Discover the potential benefits of benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment. This powerhouse ingredient may help reduce breakouts, ease inflammation, and clear pores. Learn how to incorporate it into your skin care routine safely.
Benzoyl peroxide is the not-so-secret ingredient inacne treatmentslike Proactiv. But did you know this bad boy has been a beauty mainstay since the 1930s?
For nearly a century, it’s been used to
But does benzoyl peroxide deserve a spot in your daily routine? Let’s take a hot sex to learn about the benefits and risks of using benzoyl peroxide for acne.
What exactly is benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxideis an antiseptic commonlyusedto treat acne.
Researchshows that benzoyl peroxide is:
Over-the-counter (OTC) benzoyl peroxide products range from2.5 to 10percent concentrations. It’s also FDA-approved as a prescription med for acne vulgaris. Basically, benzoyl peroxide can tackle everything from “innocent spot” to “cystic acneof your teenaged nightmares.”
What does benzoyl peroxide even do for your skin?
All the breakout-banishing things!
It kills bacteria
Benzoyl peroxide is antimicrobial. That means it’s hella good at decimating bacteria that could sink into your pores and cause zits.
Fewer bacteria = fewer breakouts. #winning
It eases inflammation
Y’know the swelling andrednessof a particularly bad breakout? The inflamed, pus-filled zits that your doc urges you notto pop? Well, benzoyl peroxide is like putting a cool, wet cloth on the flames.
It clears out gunky pores
If you struggle withblackheadsand whiteheads, benzoyl peroxide can help.
As an antiseptic, benzoyl peroxide sweeps away dead skin cells, excess oil, and trapped bacteria. It Marie Kondo’s the eff out of yourpores.
It helps treats cystic acne
But BP is the MVP against this tricky pimple prob.
Sciencesays benzoyl peroxide wards off bothC. acnesandP. acnes— bacteria strains that play a key role in the development of cystic acne.
A2021 reviewalso found that applying benzoyl peroxide daily for 2 weeks led to a 98 percent reduction inP. acnes.🤯
So who should use benzoyl peroxide?
DermatologistElaine Kung, MD, FAAD, recommends benzoyl peroxide if you have:
Kung says these groups should skip benzoyl peroxide in favor of gentler acne treatment:
Bottom line: Benzoyl peroxide is great for peeps with inflammatory acne (red, swollen bumps) or noninflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads). It’snotrecommended if you have ultra-sensitive skin.
How to use it
Adding benzoyl peroxide to your arsenal is easy. The key is to start small and follow the instructions on your product’s label.
How to apply
When to apply
There’s no right or wrong time of day to apply benzoyl peroxide. Just be sure to use sunscreen if you apply this ingredient during the day.
If you’re not sure whether to incorporate benzoyl peroxide into your morning or night routine, consult the product label.
How often to apply
Though you may apply benzoyl peroxide up to 2 times per day, Kung recommends starting with just a 2-3 times per week.
“Our skin builds a tolerance to skin care products,” Kung says, adding that it’s best to use the product for a couple of months before you increase the frequency. “Don’t jump into using something every day, twice a day from the get-go.”
If your skin becomes dry or irritated (more on that below), take a break from the product.
Side effects and precautions
Benzoyl peroxide is considered safe for most people. Here’s what you need to know about potential risks and side effects.
Common skin side effects
Side effects of topical benzoyl peroxideinclude:
Though these symptoms rarely signify a serious problem, you may contact a dermatologist if they persist for days.
Kung says benzoyl peroxide has “gotten a bad rap” because of common side effects like dryness and peeling. But she says most reactions can be traced to using a product that is too strong or using too much too often.
Allergic reactions to benzoyl peroxide
About1 in 500people who use benzoyl peroxide foracneexperience an allergic reaction.
Though mild irritation is a common side effect, a red, angry rash is rarer.If you think you might be experiencing an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide, don’t hesitate to call a doctor.
Call 911 if you experience these signs of a life-threatening reaction:
Preggo or breastfeeding?
Here’s the safety info you should know.
How to tackle side effects like peeling
Here’s how to feel better ASAP.
Best benzoyl peroxide products
Pricing guide
1.Face Wash:CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser
Kung recommends this foamingcleanser, which also packs in the holy trinity of hydrators: hyaluronic acid, ceramides,and niacinamide. These ingredients pamper skin so that it will more easily tolerate benzoyl peroxide’s antiseptic action.
2.Body Wash:Panxoyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash
“Our backs have tougher and thicker skin that can usually handle a higher percentage benzoyl peroxide wash,” Kung explains.
This 10-percent concentration is perfect for tacklingback acneor breakouts on other parts of your bod.
3.Spot Treatment:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment
If you wanna zap a zit fast, add this to your arsenal. “It may work as fast as 3 days as a spot treatment for the juicer pimples,” says Kung.
Kung suggests using a Q-tip to dab the tiniest drops on the affected area. Resist the urge to heap it on, as too much benzoyl peroxide could make matter worse.
Note:This product is only approved for folks ages 13 and up.
How to pick a product
Snagging products from trusted brands with great reviews is key. But you also have a few other factors to consider.
Product type
Creams, cleansers, and gels, oh my! It’s probs best to start with just one benzoyl peroxide product. Choose wisely.
Got severe acne? Talk to your dermatologist about a prescription treatment or a collection of products that will work well together.
Concentration
It’s best to start with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide and work upas needed.
Researchsuggests thatlowerdoses of benzoyl peroxide (2.5 percent) are just as effective or even more effective than higher percentages — and with fewer adverse reactions.
If your skin is on the oily side, you might tolerate more benz. If it’s on the dry side, opt for the lowest possible concentration.
Still not sure? Ask a derm for advice based on your skin type and goals.
Other ingredients
Consider snagging a benzoyl peroxide product that also contains one of the following beneficial ingredients:
Other options
Benzoyl peroxide not for you? Try one of these other acne-fighting options.
Frequently asked questions
Is benzoyl peroxide safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
There’s not enough research to know whether benzoyl peroxide is safe while pregnant or breastfeeding.
To err on the side of caution, avoid this ingredient while pregnant. Dial down any risks by keeping it away from your boobs or chest while breastfeeding.
Is benzoyl peroxide good for mild acne?
Yes, over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide products can help treat
How long does it take to see results?
Kung says benzoyl peroxide may be able to kick a single zit within 72 hours. But if you’re combatting regular breakouts, expect to see a difference in about 3 months.
What does benzoyl peroxide do to your face?
Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and clears out pores.
How does benzoyl peroxide treat acne?
Research shows that benzoyl peroxide treats acne by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation associated with inflammatory acne (think pus-filled pimples).
It’s also been found to be moderately comedolytic, which means that it can help inhibit the growth of new zits.
