As with most acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide can take several weeks before showing signs of effectiveness – it may initially cause dryness, redness and peeling before showing any significant improvements in acne conditions, says our Dermatologist.
These reactions are normal. It’s essential that you stay with your treatment plan or else pimples will return. Luckily, benzoyl peroxide works well at treating inflammatory acne (pimples, papules, nodules and cysts) while simultaneously decreasing colony counts of P. acnes as well as antibiotic-resistant strains.
How Often Should I Use It?
Benzoyl peroxide is an acne-fighting ingredient commonly found in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription skin care products, typically at concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10% in washes, cleansers, gels, creams and leave-on acne treatment designed to address facial acne. Some Rx medications containing benzoyl may also combine it with other ingredients to provide greater assistance against cystic acne or non-inflammatory acne (blackheads or whiteheads).
Benzoyl peroxide should always be used according to its product packaging or prescription label in order to avoid skin irritation or other unwanted side effects. For instance, those using an OTC cleanser with benzoyl peroxide should wet their skin first before applying a thin layer of the wash over an area. Lather for 10-20 seconds before rinsing thoroughly afterwards.
People who wish to combine it with any other topical pimple treatment should first apply a moisturizer or other skin treatments on the affected areas before applying benzoyl peroxide to avoid drying effects, then apply benzoyl peroxide as directed.
How Much Do I Need to Use?
Utilising the lowest concentration possible is key to avoiding irritation and achieving the best acne treatment result. Most over-the-counter products contain between 2.5% to 10% benzoyl peroxide in wash, cream or gel form; higher concentrations may be prescribed by your physician or nurse.
Benzoyl peroxide may take several weeks before you see results from its use, during which your skin may feel dry and flaky; this is perfectly normal; to help combat this side effect use an antibacterial cleanser daily and be consistent when taking benzoyl peroxide – missing days may set back treatment efforts significantly.
Benzoyl peroxide works to clear acne by clearing away excess oil from the skin, unclogging blocked pores and decreasing inflammation while simultaneously killing off bacteria that causes acne. Unlike antibiotics, however, benzoyl peroxide doesn’t interfere with normal cell growth so can be used alone or combined with other acne treatments, including retinoid or salicylic acid for exfoliation purposes; salicylic acid helps rid pores of dead skin cells that clog them and cause no inflammatory acne (pimples); just make sure not over exfoliating!
How Long Will It Take to Clear My Skin?
Benzoyl peroxide works to decrease excess oil on the skin that leads to pimples. Unfortunately, however, it takes time for this medication to work, with many needing to use it regularly over a number of months before experiencing clearer skin.
Benzoyl peroxide must be applied as directed on its label for optimal use, meaning washing and drying your face before applying gel or wash. Furthermore, regular applications of products should be scheduled into your daily or twice daily regimen for best results. Depending on the strength of your prescription, redness or peeling may occur with this medication causing further irritation of skin cells; should this occur speak with your physician immediately, says our best dermatologist.
Benzoyl peroxide can help clear away oil and dead skin cells that clog your pores, but for treating blackheads and whiteheads it may not be effective; alternatively try topical which are available both over-the-counter (OTC) as well as through prescription.
Will I Need to See a Dermatologist?
Achieve effective acne treatment requires both medication and lifestyle modifications. Benzoyl peroxide may be useful as an acne spot treatment solution, particularly for mild to moderate acne cases.
Over-the-counter and prescription products with concentrations between 2.5 to 10% can be found in cleanser, soap bar, lotion, gel and face wash formulations. Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen onto the skin to kill bacteria, unclog pores and reduce inflammation – also helping shed dead skin cells off quickly.
Conclusion
Benzoyl peroxide treatments generally take around one month to work effectively; using it more frequently than directed will not speed up its effectiveness, and may cause redness and peeling as side effects. Be consistent in applying benzoyl peroxide on a consistent basis and you will experience gradual improvements in your acne over time; although there may still be occasional new breakouts, they’ll be smaller and less noticeable than before.