There are lots of preparations to help you become free from acne, benzoyl peroxide acne preparations are among the most common. OTC preparations containing benzoyl peroxide include the Proactiv, Clearasil and the Acne Free range. Even though benzoyl peroxide does have some side effects, they are usually minor and it is a useful therapy for most people’s acne. In this benzoyl peroxide evaluation we’ll take a look at some of the products that you can buy and how effective they are.
How Do Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments Work?
Benzoyl peroxide is a preparation that causes the release of oxygen deep within the skin. The acne causing bacteria, Propionibacteria acnes, is not able to exist in an environment that is rich in oxygen so it is prevented from growing and causing outbreaks. The bacteria thrives in pores clogged by dust, dirt or dead skin cells which often results from of out of control hormones which produce too much sebum during the teenage years. Benzoyl peroxide can help to prevent any outbreaks and flareups and needs to be used continuously, even when there are no outbreaks, rather than as a spot treatment.
What Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations are Available?
Benzoyl peroxide is recommended if you have acne that is mild to moderate and can be purchased OTC as a gel with a concentration of 2.5% as well as in concentrations up to 10%. It is a good idea that you begin with the 2.5% gel or cream, which can be highly successful, and increase the concentration when your skin has become accustomed to it and the lower concentration is not effective enough. You would be advised to wash your face carefully no more than twice a day with a benzoyl peroxide wash then put on the gel or cream. Ensure you apply it all over the affected area to stop any breakouts in unaffected areas. For sufferers of body acne, benzoyl peroxide body washes are available.
Some Precautions To Take When Using Benzoyl Peroxide Products
Care is needed while you are using an acne free benzoyl peroxide product as it will remove the color from you hair, clothes and your pillow case when you go to bed! When using a body wash with benzoyl peroxide take care you dry yourself thoroughly before you get dressed or you may possibly ruin your clothes!
Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Products
In the treatment of acne, benzoyl peroxide preparations can be extremely effective but you must be familiar with the existence of side effects that may be result from using this product. These can include irritation and burning of the skin, dryness, flaking and redness. While these are usually insignificant if you do have a severe reaction immediately stop using the product and talk to a dermatologist who might be able to recommend alternative treatments. You shouldn’t use a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide product at the outset in case your skin reacts, therefore buy a benzoyl peroxide 2.5 gel first and apply until your skin is more accustomed to the treatment.
Does Benzoyl Peroxide Have Long Term Side Effects?
Benzoyl peroxide acne treatments have to be applied for a long time to be effective and to prevent the acne from recurring. It has been known for a long time that benzoyl peroxide can produce free radicals on the skin and some people have been concerned that skin cancer could be a result in the future. However studies have failed to produce any evidence for this. Nevertheless if you are nursing or are pregnant, no studies have been undertaken to show if it is safe for your baby so we advise you not to use it at this time.
In Conclusion
Benzoyl Peroxide products are effective and usually well tolerated by nearly everyone as a cure for acne. These treatments are in general safe to use for a very long time.
For more information please visit us at Benzoyl Peroxide Products for Acne
