Benzoyl Peroxide.
An Acne Fighting Ingredient.
Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Most acne-fighting topical skin cleansers, gels,
and lotions will either contain Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid, but rarely both.
Each will tend to dry the skin, so combining the two will likely give a double-dose of
dryness while being too harsh for sensitive skin. As active ingredients, both are used
as peeling agents and as exfoliants to slough dead skin cells permitting new, healthier
skin cells to rise closer to the top surface. The primary difference between the two
ingredients is that benzoyl peroxide is also an antiseptic that will kill skin bacteria on
contact.
Which ingredient is best? Ask an esthetican or dermatologists and you will likely
get widely varied opinions. It may be a matter of individual opinion and the degree of
seriousness of an acne condition. Some skin types may react more positively to one
versus the other and some could have an allergic reaction to one and possibly both which
is rare. You can test for allergies by rubbing a small amount of the product on a wrist
area for a couple of days looking for the allergy symptoms of itching, swelling and
rashes.
Professional advice and treatment. For minor issues on acne-prone skin, you can
try an over-the counter acne care product(s) to include in your skin care regimen. If it
does not perform to expectations, consider seeing a licensed esthetician for treatment
of mild to moderate forms of acne. An esthetician will analyze your skin and suggest
an acne facial or light peel with uniquely customized levels of active ingredients. They
will suggest an at-home regimen to control the acne condition. For more serious types
of acne, consulting with a dermatologist (medical doctor) may be best since they are
more qualified to perform more aggressive treatments with prescription level ratios
of ingredient concentrations. See Causes of Acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide kills skin bacteria. Bacteria is ever present and is the primary culprit
that causes acne. Dead skin cells collect in open hair follicles which are skin pores.
When combined with sebum (skin oil) and other debris, soft plugs are formed in the
pores. Clogged pores trap bacteria under the plug where they thrive. The skin bacteria
is known as "P.acnes". This "plugging process" causes the first signs of acne in the form
of whiteheads and blackheads. If not properly treated and controlled, more serious
progressions of acne are likely to occur. P.acnes bacteria thrives in areas of diminished
oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide helps open clogged pores permitting greater contact and
killing of the bacteria.
Safe strength of benzoyl peroxide. Skin care products that contain up to 8%
benzoyl peroxide can be sold over the counter. Higher ratios must be prescribed
by a doctor. If you are treating your acne at home, it is often recommended to start
with a product that contains a 2.0 to 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and then increasing the
strength to a higher percentage if improvement is not seen after several weeks.
Possible side effects. Benzoyl peroxide can cause mild skin irritation, dryness,
and flaking. This can easily be treated at home by applying an oil-free moisturizer
each day. If more severe dryness, flaking, redness, and burning occurs, switch to a
product containing a lower strength of benzoyl peroxide or use the product less
frequently. If irritation continues, or if symptoms of allergic reaction such as itching
and rash occur, discontinue its use and seek medical advice.Benzoyl peroxide
will bleach and discolor fabric and hair. So you should let the product dry
thoroughly on your skin before letting skin come into contact with hair or clothing.
More Information.
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