There are many treatments to help you become acne free, benzoyl peroxide acne treatments are some of the most common. Over-the-counter preparations containing benzoyl peroxide include the Clearasil, Acne Free range and Proactiv. Although benzoyl peroxide has some side effects, they are normally minor and it is a useful therapy for mild to moderate acne. In this benzoyl peroxide examination let’s consider several of the preparations which are available and see how effective they are.
How Do Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations Work?
Benzoyl peroxide is a preparation that causes the release of oxygen deep within the skin. The bacteria that causes acne, Propionibacteria acnes, is unable to live in oxygen rich surroundings so benzoyl peroxide prevents it from increasing and causing a problem. The bacteria thrives in pores clogged by dirt, dust and dead skin cells which often is a result of rising levels of hormones which produce far too much sebum during the teenage years. Benzoyl peroxide can block further outbreaks and flareups and should be used without a break, even when the skin appears acne free, instead of as a pimple treatment.
What Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments are Available?
Benzoyl peroxide is recommended if you have mild or moderate acne and can be bought OTC as a 2.5% gel and also in concentrations up to 10%. It is a good idea to begin with the 2.5 gel or cream, which is usually extremely helpful, and only use a higher concentration when your skin has become accustomed to the product or if a lower concentration is not working well enough. You need to carefully wash your face once or twice each day with a benzoyl peroxide wash then apply the cream or gel. Make sure that you use it over the whole of the area affected to prevent flareups in in clear areas. If you have body acne, benzoyl peroxide body washes can be very effective.
Some Precautions To Take When Using Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments
Be careful while using a benzoyl peroxide containing product as it will remove the color from not only your hair but your clothes and even your pillow case when you lay down to sleep! If you are using a body wash that contains benzoyl peroxide make sure to dry yourself thoroughly before you get dressed or you may possibly bleach your clothes!
Some Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations
When treating acne, benzoyl peroxide products can be extremely effective but you need to be aware of common side effects that this product can cause. These can include itching or burning of the skin, dryness, flaking and redness. Even though these are usually very mild if you suffer from a a more severe reaction immediately stop using the product and consult a dermatologist who may recommend an alternative preparation. You should never choose a product with a high level of active ingredient at first as your skin may react, therefore purchase a benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel or cream at first and apply until your skin becomes accustomed to this level.
Do Benzoyl Peroxide Products Have Any Long-Term Side effects?
Benzoyl peroxide acne treatments need to be applied for very long time to be really useful and to prevent recurrences of the acne. It has been known for a long time that benzoyl peroxide releases free radicals on the skin and it has been thought that skin cancer might result long after treatment has stopped. Scientific studies have not shown any evidence that this is the case. However if you are nursing or are pregnant, no studies have been undertaken to show if it is safe for your baby so we recommend you not to use it during this time.
In Conclusion
Benzoyl Peroxide preparations are really useful and usually well tolerated by the majority of people as a cure for acne. These products are normally safe and can be used for an extended period of time.
For more information please visit us at Benzoyl Peroxide Products for Acne
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