Treating Severe Acne Scars with Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a popular and highly effective treatment for acne, coming in a variety of forms: Skin cleansers, mild exfoliant washes, gels, creams and soaps. When used properly and regularly, benzoyl peroxide can offer positive effects in the treatment of acne, and can actually prevent the further development of many acne types.

The Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide as an Acne Treatment

Most people are aware that benzoyl peroxide is an effective acne treatment, yet few are aware of what it actually does to fight acne. In fact, most people simply use benzoyl peroxide acne creams as spot treatments, not realizing that a liberal application of the organic compound will serve as a great prevention of future acne while working to even out the complexion and help shed layers of dead skin cells.

When applied to the skin, benzoyl peroxide creates an oxidized environment. Oxidation is nature’s way of breaking down organic materials. Imagine an apple cut in half, and one side left in the open air. It begins to turn brown and become soft, due to the process of oxidation. When benzoyl peroxide offers this process to the skin, it will kill the bacteria naturally thriving on the skin’s surface—this bacteria is most commonly known as the P-Acne bacteria, one of the three main causes of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide also helps to break down the outer layer of skin cells that have died and need to shed, giving way to new, healthy skin cells beneath. Because benzoyl peroxide offers multiple functions as an acne treatment, it is actually quite effective in offering balance to a complexion when added to a skin care regimen.

Benzoyl Peroxide and the Treatment of Acne Scars

Acne scars generally develop from severe, cystic acne. Such acne scars and severe acne need the counsel of a licensed dermatologist to discuss the best course of treatment. However, there are other acne scars that can occur on the surface of the skin from scabs, pop marks, facial bruising and chafing that is often associated with scrubbing the face too hard.

Benzoyl peroxide will help the skin to shed more rapidly, while also acting as a bleaching agent, balancing out the skin complexion in both color and physical markings left by scars. When used regularly, benzoyl peroxide can also help to reduce the discoloration associated with acne scars that are caused by severe acne.

Treating Severe Acne Scars

For acne scars that are the result of severe, cystic acne, specific treatments, including surgical procedures and laser removal may be necessary. The reason that topical aides such as benzoyl peroxide aren’t as effective in such treatments is due to where the scar actually occurs. Severe acne scarring generally occurs below the surface of the skin, within the subcutaneous layer of tissue, creating a variety of classified acne scars. Once these scars have been repaired by a dermatologist, continued use of benzoyl peroxide may help aid in the process of reducing the appearance of past acne scarring.