Everybody experiences (literally!) an occasional breakout of acne at times and the pressure to find the most effective acne treatment is very real. With the many acne treatments that are available on the market it’s difficult to decide which will best suit your skin kind and your lifestyle.
To make this process less difficult we surveyed the top dermatologists for their opinions on benzoyl peroxide among the top popular ingredients used in skincare formulations to fight acne. The ingredient is well-known for a variety of reasons. Benzoyl peroxide is effective, safe and cost-effective. Here’s everything you should be aware of about the gold-star pimple preventer.
What is benzoyl Peroxide and how does it work ? combat acne?
Benzoyl peroxide acts as a skin anti-bacterial agent used in a variety of over-the-counter and prescription acne medicines. “It does more than kill bacteria, but it also assists to break down keratin and oily debris in the pores and follicles of our skin. Therefore, it effectively fights acne via two distinct mechanisms,” says Ife Rodney, M.D., F.A.A.D. Board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland.
Additionally it helps reduce inflammation. “Some sufferers are plagued by pustule lesions, where you’ll see small puss-filled bumps on the skin. The benzoyl-peroxide combats them too since pustules are generally your body’s response to the bacteria in your follicles and pores” Dr. Rodney.
“What distinguishes benzoyl peroxide from other topical antibiotics is that you don’t develop antibiotic resistance to it. Therefore, its effects last and do not diminish in time,” says Samer Jaber, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York City. Additionally, it is effective quickly . Acne typically disappears within a week of beginning the treatment with benzoyl peroxide.
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What is the best way to use benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide can be a versatile instrument it is effective in eliminating and preventing all kinds of acne, regardless of whether you’re suffering from blackheads, whiteheads, (the result of blocked pores as well as hair follicles) or inflammation cysts.
If you are looking to incorporate benzoyl Peroxide to a successful acne skincare routine, it is available via OTC gels spot treatments, rinse-off cleanser. Dr. Rodney prefers cleansers because they are less drying as they stay the skin lesser duration and the process of washing them off removes dirt. “What’s crucial is to moisten your skin by rubbing it with the cleanser for 20 seconds , and afterwards wash your face,” the doctor says. “When you let it sit for the period of 20 minutes, you’re giving it enough time to take effects.”
Another thing to bear in mind when choosing the right benzoyl peroxide formulation will be that the higher amount of the ingredient isn’t necessarily superior. Studies have shown that 2.5 percentage five percent, 10 percent and 2.5 formulations are equally efficient, however the higher concentrations tend to result in irritation or dryness to the skin. Each Dr. Rodney and Dr. Jaber agree that it’s ideal to start with a less effective formulation and gradually work your way upwards if the formulation doesn’t seem to be helping.
What are the possible adverse effects from the use of benzoyl peroxide?
“Benzoyl peroxide is an extremely reliable and safe acne treatment however it can be extremely irritating and dry for some people,” says Dr. Jaber, “so if you suffer from rosacea or sensitive skin begin slowly and gradually, starting with a lower dosage.” Additionally Dr. Jaber points out that benzoyl Peroxide may bleach fabric. Apply creams to your skin at night lay clean sheets over your mattress and wear white t-shirts as you go to bed. If you’re using a benzoyl-peroxide cleanser, be sure that your towels are white too.
Is benzoyl peroxid more efficient over salicylic acid?
“Benzoyl peroxide, as well as salicylic acids are excellent OTC ingredients for fighting acne, however, they perform differently,” explains Dr. Jaber. “Salicylic acid acts as an oil-soluble betahydroxy acid that helps to get rid of dead cells of the skill and the oil that block pores. It is not able to kill bacteria as benzoyl-peroxide.”
He claims that this means that salicylic acid is effective in treating whiteheads and blackheads however, it’s not as efficient for cystic, inflamed acne. Additionally 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 with acne. Products that contain salicylic acid glycolic acid or retinoids, or sulfur can be later added to a treatment for acne according to a patient’s requirements.
When is the best time to see an acne specialist?
“If you’ve tried OTC treatments and aren’t happy with your results or you may feel uneasy about your skin or have scarring developing and discoloration, consult an expert in dermatology,” advises Dr. Jaber. Particularly in the case of discoloration or scarring If you seek treatment earlier, an experienced dermatologist for treatment, the better the results are. “It’s simpler and more cost-effective to treat acne earlier and stop scarring from forming,” says Dr. Jaber.
A dermatologist who is board certified can create an individual treatment regimen for acne that is tailored to your specific needs and incorporates highly effective medications that aren’t readily available on the market. “People believe that acne is easy but it’s far from it,” says Dr. Rodney. “There are so many kinds and stages, as well as different methods and products that are suited to different people.”
The bottom line is that Benzoyl peroxide is a secure and efficient acne treatment that’s not just readily available but also extremely cost-effective. It’s a great way to rid yourself of and eliminate all kinds of acne, like blackheads and whiteheads as well as cystic acne and inflammatory acne within one week. It can also cause irritation and dryness for some people. Start by using a lighter formula and allow it to take about a week to see results. If you’re unhappy by the result, schedule an appointment with an dermatologist.