The Real Score on Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne Washes
For decades now, dermatologists have been prescribing preparations containing benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. This potent compound is a leading and proven anti-acne agent, yet is not a guaranteed solution because it causes adverse reactions in many individuals.
Often, the only way to find out if you are one of those unfortunate people who cannot tolerate benzoyl peroxide in an acne wash is for you to try one, in discreet amounts of course. Not to worry, if you experience side-effects on your skin. These won’t wreak any havoc on your complexion, and will normally subside completely within 12 to 48 hours.
Common symptoms in intolerant individuals include drying of the skin, redness, itching, swelling and tenderness. If the drying leads to flaking and shedding of the skin, or if the redness is severe, immediately stop using the wash. If any of these signs persist for more than 48 hours, consult a dermatologist as soon as you can. Report to this doctor as well any swelling you may have had on your skin.
You may have to seek alternative treatment, or your dermatologist may suggest a milder acne wash, one having a lower dosage of benzoyl peroxide. If you are lucky, you may find that your skin agrees with such a solution, which can eventually lead to increased tolerance.
Benzoyl peroxide’s dermatological action consists in its suppression of acne-causing bacteria. Through this action, comedones, or bumps that clog the opening in skin pores are contained, providing short-term relief from symptoms. BP has no effect whatsoever on sebum production or on the shedding and regeneration of dead skin cells, so it is hardly considered a long-term solution to acne problems.
Let us survey some of the leading benzoyl peroxide acne washes available in the market.
One of these is the Acne 911 Benzoyl Peroxide wash, which comes in 5% and 10% benzoyl peroxide tubes. This non-irritating wash is in the form of a gel based in unadulterated whole leaf aloe vera jelly. Use the 5% formulation first before switching to 10% if no improvement is noted.
Other brands worth mentioning are Panoxyl Bar and Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser, both containing 10% BP. Web reviews of Clean & Clear suggest an ability to substantially remove symptoms of acne, but not without irritation in individuals with sensitive skin.
The potential of benzoyle peroxide wash for reducing that bane we call acne or for ridding ourselves of it altogether is significant. Some prudence is called for if you want to give BP a try. Begin with washes of 5% BP dosages before proceeding to higher-dosed solutions. Be sure your body’s outer cover can tolerate that wash you have chosen without any undue discomfort!
About Skin & Beauty
Skin & Beauty
Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It has a characteristic appearance on the elbows, knees, scalp and buttocks. Find out more about the appearance and diagnosis...
What Soap Does to Your Skin
Cleansers are designed to remove dirt, sweat, sebum, and oils from the skin, however some cleansers can cause harm to the barrier function of the skin leading to redness, irritation,...
Curious About Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is a scary disease because it's permanent - once you have it, you always have it. The other scary thing about genital herpes is most people who...
Is Your Cell Phone Giving You a Rash?
The British Association of Dermatologists is warning physicians and the public about the development of a new allergic skin condition located on one side of the face and the ear....
Is Your Skin Healthy?
I don't know of anybody who doesn't want healthy skin, but how do you know when you have it? Sometimes it seems that judging skin health is almost "in...
