Doubts About Benzoyl Peroxide Cream You Should Clarify

Acne can be treated topically with benzoyl peroxide cream. It has antiseptic properties that eliminate the acne-causing germs. Acne is reduced as extra oil and dead skin are washed away.

It’s a common ingredient in both OTC and prescription skin care treatments—skin products containing benzoyl peroxide range from cleansers and toners to gels and creams.

Despite its effectiveness against acne, benzoyl peroxide can adversely affect the skin, including redness, dryness, and peeling. An allergic reaction is possible but rather unusual.

This article details the proper application of benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. The benefits and risks of benzoyl peroxide and when a dermatologist should be consulted are detailed.

Understanding Benzoyl Peroxide 

Acne can be treated with benzoyl peroxide, a topical treatment. Cleansers, lotions, creams, gels, and even toner-like solutions all include it in one way or another.1

You have probably already used this component if you have tried blemish-fighting skin care products. It’s a staple in over-the-counter acne treatments.

It’s also an ingredient in some acne medication combinations, such as:

• Products like BenzaClin, Acanya, Onexton, and Duac (which both contain clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide) are available
• Benzoyl peroxide with erythromycin, often known as benylin
• Benzoyl peroxide with adapalene (Epiduo)

Since it has antibacterial properties, benzoyl peroxide helps reduce the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Less bacteria means less acne.

Benzoyl peroxide cream is also helpful in preventing the clogging of pores. It is the most effective treatment for acne that can be purchased without a prescription and is available in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations.

Benzoyl Peroxide: A User’s Guide

The use of benzoyl peroxide is product-specific. Never use a product more often than indicated; always check the label before using it. Keep benzoyl peroxide away from your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Use only one benzoyl peroxide cream product at a time to reduce the risk of adverse reactions. 

Typical merchandise includes:

Astringents

You can use a toner or astringent after you cleanse and dry your skin. You can purchase these items as medicated pads or a liquid.

1. A pad or cotton ball is dipped in the liquid to wipe the area down.
2. Drive the drugs deep into the affected areas.
3. You can also use the place to pat your skin gently but remember not to rub.
4. Wait to apply any more products or makeup until the area has had time to air dry.

Astringents have an advantage over regular face wash in that they can be used selectively or globally, depending on your needs.

Face Wash 

Cleansers, soaps, and foaming face washes are used frequently (1–3 times daily). Use a benzoyl peroxide face wash twice weekly if you have extra sensitive skin.

1. Apply warm water on your face to start.
2. Lather up the soap and apply it to your face.
3. Get plenty of warm water and give it a good rinse.
4. Use a towel to pat dry your face gently.

Leave on Treatment 

Benzoyl peroxide creams and gels applied topically are usually more effective. They can be used locally on specific zits or topically all over.

1. Apply a thin layer of cream or gel to the affected region after cleansing and drying the skin.
2. Take a few minutes to let the remedy take effect.
3. After 30 minutes, you may wipe away any remaining medication (if desired) with a moist towel.
4. Make sure you’re protected from the sun by wearing sunscreen.

Spot treatments left on the skin can be applied once or twice daily.

Benzoyl Peroxide Masks

Unless directed otherwise by a specialist, benzoyl peroxide-based acne masks should not be used more than once weekly.

1. To begin, use a mild, non-medicated cleanser to wash your face and pat it dry.
2. Spread the mask over the affected region.
3. It would help if you let the therapy sit on your skin for 15-20 minutes.
4. Get some warm water and wash it off.

Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide 

Like many acne drugs, benzoyl peroxide can dry out your skin and cause it to peel. The most prevalent negative effect is dry skin.

You can avoid this by taking things gently at first to give your skin time to adjust to the medication. For the first week or two, use it every other day. A decent moisturizer can also make a difference.

Since benzoyl peroxide might increase sun sensitivity, daily sunscreen use is recommended.

What to Do About Itching and Flaking

You should expect your skin to dry even if you start gently and cautiously. Extremely thirsty. Possibly also rough, peeling, and flaking. These are all expected consequences.

But you can get through the dryness. To begin, try moisturizing twice daily, but more often if necessary. Apply the moisturizer before the benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel if your skin is dry and peeling. This will prevent the drug from directly touching your skin.

Over time, most people’s skin adjusts to benzoyl peroxide, and the dry, peeling skin disappears. However, this process may take longer than expected while your skin adjusts to the drug.

Can Benzoyl Peroxide Cause an Allergic Reaction?

Those with particularly delicate skin may find that benzoyl peroxide is too harsh for their needs. Yes, some people do have an allergy to this drug. However, an allergy to benzoyl peroxide differs from common adverse reactions.

The drying, peeling, and flaking caused by benzoyl peroxide cream can be severe. Itching, redness, and burning are common reactions to many topical medications.2. These responses are typical.

You may have an allergy if you experience swelling, extreme redness, blistering, or highly irritated skin. In any instance, you should discontinue use and immediately contact your doctor.