There are a lot of treatments to help you become free from acne, benzoyl peroxide acne treatments are some of the most prevalent. OTC products formulated with benzoyl peroxide include the the Acne Free range, ProActive and Clearasil. Even though benzoyl peroxide does have side effects, they are normally mild and it is a successful treatment for the acne of most people. In this benzoyl peroxide review let’s consider some of the treatments that are sold and see how effective they are.
How Do Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments Work?
Benzoyl peroxide is a product that releases oxygen deep within the skin. The acne causing bacteria, Propionibacteria acnes, is unable to exist in oxygen rich surroundings so this product stops it from growing and causing further outbreaks. The bacteria thrives in pores clogged by dead skin cells, dirt and dust which frequently happens because of shifting levels of hormones producing excess sebum during the teenage years. Benzoyl peroxide will stop more flareups and outbreaks and must be used continuously, even when there are no outbreaks, instead of as a pimple cure.
What Benzoyl Peroxide Products are Available?
Benzoyl peroxide is recommended if you have acne that is mild to moderate and can be purchased OTC as a gel, lotion or cream with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and also in concentrations up to 10%. It is a good idea that you start with the 2.5 gel or cream, which can be very effective, and increase the concentration when your skin has become accustomed to the product or if a lower concentration is not working well enough. You would be advised to carefully wash your face once or twice every day with a benzoyl peroxide wash then put on the cream or lotion. Make certain that you apply it over the whole of the area affected to prevent the breakouts in otherwise clear skin. For those who suffer from body acne, benzoyl peroxide body washes can be very effective.
Some Precautions To Take When Using Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments
Take care when you are using a benzoyl peroxide containing product as it will bleach your hair and clothes and even your pillow case when you lay down to sleep! When using a body wash containing benzoyl peroxide make sure you dry yourself thoroughly before you get dressed or you may possibly bleach your clothes!
Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations
In your aim to become acne free, benzoyl peroxide products are often very valuable but you need to be familiar with side effects that may be result from using this product. These include burning or itching of the skin, flaking, redness and dryness. Though these are by and large mild if you find you experience a more than a mild reaction stop using the product straight away and approach a dermatologist who may recommend an alternative preparation. You shouldn’t use a product with a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide at the outset as you may experience a bad reaction, so choose a benzoyl peroxide 2.5% cream or gel first and use until your skin is more accustomed to the treatment.
Do Benzoyl Peroxide Products Have Any Long-Term Side effects?
These types of acne products need to be used for over the course of months or years to be really useful and to prevent recurrences of the acne. It is well known that benzoyl peroxide can produce free radicals on the skin and it has been thought that this could lead to skin cancer long after treatment has stopped. Many studies have not shown that this is the case up to this date. In spite of this if you are nursing or are pregnant, studies have not shown that it is safe for your baby so we advise that you do not use it during this time.
Conclusion
Benzoyl Peroxide products are useful and usually well tolerated by most people as a remedy for acne. These products are normally very safe to use for an extended period of time.
For more information please visit us at Benzoyl Peroxide Products for Acne
Comments on this entry are closed.