How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne to See Results

If you deal with acne to any degree, my guess is that you’ve probably come across the acne treatment benzoyl peroxide. In today’s post. I will be sharing with you, how to use benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne the right way to enable you to see results. So if that’s something you would like to read about then…

Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or something… and, let’s dive in

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Table of Contents

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antimicrobial agent used in the treatment of acne. It is a first-line medication in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It can be gotten over the counter, and comes in gels, lotions, and creams in 2.5%, 4%, 5%, and 10% strengths. It also comes in prescription strength in combination with other antibiotics.

Different types of acne and how they are formed

How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Work?

Acne arises when our pores get clogged from either excess sebum, dead skin cells, or inflammation from Cutibacterium acnes. Acne can either be non-inflammatory( blackheads and whiteheads are known as comedones) or inflammatory ( papules, pustules and severe nodulocystic acne)

Benzoyl peroxide works to treat acne in three ways.

It kills the acne-forming bacteria
reduces inflammation

unclogs the pores.

Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizer, it releases free radicals that break the dead skin cells that clog pores. It inhibits the inflammatory pathway and so is very effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne.

In addition to these benefits, there has been no antibiotic resistance to benzoyl peroxide and that’s the reason it is used in combination with several antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin.

How To use benzoyl Peroxide Effectively

There are a few things to note when using benzoyl peroxide. Depending on the type of formulation you are using whether leave-on or rinse-off products.

How to use Benzoyl peroxide wash

Start off on wet face
Apply a few pumps of benzoyl peroxide cleanser and lather up your face and then leave on for 1-2 minutes

Rinse off with lukewarm water
Gently pat dry
follow up with the rest of your skincare routine

How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide Gel

Wash your face with a mild cleanser
Gently pat dry

Apply a thin film of benzoyl peroxide gel over your whole face
Apply an oil-free moisturizer over it to minimize dryness

Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with benzoyl peroxide are dryness, redness, and flaking. Some people may experience allergies to this medication although very rarely.

So it really helps to start slow with this medication and ensure to always use a lightweight moisturizer afterward.

For leave-on benzoyl peroxide products, avoid applying to the corners of your mouth, nose, and around your eyes.

Also, be aware that benzoyl peroxide could bleach fabrics it comes in contact with.

What to Use With Benzoyl Peroxide For Acne

Benzoyl peroxide works well with other antibiotics in the treatment of acne as this helps in preventing resistance to these antibiotics. It can be combined with clindamycin, sulfur, erythromycin, salicylic acid, and adapalene

It comes in the following prescription-only combos

Benzamycin – benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin
Benzaclin – benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin
Epiduo- benzoyl peroxide and adapalene

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What Can You Not Mix with Benzoyl Peroxide?

Because benzoyl peroxide can cause oxidation, it deactivates many other skincare ingredients. It should not be used together with other drying skincare ingredients to minimize overdrying the skin. ingredients like Vitamin C, retinoids other than adapalene, and AHAs should not be mixed with benzoyl peroxide.

You can incorporate these skin actives into your skincare routine by alternating their usage. For example, you can use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and use a retinoid at night.