Skin Care

There are lots of products to help you become acne free, benzoyl peroxide acne products are one of the most widely used. OTC treatments containing benzoyl peroxide include the Clearasil, Acne Free range and Proactiv. Even though benzoyl peroxide does have side effects, they are usually slight and it is a useful treatment for mild to moderate acne. In this benzoyl peroxide review we’ll consider a number of the treatments that you can buy and find out how useful they are.

How Do Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations Work?

Benzoyl peroxide is a preparation that causes the release of oxygen deep within the skin. The bacteria that is responsible for acne, Propionibacteria acnes, is not able to live in an oxygen rich environment so benzoyl peroxide prevents it from growing and causing outbreaks. The acne causing bacteria thrives in pores that are blocked by dead skin cells, dirt and dust which frequently is a result of shifting levels of hormones producing excess sebum during the teenage years. Benzoyl peroxide can block more flareups and outbreaks and is best used constantly, even when the skin becomes clear, instead of as a pimple cure.

What Types of Benzoyl Peroxide Products are Available?

Benzoyl peroxide is recommended if you suffer from mild to moderate acne and can be bought over the counter as a benzoyl peroxide 2.5 gel and also in products with up to 10% of the active ingredient. It is usually recommended that you begin with the 2.5 gel or cream, which is generally very effective, and only use a higher concentration when your skin has become accustomed to it and you feel it is necessary to improve the effects. You would be best to wash your face carefully once or twice each day with a benzoyl peroxide wash then apply the lotion or gel. Ensure that you use it all over the affected area to stop any breakouts in in clear areas. For those with body acne, benzoyl peroxide body washes can be very effective.

Some Precautions To Take When Using Benzoyl Peroxide Products

Be careful while you are using benzoyl peroxide products as it is able to bleach your hair and clothes and even your pillow case when you lay down to sleep! After using a body wash with benzoyl peroxide take care you are completely dry before getting dressed or you could end up bleaching your clothes!

Some Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments

In the treatment of acne, benzoyl peroxide products are often very valuable but you should be aware of the existence of side effects that may be result from using this product. These include itching or burning of the skin, redness, dryness and perhaps some flaking. While these are by and large insignificant if you experience a severe reaction immediately stop using it and see a dermatologist who may recommend an alternative preparation. You really should not apply a preparation with high levels of benzoyl peroxide to begin with in case you have a bad reaction, so apply a benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel or cream first and use this until your skin becomes accustomed to this level.

Do Benzoyl Peroxide Products Have Long Term Side Effects?

Benzoyl peroxide acne preparations must to be used for over the course of months or years to be effective and to prevent recurrence of the problem. It has been known for a long time that benzoyl peroxide produces free radicals in the skin and it has been thought that this might result in skin cancer in the future. However studies have not shown that this is the case up to this date. However 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 at this time.

Conclusion

Benzoyl Peroxide preparations are effective and usually well tolerated by nearly everyone as a cure for acne. These treatments are generally very safe and can be used for a long time.

For more information please visit us at Benzoyl Peroxide Products for Acne