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Home » What is benzoyl peroxide and how does it work to treat acne?

What is benzoyl peroxide and how does it work to treat acne?

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Everybody experiences (literally!) the occasional breakout of acne at timesand the battle to find the ideal acne treatment is very real. With so many acne-related products that are available on the market it’s difficult to determine which will best suit your skin kind and your lifestyle.

To make this process less difficult We surveyed dermatologists with expertise about benzoyl Peroxide among the top commonly used ingredient in the formulations for acne treatment. The ingredient is popular due to a number of reasons. Benzoyl peroxide is effective, safe and inexpensive. This is everything you need to learn about the gold-star pimple-preventer.

What is benzoyl Peroxide and how does it work ? fight acne?

Benzoyl peroxide acts as a topically applied antibiotic that is available in numerous over-the-counter as well as prescription acne treatments. “It is not just a way to kill bacteria, but also works in breaking down keratin as well as oily debris in the pores and follicles of our skin. Therefore, it effectively fights acne via two different ways,” says Ife Rodney, M.D., F.A.A.D. A board-certified dermatologist who is also medical director of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland.

In addition it also reduces inflammation. “Some sufferers have pustules, which are tiny puss-filled bumps that appear on your skin, and benzoyl peroxide combats them too since pustules are generally your body’s response to the bacteria that reside in your follicles and pores” Dr. Rodney.

“What distinguishes benzoyl peroxide from other topical antibiotics it doesn’t cause resistance to it, so its effects are long-lasting and do not diminish in time,” says Samer Jaber, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York City. It also works quickly . Acne typically will clear within a week after beginning an treatment based on benzoyl Peroxide.
How can benzoyl Peroxide be utilized?

Benzoyl peroxide has multiple uses as a instrument it is effective in eliminating and preventing any kind of acne regardless of whether you’re suffering from blackheads, whiteheads, (the result of blocked pores, hair follicles and pores) or inflammation cysts.

If you are looking to incorporate benzoyl Peroxide to your acne-soothing routine, it can be found via OTC gels spots treatments or rinse-off cleanser. Dr. Rodney prefers cleansers because they are less drying because they remain in your face for shorter duration and the process of washing them off removes dirt. “What’s crucial is to moisten your skin with warm water, then massage with the cleanser for 20 minutes and afterwards wash your face,” the doctor says. “When you allow it to remain on for 20 seconds, that’s giving it enough time to take its effect.”

Another thing to bear in mind when choosing the best benzoyl-peroxide products will be that the higher amount of the ingredient isn’t necessarily more effective. Research has shown that 2.5 percent or 5%, and even 10 formulations are all equally effective, but those with higher concentrations are more likely to trigger irritation or dryness to the skin. The Dr. Rodney and Dr. Jaber agree that it’s recommended to begin by using a lower concentration and then gradually move upwards if the formulation doesn’t seem to be helping.

What are some possible adverse effects from the use of benzoyl peroxide?

“Benzoyl peroxide is a secure and efficient acne treatment however, it can be extremely irritating and dry in certain people,” says Dr. Jaber, “so if you suffer from sensitive skin or rosacea begin slowly and gradually, starting with a lower dosage.” Additionally the doctor points out that benzoyl peroxide is known to bleach fabrics. Therefore, apply creams in the evening lay clean sheets over your mattress and wear white T-shirts when you go to rest. If you are using a benzoyl peroxide cleanser, ensure that your towels are also white.

Is benzoyl-peroxide more efficient over salicylic acid?

“Benzoyl peroxide, as well as salicylic acids are excellent OTC ingredients for fighting acne, however, they function in a different way,” explains Dr. Jaber. “Salicylic acid can be described as an oil-soluble betahydroxy acid that is primarily used to eliminate dead cells of the skill and oil that block pores. It is not able to kill bacteria as benzoyl peroxide.”

He claims that this means that salicylic acid is beneficial for whiteheads and blackheads however, it’s not as efficient for cystic, inflamed acne. Furthermore the doctor. Rodney says salicylic acid is dry enough that her patients produce more oil because of it. Both doctors recommend benzoyl peroxide as the initial option for treating patients suffering from acne. Products that contain salicylic acid glycolic acid or retinoids, or sulfur could be added to an acne treatment program depending on the individual’s requirements.

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When is the best time to see your doctor about acne?

“If you’ve tried OTC remedies and aren’t pleased with results, you may feel uneasy about your skin or you are beginning to notice scarring or discoloration, you should consult an expert in dermatology,” advises Dr. Jaber. Particularly in the case of discoloration or scarring The earlier you visit an experienced dermatologist and get a diagnosis, the better are. “It’s simpler and more cost-effective to treat acne before it gets too severe and avoid scarring from developing,” says Dr. Jaber.

A dermatologist with board certification can develop an individual acne treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and contains highly effective treatments that aren’t readily available in the form of a prescription. “People believe that acne is simple however it’s not,” says Dr. Rodney. “There are a myriad of kinds and stages, as well as different methods and products that can be used for different types of people.”

The bottom line is that Benzoyl peroxide is a secure and efficient acne treatment that’s not just widely available, but also cost-effective. It’s a great way to rid yourself of and reduce all forms of acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads as well as cystic acne and inflammatory acne in just one week. It can also cause irritation and dryness to some . Begin with a less diluted dosage and wait for about a week to begin to show results. If you’re not happy by the result, schedule an appointment with an dermatologist.