How to Effectively Treat Acne With Benzoyl Peroxide
I'm pretty sure if you suffer from acne you have at some point in time tried skin products containing benzoyl peroxide.
You will find that most of the over the counter acne products contains some percentage of benzoyl peroxide.
Unfortunately many people overlook benzoyl peroxide in favour of stronger prescribed medication simply because they do not believe it to be as effective.
However in my experience it can be extremely effective in clearing up acne in the majority of cases, except perhaps for severe acne or cysts.
But what concentration of benzoyl peroxide is both effective and safe for my skin? In my personal opinion I would start with products containing 2.
5% benzoyl peroxide.
I find that this concentration is easily as effective as the 5 or 10% concentrations without that horrible dryness and irritation you may get with the higher concentrations.
I have extremely sensitive skin which would be so itchy and irritated using the 5 or 10% concentrations.
How does benzoyl peroxide work? Benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen into the pores,destroying the acne bacteria as it cannot survive in an aerobic (oxygen rich) environment.
Another reason why it is effective is that it can help rid follicles of excess dead skin cells which is a major factor in the formation of acne.
The problem people have with benzoyl peroxide (and many other treatments) is that they don't stick with the treatment long enough, or they simply stop using it when the acne appears to be improving.
This can then cause the acne bacteria to begin multiplying again, and you are back at square one.
Should I use a wash containing BP? It really depends on your skin type.
Personally I have dry, sensitive skin which tightens up if I use any acne face-wash or soap, and so can only use mild cleansers or washes.
Regardless of your skin type I would recommend using a mild face-wash, after which you can apply your benzoyl peroxide treatment.
I never use the likes of Clearasil or Neutragena as my skin resembles sandpaper after washing.
I also had a bad reaction to a supposedly "mild" Neutragena face-wash, which burnt the skin around my eyes.
That was almost eight years ago, and I still have the marks under my eyes.
How should I apply Benzoyl Peroxide? It is important to introduce the treatment to your skin in small increments.
Start with a small amount (roughly pea-sized amount) of the 2.
5% concentration and apply ALL over the face.
People often dab the gel onto individual pimples which may dry out the spot, but it won't prevent new ones from forming.
We want to eliminate and prevent new acne from forming, not simply treat existing acne.
Take particular care not to apply the benzoyl peroxide too vigorously, as excessive irritation can cause breakouts.
Also be careful not to apply near the eyes as the skin around the eye is particularly delicate.
It is important to cleanse your face gently and allow to fully dry before applying a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide.
I find it best to apply the treatment in the morning and then just before bed, but remember to apply to ALL acne prone areas, not just individual spots.
You may notice initial redness which can take a couple of weeks to clear, but your skin will soon acclimatise to the treatment.
After two or three weeks you can double the amount of benzoyl peroxide and you shouldn't notice any irritation.
Do I need to moisturize? I believe you should always moisturize after applying any treatment as they can often cause dry skin, especially when using for the first time.
Just remember that it has to be a non-comedogenic moisturizer and does not contain lanolin, petroleum, butyl stearate or sodium laural sulphate.
Moisturizing prevents over-drying of the skin, which can in turn lead the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum as it tries to keep the skin moisturized, thus leading to acne.
I have always had dry skin and suffered with acne.
It's not just people with oily skin that are prone to acne.
You will find that most of the over the counter acne products contains some percentage of benzoyl peroxide.
Unfortunately many people overlook benzoyl peroxide in favour of stronger prescribed medication simply because they do not believe it to be as effective.
However in my experience it can be extremely effective in clearing up acne in the majority of cases, except perhaps for severe acne or cysts.
But what concentration of benzoyl peroxide is both effective and safe for my skin? In my personal opinion I would start with products containing 2.
5% benzoyl peroxide.
I find that this concentration is easily as effective as the 5 or 10% concentrations without that horrible dryness and irritation you may get with the higher concentrations.
I have extremely sensitive skin which would be so itchy and irritated using the 5 or 10% concentrations.
How does benzoyl peroxide work? Benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen into the pores,destroying the acne bacteria as it cannot survive in an aerobic (oxygen rich) environment.
Another reason why it is effective is that it can help rid follicles of excess dead skin cells which is a major factor in the formation of acne.
The problem people have with benzoyl peroxide (and many other treatments) is that they don't stick with the treatment long enough, or they simply stop using it when the acne appears to be improving.
This can then cause the acne bacteria to begin multiplying again, and you are back at square one.
Should I use a wash containing BP? It really depends on your skin type.
Personally I have dry, sensitive skin which tightens up if I use any acne face-wash or soap, and so can only use mild cleansers or washes.
Regardless of your skin type I would recommend using a mild face-wash, after which you can apply your benzoyl peroxide treatment.
I never use the likes of Clearasil or Neutragena as my skin resembles sandpaper after washing.
I also had a bad reaction to a supposedly "mild" Neutragena face-wash, which burnt the skin around my eyes.
That was almost eight years ago, and I still have the marks under my eyes.
How should I apply Benzoyl Peroxide? It is important to introduce the treatment to your skin in small increments.
Start with a small amount (roughly pea-sized amount) of the 2.
5% concentration and apply ALL over the face.
People often dab the gel onto individual pimples which may dry out the spot, but it won't prevent new ones from forming.
We want to eliminate and prevent new acne from forming, not simply treat existing acne.
Take particular care not to apply the benzoyl peroxide too vigorously, as excessive irritation can cause breakouts.
Also be careful not to apply near the eyes as the skin around the eye is particularly delicate.
It is important to cleanse your face gently and allow to fully dry before applying a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide.
I find it best to apply the treatment in the morning and then just before bed, but remember to apply to ALL acne prone areas, not just individual spots.
You may notice initial redness which can take a couple of weeks to clear, but your skin will soon acclimatise to the treatment.
After two or three weeks you can double the amount of benzoyl peroxide and you shouldn't notice any irritation.
Do I need to moisturize? I believe you should always moisturize after applying any treatment as they can often cause dry skin, especially when using for the first time.
Just remember that it has to be a non-comedogenic moisturizer and does not contain lanolin, petroleum, butyl stearate or sodium laural sulphate.
Moisturizing prevents over-drying of the skin, which can in turn lead the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum as it tries to keep the skin moisturized, thus leading to acne.
I have always had dry skin and suffered with acne.
It's not just people with oily skin that are prone to acne.
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