Why benzoyl peroxide is good for the acne

Benzoyl peroxide BPO is non-prescription drug that works to destroy acne-causing bacteria in your pores. BPO works primarily as an exfoliating agent by increasing the turnover of the skin and removes the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells from the pores. It comes in 2. It is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria, rather than simply slowing down their growth. It also works very quickly, improving acne as early as five days after starting treatment. It's a great first line treatment for acne, but it's also helpful to use in combination with antibiotics.

In fact, benzoyl peroxide has the ability to prevent antibiotic resistance! Be sure to apply the benzoyl peroxide after you pull that navy sweater over your face! It can also cause drying, peeling, and redness if it's not delivered in the right amount, surrounded by the right mix of ingredients ," says Dr.

Salicylic acid comes in a variety of forms, including creams, lotions, washes, and gels. It delivers the benzoyl peroxide deep into the pores where the ingredient is most needed, bypassing the sensitive parts of the skin that are prone to dryness and irritation.

For spot treatment, there's nothing better than Persa-Gel As soon as you start to feel a pimple come up, dab a drop right on the lesion and don't pick! As tempting as it is to try to squeeze or pick at the pimple, never touch it and your skin will thank you later. The gel will either prevent the pimple from coming up altogether, or the pimple that comes up will be half the size it would have been otherwise," says Dr.

Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid BHA that can help treat acne by exfoliating the skin and helping to dislodge dead skin cells that can clog pores.

It's available over the counter in 0. It can even remove dark spots and pimples or acne scars. The key difference between any benzoyl peroxide product and other topical antibiotics for acne like clindamycin is that our bodies do not build up an antibiotic resistance to the product. This means benzoyl peroxide can be consistently used to treat acne without the worry that it will lose its effect.

Benzoyl peroxide topical acne treatment can be used to treat any type of acne , but it is most effective on inflammatory acne, called acne vulgaris. It can also be used for whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic acne , but it should be used in combination with other medications for these types of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is most effective with inflammatory acne because it kills the bacteria in and underneath the breakout that is causing the inflammation. Symptoms of inflammatory acne are:.

When starting to use benzoyl peroxide to treat acne, start off slowly. Only use the product once every other day to slowly introduce the product to your skin and not cause a negative reaction. The product will also make you more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to apply sunscreen right after.

If you are using a benzoyl peroxide gel, you can include it as an extra step in your skin care routine. Follow these steps: wash your face with a mild , gentle cleanser, pat your skin dry, apply a thin layer of the benzoyl peroxide gel to the affected areas, apply your moisturizer on top, and lastly , apply SPF of at least It may also increase your risk of skin cancer and scarring. Topical dosages for creams, washes, astringents, and other OTC products usually contain concentrations between 0.

Salicylic acid may be used morning and night. When selecting a benzoyl peroxide product, you may want to start with a 2. You may start with a gentle wash, and then move up to a gel-based version as your skin gets accustomed to the ingredient. Benzoyl peroxide may be used up to twice per day. After cleansing and toning, apply the product in a thin layer around the entire affected area of skin.

Let the product dry for a few seconds before applying your moisturizer. Gradually work your way up to morning and night applications. If you use a retinoid or retinol product at night, apply benzoyl peroxide only in the mornings. This will prevent irritation and other side effects. Your treatment plan could very well include both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at the same time.

However, applying both products on the same area of skin — even at different times of day — can increase your risk for excessive drying, redness, and peeling. A safer approach is to use both ingredients for different types of acne. For example, salicylic acid may be a good all-over method to treat and prevent breakouts, while benzoyl peroxide may be applied as a spot treatment only. They may recommend stronger treatments, such as retinols or prescription retinoids.

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