Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment

Benzoyl peroxide is the active therapeutic agent in many over the counter and prescription skin care treatments. It is supplied in the topical form for treating mild to moderate acne spots. It is also very effective adjunct therapy to other topical formulation in severe cases of acne. Products containing benzoyl peroxide come in many forms including creams, gels, and lotions.

Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a proven acne treatment, and it has been used in many skin care products. The therapeutic agent is widely recommended by dermatologists and skincare experts to reduce the appearance of acne. However, the effectiveness of this formulation varies from person to person. It is primarily used to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, and it can remain active as an acne treatment for an extended period.

Here are some benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide for people with Acne:

1. Packed with antibiotic properties

A benzoyl peroxide formulation is antibiotic and kills bacteria that are responsible for causing acne. The bacteria are known as Propionibacterium, or P.acnes that also results in inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide helps eliminate bacteria and is more effective at doing this than other topical solutions including salicylic acid. Many acne treatments combine Benzoyl peroxide with other therapeutic agents to increase effectiveness.

2. Decreases Oil Production

Benzoyl peroxide Is extremely effective in reducing the skin’s oil production. It is believed that overactive glands are one reason for causing acne, excess oil blocks skin pores which prevent dead skin cells from sloughing away. Accumulation of dead skin cells further clogs the skin’s pores. This blockage turns into whiteheads or blackheads which leads to pimples. In some cases, pimples can develop into large painful cysts under the skin that can ultimately cause scarring. 

Is Benzoyl Peroxide make you peel?

Even if you start with a low dose, you may expect to have dry skin issues. Your skin may rough, peel or become flaky too. These are some commonly reported side effects of a benzoyl peroxide cream. Though, you can manage this dryness by using a good quality moisturizer as per your requirements. You can also speak to your dermatologist to recommend a moisturizer that suits your skin type. If your skin feels super dry, apply the moisturizer first and then apply your benzoyl peroxide cream, gel or lotion. Make sure you leave a gap of 5 minutes between the application. Some people find their skin gets used to the therapeutic agent ad time passes and dryness fade away on its own. Though, it may take several days or weeks for your skin to adjust to the medication.

Experiencing some fairly intense dryness, peeling, flaking, redness, burning, or itching after applying the cream, gel or lotion. Some people are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, and they can’t handle the topical treatment.  If you are allergic to the formulation, you may experience swelling, severe redness, incredibly irritate skin and blisters. If any of such reactions exists, stop using it immediately and call your dermatologist right away.

How long it takes to see improvement?

Like all other skin treatments, benzoyl peroxide takes time to exert its action. You may need to wait for 8 to 10 weeks, sometimes a bit more to see noticeable changes in the appearance of acne. Results may vary, it is not possible the time your friend’s acne takes to heal, the same time your acne improves, your acne might make a bit more or less time than your friend. In the hope of getting quick results, don’t slather on more medication, or apply more often than directed by your dermatologist. Excessive use may increase your chances of annoying side effects, and it won’t eliminate acne faster. At any time during the treatment, you might get new breakouts, so don’t panic. As the therapy goes over time, you will slowly get fewer breakouts and then no breakouts.

If you have been using an over the counter benzoyl peroxide preparation for more than 12 weeks and see no changes in the appearance of your acne, it is the right time to speak to a dermatologist for a prescription formulation. It is wise to use a benzoyl peroxide formulation under a dermatologist’s supervision. This way you will be less likely to experience side effects.

What to expect from a Benzoyl Peroxide cream?

Once you have decided to use a benzoyl peroxide product, use it as instructed by your dermatologist. Before starting a skin care treatment, it is essential to know what to expect from your treatment, and this will help you get the best possible results. This is because a lot of people discontinue using it before it ever has a chance to work.

So, when you are ready to start using a skin care product containing Benzoyl peroxide. Be sure to be consistent with its use. Consistency plays a crucial role in treating acne with any skincare product. Skipping application will no more help you and set your treatment back. You will see quick results if you are using it regularly without skipping any doses.

Using a benzoyl peroxide product prescribed by a dermatologist is an effective way to get rid of stubborn acne. When over the counter products are not appropriate for acne, consider a prescription treatment to help get it under control in any situation. Prescription treatments always work better. Making a call to a dermatologist for a prescription treatment is the first step towards clearer skin.

If the treatment doesn’t work for you, don’t consider this a failure. Most people must try a few different options to find the best that works best for their conditions. By consulting a dermatologist, you are just one step closer to finding the best acne treatment for you. If you get the relief and the results are good, don’t stop using your benzoyl peroxide product. The topical treatment doesn’t cure acne. If you discontinue, your acne will come back. This may find troubling sometimes, but having clear skin is worth it.