Some people can tolerate products with a high percentage of benzoyl peroxide up to 10 percent on their skin. Others may prefer a lower percentage. The face is rather sensitive, so many choose to use a lower concentration around 4 percent in that area, while the chest and back are more resilient and can tolerate a higher concentration.
While considered safe for most people, benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects. This is especially the case when you first start using the product. It may be helpful to use it once a day, and then build up the frequency in application over time if your skin can tolerate it.
You can also minimize side effects by starting with a lower concentration. Talk to a dermatologist about the following side effects and precautions of using benzoyl peroxide for acne. Benzoyl peroxide works by peeling away the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, excessive oil, and bacteria that may be trapped underneath. Such effects can lead to dryness, as well as redness and excessive peeling.
You might notice itching and general irritation at the site of application too. Benzoyl peroxide is known for staining clothing and hair. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after each use.
While allergic reactions from benzoyl peroxide are considered rare, they are still possible. Stop using the product immediately if the treated areas have redness and irritation. You should go to an emergency room right away if you have severe swelling and breathing difficulties, as these may be signs of an allergic reaction. A dermatologist may not recommend benzoyl peroxide if you have sensitive skin , as this skin type is more prone to side effects such as rashes and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide also might not be the best choice if you have eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
Such exfoliating effects may help treat noninflammatory lesions. But it can still lead to dry, red, and peeling skin, especially when you first start using a product containing salicylic acid. As a rule of thumb, if you have inflammatory acne along with oily, less sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide may be the better choice. Other OTC products can help treat bacteria, excessive oil, and dead skin cells too. Consider the following treatments:.
No acne product will clear up your blemishes and scars overnight. Such is the case with benzoyl peroxide. It can take up to six weeks for new products to take full effect. Benzoyl peroxide is actually similar in structure to hydrogen peroxide "in that it is a peroxide type of medication that releases oxygen on the skin to destroy bacteria," explains Florida-based board-certified dermatologist Matthew Elias, M.
However, the ingredient works slightly differently from hydrogen peroxide which is that clear liquid in everyone's medicine cabinet that your parents likely applied onto cuts and scrapes when you were younger. In addition to its ability to destroy bacteria, benzoyl peroxide is also an anti-inflammatory and comedolytic, meaning that it simultaneously works to open up pores and decrease inflammation on the skin.
Pretty neat, right? The ingredient's ability to squash acne-causing bacteria in its tracks is especially important because it means that, in some cases, it can be used to tame acne in place of antibiotics.
And we all know what happens when antibiotics are used for too long: resistance. Using benzoyl peroxide, either in place of or in combination with antibiotics, helps to mitigate the issue.
Jerdan explains. Garshick explains. Krant concurs, saying that while it can help with acne in all of its many forms, benzoyl peroxide is "more obviously effective with comedonal black and whiteheads and pustular small red bumps with white tips [acne].
In some cases, however, benzoyl peroxide can also help with cystic acne , which is the deepest, and most painful, type. You don't need a prescription for benzoyl peroxide. Like we said, take a stroll down the drugstore skin-care aisle and you'll spot it everywhere. The percentage of the ingredient in over-the-counter products ranges from 2. Interestingly, both Dr. Krant and Dr. Garshick maintain that benzoyl peroxide is just as effective in treating acne at 2. The difference, both dermatologists say, is that the higher percentages run the risk of irritating or drying out the skin too much.
While everyone's acne is different, in general, Dr. Jerdan advises patients to stick within the 3 to 5 percent range. That said, you should avoid using benzoyl peroxide with lots of other actives and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. Instead, swap these treatments which could actually be doing more harm than good for the benzoyl peroxide product you are given. For the best results though, you should also look at your wider skincare routine. Switch to oil-free alternatives and apply sparingly.
Benzoyl peroxide is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for anyone who is taking certain prescriptions, which is why it's important to speak to the pharmacist when purchasing products containing it. You should also patch test the product prior to use, to ensure no allergic reaction takes place. In need of some more beauty inspiration? Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for skincare and self-care advice as well as the latest cultural hits to read and download. Type keyword s to search.
Harper's Bazaar. What is benzoyl peroxide? Related Story. The best benzoyl peroxide products Acnecide Gel.
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