Using Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne Treatment
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Benzoyl Peroxide is a popular ingredient used for treating acne. Used in many OTC cleansers, spot treatments, and gels, this ingredient is available in varied concentrations effective in treating mild to moderate acne breakouts. It works by removing dead skin cells and bacteria from your skin that are responsible for clogging your pores and causing acne. If OTC products do not work for your acne, you may contact a dermatologist who can prescribe you a stronger form or buy potent Benzoyl Peroxide online to do the job.
How Benzoyl Peroxide Works for Acne
Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing bacteria under the skin, so that acne can be treated and prevented. It also helps the skin pores to remove excess sebum and shed dead skin cells.
- For Pimples: If you have inflammatory acne with red bumps containing pus, then Benzoyl Peroxide can be particularly useful for you. It is also helpful in treating nodules, cysts, papules, and pustules.
- For Cystic Acne: This is the most severe form of acne that is probably the most difficult one to treat. It is often identified by hard bumps below the skin surface. While these bumps may have pus in them, it is often difficult to locate any prominent heads. Benzoyl Peroxide, along with some other prescription medicines, may be very effective in treating cystic acne to a great extent.
- For Whiteheads and Blackheads: Yes, whiteheads and blackheads are also a form of acne. However, they are not inflamed, because they don’t have any red bumps that are often associated with other acne types. If you are having this type of acne and wondering if you can use Benzoyl Peroxide for its treatment, then we must tell you that it can be a good idea to go for, but up to a certain extent.
- For Acne Scars: Acne scars are often left behind after an acne outbreak, especially if you had inflammatory acne and even if you did not pick at the lesions. These scars become darker over time, especially when exposed to sun. That is why it is important to always wear sunscreen whenever you go out. By shedding dead skin cells, Benzoyl Peroxide can be helpful in making these scars less noticeable. But the better choice for skin exfoliation is definitely a peel.
- For Skin Whitening: the side-effect of all the Benzoyl products they lighten the skin tone when you use them due to oxidization so keep that in mind.
How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne Treatment
Benzoyl Peroxide is available in the form of over the counter and prescription-grade acne treatment products. So, it is important to choose the right product for your acne treatment.
- Cream and lotion: Apply once or twice in a day on the affected skin
- Face wash and foam: Use once or twice in a day to treat and prevent acne
- Body wash and soap: Use this regularly if you are tired of frequent breakouts on the back, chest or other body parts
- Topical gel: Available in the form of a spot treatment with high concentrations of Benzoyl Peroxide, meant to be applied on the lesions only
Choosing the Right Concentration for Your Acne Treatment
Most importantly, you need to choose the right concentration, depending on the severity of your acne and your skin type. Some skin types can withstand a higher percentage of Benzoyl Peroxide than others, for example, 10% Benzoyl Peroxide with some additives like Sulphur for better sebum drying. The concentration that you choose also depends on the part of the body where you are planning to apply the product. Facial skin is more sensitive than other body parts, so a lower concentration would be more appropriate for it. While if you are having acne in the chest or back, then your skin will be able to tolerate a higher Benzoyl Peroxide concentration.