzoyl peroxide acne treatments are available in:
- Creams
- Gels
- Lotions
- Foams
- Soaps
- Facial washes
- Facial masks
- Medicated scrubs
Studies show that benzoyl peroxide appears to be most effective in gels, creams, and other medicated substances, whereas facial washes have very low levels of active ingredients for less noticeable results.
How Much Benzoyl Peroxide Should You Use?
Benzoyl peroxide may cause redness or irritation when first applied to skin, though the skin does become acclimated to it. To see how your specific skin will react and to avoid any allergies, consider finding products with 2.5% concentrations of benzoyl peroxide to start. When your skin becomes comfortable with that level, you can increase to a product with a 5% concentration. If you are unsatisfied with the results, you can eventually move on to a 10% concentration. There is no need for more than 10%, as this is enough to cause sufficient changes in even severe facial acne.
What Other Side Effects Can You Expect?
Even though benzoyl peroxide may cause dryness of skin, you can remedy this effect by using moisturizing facial products. Proactiv has a three-step regimen that uses benzoyl peroxide as an active cleansing ingredient and a hydrating product to counteract any drying side effects.
Extended use of benzoyl peroxide may also cause reddening of the skin, which can also be alleviated by soothing botanicals found in the Toner of the Proactiv regimen. Eventually, any reddish patches should disappear within a month of continuous use.
Benzoyl peroxide creates free radicals, known to cause premature aging similar to what you would experience through repeated sun exposure or persistent acne. Depending on the concentration, frequency, and length of benzoyl peroxide use, this will affect how quickly your skin can heal.
Severe side effects may cause the skin to become injured, so if you see any significant adverse reactions when using your acne treatment products, consider contacting a dermatologist right away.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Benzoyl peroxide can take a month or two to work. Even though it is extremely effective in killing the existing bacteria that cause acne, it will not increase your body’s natural defense against acne-causing bacteria. This is why, even after your skin clears, it is important to continue treating acne-prone areas. Benzoyl peroxide will also not affect sebum production or the rate at which your body sheds dead skin cells.
Other Facts About Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful bleaching agent that can leave stains on your clothing, towels, and sheets. Be sure the benzoyl peroxide is completely dry on your skin, before it comes into contact with anything else. It may also bleach your hair, so keep your hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes from making contact with the acne product.
Once the benzoyl peroxide is dry, you can apply make-up, facial lotions, and other skin cosmetics.