benzoyl peroxide acne treatment

Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Acne Treatment

Benzoyl peroxide is known to dermatologists as the “gold standard” of topical acne treatments. When applied to your acne prone skin, whether as a pimples cream, gel or lotion, it breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and benzoic acid. It is the hydrogen peroxide that is believed to be active in fighting acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills the P.acnes bacteria that infects blackheads and whiteheads and turns them into pimples. One advantage over other antibiotics is that bacteria don’t develop a “resistance” to benzoyl peroxide. It also might have some effect in clearing blocked pores.

First the good news. Although it is widely prescribed by dermatologists in strengths of 5-10%, concentrations of 2.5% which you can get over the counter are just as effective and much less expensive. If your dermatologist tries to prescribe a 10% B.P. pimples cream to you, save your money and get the 2.5% cream instead. An added benefit is that the 2.5% pimples cream will be much less irritating to your skin. If you have light to moderate acne and don’t have sensitive skin, a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide acne treatment might be worth trying.

READ MY REVIEWS OF THE TOP-RATED ACNE TREATMENTS HERE!

Benzoyl peroxide is most effective when used in combination with salicylic acid which helps the benzoyl peroxide to penetrate more deeply into your clogged pores. If you have mild acne, use a salicylic acid cream or wipe followed by a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel or cream. Both can be bought very cheaply over the counter and without a prescription.

Okay, now the not so good news. Most people that I talk to, including myself, have not responded to benzoyl peroxide other than to develop dry, flaky itchy skin. Maybe that’s because I generally deal with moderate to heavy acne sufferers. If you have cystic acne, benzoyl peroxide is unlikely to help. One issue is that benzoyl peroxide only treats one of the contributing factors to pimples which is the P.acnes bacteria. Sure, the bacteria can infect your blackheads and whiteheads but the true cause of acne is hormonal and benzoyl peroxide does nothing to treat this underlying factor. (see my article on what causes acne)

There are a few other things to keep in mind when using benzoyl peroxide as an acne treatment. First, it is a bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide, remember?) so be careful around your clothes, hair, bedding and towels. Also, because it does not treat the real cause of acne, any benefits you see from using benzoyl peroxide pimples cream stop when you stop taking it. That’s great for the cosmetics companies who have you hooked but not so great for your wallet. Finally, don’t forget that it is very irritating to your skin and can cause it to burn, peel, itch and become red and inflamed. Benzoyl peroxide was first used to treat acne because doctors liked it as an effective “peeling agent.” Fortunately, at over the counter strength of 2.5%, you might be able to tolerate it fine.

Like I said, please stick to trying the 2.5% solutions. If benzoyl peroxide will work for you, it will work at that strength. In my experience, this “gold standard” only works if you mild acne. Don’t expect any miracles. For a few bucks, why not give it a try.

Continue reading: salicylic acid OTC treatment