Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne

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With various forms of acne striking teens as well as adults, benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common treatments for acne. Many of the products on the market today contain benzoyl peroxide including popular lotions, soaps, gels and creams. Most of these acne treatments are sold over the counter under such manufacturer names as Neutrogena Acne, Benoxyl, Clear by Design, PanOxyl, Clean & Clear, Clearasil and Oxy.

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that frequently causes acne infection; known as P. acnes. While this bacteria is present in almost everyone, it begins to create a problem and leads to the presence of acne when the sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum. Redness, pain and swelling result from the infection. As the medication kills the bacteria, the excess sebum dries which may lead to some of the more frequent side effects noted for this acne treatment.

As a peeling agent, one of the most common side effects of benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment is the fact that it tends to irritate the skin. Depending on the user, this irritation can range from slight to more severe. Individuals who possess very sensitive skin are cautioned to use the medicine less often or user a weaker strength of the medication. In some cases in which the medication causes the skin to become overly reddened or even peel, it may be necessary to consult a physician. Benzoyl peroxide can also cause the following conditions:

• Blistering, crusting or swelling of the skin
• Severe burning or redness of the skin
• Skin rash
• Darkening or lightening of the skin
• Discoloration of hair as well as fabrics

Many manufacturers recommend continual use of benzoyl peroxide for optimal acne treatment results, leading to the question of whether there might be any long term effects related to the use of this product. Due to the fact that benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals, there has been concern expressed that long term use of this acne treatment could lead to the development of skin cancer later in life. At the current time, there are no studies to indicate this; however it remains a theoretical concern.

Women who are pregnant are cautioned to consult their physician prior to using any acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide due to the fact that the effects of benzoyl peroxide on a developing fetus remain unknown.

Benzoyl peroxide does tend to cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive skin, so individuals with such conditions as eczema or sunburned skin are also cautioned not to use it.

In a clinical study performed by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor; a combination gel acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide was tested in more than 1250 patients with moderate to moderately severe acne vulgaris. The combination gel contained a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution. The most common side effect noted was dry skin with some isolated incidences of localized skin irritation.

How to start treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide?

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Benzoyl peroxide makes an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne. Start with a lotion or gel in a 2.5% strength. Higher percentages are available but may irritate the skin. Start with a lower strength to allow your skin to become acclimated to the benzoyl peroxide treatments. Move up to a higher strength if results are not seen after several weeks.

Most common treatment methods call for a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide lotion to be applied over a thoroughly cleansed and dried skin. It can be used once or twice daily. Apply thoroughly over all areas affected by acne. Do not use just as a spot treatment. Benzoyl peroxide must be applied to all affected areas of the skin, as it works to stop pimples before they erupt.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair, towels, and clothing. Take great care during and after application to avoid letting it come in contact with any of these materials. You may want to wear an old shirt if benzoyl peroxide is applied to the back or body. Let the lotion dry thoroughly after your nightly skin care treatments before getting into bed at night, to avoid bleaching your pillowcase.

How Benzoyl Peroxide works?

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Benzoyl peroxide works by destroying P. acnes, the bacteria that causes the condition acne. It acts as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent, reducing the number of comedones, or blocked pores. It may be 2–3 weeks before you begin to see improvement.
One of the most commonly used ingredients, Benzoyl Peroxide can be very effective in treating mild cases of non-inflammatory acne. It’s safe for children as well as adults, and may combined with other topical or oral treatments.

While benzoyl peroxide kills existing P. acnes, it does not increase your body’s natural resistance to bacteria. So even when your breakouts begin to disappear, you should keep treating acne-prone areas. Why? This course of acne treatment kills bacteria, but it does not affect sebum production or the rate at which you shed your dead skin cells. If you stop using it, the bacteria — and your acne — will return.

Propionibacteria acnes, are the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. They cannot live in an aerobic (oxygen-rich) environment. Benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen into the pore, thereby killing P. acnes. When the bacteria population is reduced, the number of breakouts on the skin is reduced as well.

Another factor that makes benzoyl peroxide so effective is its ability to help rid the follicle of excess dead skin cells. Clearing the pore of cellular debris will lessen the chance of pore blockages, or comedones. Because of this, benzoyl peroxide helps prevent breakouts before they start.
The use of benzoyl peroxide often must be continued, even after acne clears up. Once treatments are stopped, bacterium populations can increase and acne may return. Your dermatologist can help you determine how long to continue your benzoyl peroxide treatments.