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Benzoyl peroxide works every bit an antiseptic and may exist an constructive topical treatment for acne.

People can find benzoyl peroxide in various skin care products, including gels, creams, and face washes.

This article looks at how benzoyl peroxide works and how to use it. It besides covers possible side furnishings and alternative topical treatments for acne.

Woman using benzoyl peroxide acne treatment on face while looking in mirror. Share on Pinterest
Benzoyl peroxide is useful for treating acne, though information technology tin crusade side effects.
Image credit: mapodile/Getty Images

People can use benzoyl peroxide topically on the peel to help treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is a bactericidal substance, which means that it kills bacteria. When a person applies information technology to the skin, benzoyl peroxide works against Propionibacterium acnes, which are the bacteria involved in causing acne.

Different topical antibody treatments for acne, such as clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide does non lead to antibiotic resistance.

People tin can discover benzoyl peroxide in over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments or in lower concentrations in supermarket products, such as face and trunk washes.

Benzoyl peroxide likewise has bleaching qualities. Products for hair bleaching and teeth whitening may contain higher concentrations of this ingredient.

Many unlike products contain benzoyl peroxide. People tin buy these products in the class of:

  • face washes
  • body washes
  • creams or ointments
  • gels

Some products combine benzoyl peroxide with other ingredients, which could make it more constructive in treating sure types of acne.

Certain OTC benzoyl peroxide products may also incorporate potassium hydroxyquinoline sulfate, which tin impale microorganisms on the skin.

Other benzoyl peroxide products are prescription-just and may contain antibiotics or retinoids.

A person may want to start using benzoyl peroxide gradually, to see how information technology affects their skin. If the skin becomes overly dry or begins to skin, it may exist best to utilise benzoyl peroxide less frequently.

Equally a general dominion, people can use benzoyl peroxide one time every i–2 days until the pare becomes used to it.

It is important to wash the easily before and after using benzoyl peroxide. This can prevent the transfer of leaner from the hands to the confront or to other surfaces.

Information technology is best to avert direct sunlight while using benzoyl peroxide treatments. In fact, people may find that the all-time time to apply benzoyl peroxide is before bed. People should likewise wear SPF 30 or higher during the day.

Benzoyl peroxide comes in different percentage amounts. For 5% benzoyl peroxide gel, people can follow these steps:

  1. Wash the skin with a mild cleanser and h2o.
  2. Gently pat the pare dry.
  3. Apply a sparse layer of the gel to the acne-afflicted area of skin.

To utilize a 5% benzoyl peroxide wash, people can follow these steps:

  1. Wet the areas of acne-affected pare.
  2. Smooth a small amount of the production over the pare with the easily.
  3. Proceed the wash on the skin for no longer than i–ii minutes.
  4. Rinse the wash off thoroughly with water, and gently pat dry.
  5. Echo these steps once or twice per day.

It is important to note that products with 5% benzoyl peroxide may take upward to 4 weeks to start working.

The side effects of benzoyl peroxide can affect the areas of skin to which a person applies it.

They can include:

  • dryness and peeling skin
  • irritation, which can cause a burning or stinging awareness
  • eczema
  • peel flushing
  • hurting
  • itching

Benzoyl peroxide can cause a bleaching effect on hair and whatsoever fabrics that come into contact with it, such every bit clothing, towels, or bedding.

To prevent benzoyl peroxide staining, people should keep it from coming into contact with colored fabrics, and they should keep the hair away from the face when using benzoyl peroxide products for acne.

Sweating may also cause these products to run off into clothing or hair, then people may find information technology best to apply benzoyl peroxide products after having cooled downwards from exercising.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, benzoyl peroxide is suitable for people with skin of colour, and it will not cause light spots on the skin.

Topical benzoyl peroxide is also safe for the handling of acne during pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Experiencing an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide is rare. Notwithstanding, people should stop using information technology if they have an allergic reaction to it. If a person has a severe allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide, they need medical help immediately.

The sections below will outline another acne treatments in more detail.

Salicylic acrid

Salicylic acid is beta-hydroxy acrid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. People may find it effective as a topical treatment for acne.

Salicylic acid acts as a chemical exfoliant to skin away the top layers of skin. People tin can look for products that comprise salicylic acid or sources of salicylic acid.

Larn more about the similarities and differences between salicylic acrid and benzoyl peroxide hither.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that originates from Melaleuca alternifolia, which is an Australian found.

One 2017 study plant that products containing tea tree oil fabricated a significant improvement to balmy and moderate cases of facial acne over the course of 12 weeks. The researchers propose that this is due to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial furnishings of tea tree oil.

Learn more nigh tea tree oil here.

Retinoids

Topical retinoids comprise chemicals derived from vitamin A. They are anti-inflammatory and may be an effective treatment option for reducing electric current acne and preventing farther breakouts.

Some topical retinoids include:

  • adapalene
  • tazarotene
  • tretinoin
  • isotretinoin

Alpha-hydroxy acids

Blastoff-hydroxy acids are superficial, or medium-depth, chemic peels. They may be an effective handling option for acne and acne scarring.

Some examples of alpha-hydroxy acids include:

  • glycolic acid
  • citric acid
  • malic acid
  • tartaric acid
  • lactic acid

Glycolic acid peels have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may be an constructive treatment option for acne and acne scarring.

Benzoyl peroxide is an constructive topical handling option for acne. Information technology works to impale bacteria.

Some alternative topical treatments — such as hydroxy acids, retinoids, and tea tree oil — may also help treat acne.

Many topical treatments for acne crave people to wearable broad spectrum sunscreen and limit their exposure to sunlight.

People should follow product instructions carefully and consult with a dermatologist about any possible side effects. Pregnant people should check with a dermatologist to see which products are safe to utilize.

Many products containing benzoyl peroxide are bachelor for purchase online.