Benzoyl Peroxide and the Fight Against Acne


Synopsis 1: When acne is attacking, you need an army of effective products to win the battle. With benzoyl peroxide as your winning warrior, you can treat acne and banish it, at least until the next fight. Continue reading to learn how benzoyl peroxide can become part of your artillery.

Synopsis 2: Lurking on and under your skin, the enemy is poised to strike and ruin your day. That enemy is acne, and it wages a broad scale war. Acne assaults adolescents, adults, men, women and people of all races. When acne strikes, it leaves a warpath of destruction: pimples, pustules, whiteheads and blackheads, collectively known as zits. Fortunately, you can fight back against this formidable foe! Benzoyl peroxide is an anti-acne treatment which has stood the test of time and is still one of the most popular treatments today.


Acne-aggravating instigators

How did all those blemishes come to be? What caused the outbreaks? Acne is aggravated by the following instigators:

  • Dirt and bacteria on our skin. In particular, a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes for short) is a major contributing factor.
  • Sebum (oil) is produced by oil glands in pores and hair follicles, which are tiny openings in the skin. Acne tends to show up on your face and other areas with these glands, like your chest and back
  • Dead skin cells build up and accumulate.

These instigators - bacteria, sebum and dead skin cells - ally together like enemy troops, clogging pores and forming those dreaded zits.


Fight back with benzoyl peroxide

So what can you do? Can you defend your skin against the enemy? Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful weapon in your anti-acne arsenal, and it treats the multiple factors that cause acne.

  • Due to its antibacterial and antiseptic characteristics, benzoyl peroxide helps to diminish the P. acnes bacteria on skin.
  • As a result of its oxidizing property, benzoyl peroxide draws oil and sebum from skin.
  • To combat the build-up of dead skin cells, benzoyl peroxide banishes them. It sloughs off the outermost skin layer and encourages normal production of cells.

Different types of skincare products - cleansers, lotions and treatments - contain benzoyl peroxide.

  • Cleansers. Try a mild cleansing product with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide to wash away oil and bacteria without drying out your skin. Or you can choose a higher, stronger concentration wash with 10 percent benzoyl perodxide.

When applying your cleanser, first wet your face. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin for 10 to 20 seconds and lather up. If your skin gets too dry, rinse off the cleanser earlier.

  • Treatment. Choose an acne treatment that is appropriate for your skin type. Whether you tend to have combination skin - acne-prone and sensitive - or dryer skin, look for products that treat breakouts and contain gentle ingredients to soothe your skin and not irritate.

After taking a shower or washing your face, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends waiting 10 to 15 minutes before applying your acne treatment to prevent irritation. AAD also suggests applying the treatment to the entire acne-prone area. Just applying treatment to the blemish won't work.

  • Moisturizer. All skin types, including oily or acne-prone, need a moisturizer. Unfortunately, rich and creamy moisturizers can clog pores and exacerbate acne. What to do? Look for an oil-free, noncomedogenic (doesn't clog pores) moisturizer that balance skin's moisture levels.

In some cases, you can combine benzoyl peroxide with other medications. For example, antibiotic lotions, gels or creams like erythromycin help to boost the acne-fighting power of benzoyl peroxide and make it work even better. However, other medications or ingredients may be unsafe to use with benzoyl peroxide. Your dermatologist can determine what will (and won't!) work with benzoyl peroxide.

Keep in mind it typically takes six to eight weeks to see some improvement. You will see significant improvement in four to six months. Don't be discouraged or stop using benzoyl peroxide if you experience some irritation early on; chances are, the irritation will diminish with time.


Possible problems

Because benzoyl peroxide is so strong, it may cause side effects as it fights your acne. Some people notice dryness, irritation, itchiness, peeling or redness. The good news is that as your skin becomes accustomed to the ingredient, you will generally be able to tolerate it better. If irritation doesn't subside, or if you develop a rash, pay a visit to your dermatologist.

Also benzoyl peroxide leaves your skin more vulnerable to sunburn and UVA/UVB damage, so slather on the sunscreen.

Benzoyl peroxide can bleach or discolor fabrics like clothes, sheets, pillowcases or towels. Use care and make sure to keep it from getting on these items.


The bottom line

Acne has multiple causes, and benzoyl peroxide is an effective ingredient to treat them. And while you may experience some irritation at first, know that it's common and usually goes away.

Dermatologists have enlisted the aid of benzoyl peroxide in the war on acne for many years. If you suffer from acne, maybe you should consider using this powerful weapon too.