Acne Treatment Benzoyl Peroxide and the Way It Works

by Annie Enriquez - Advisor for realacnetreatment.com
(Philippines)

When going for an acne treatment benzoyl peroxide is the most commonly and frequently use medication. You can find benzoyl peroxide in numerous over – the – counter products like Clearasil and ProActiv. Being one of the most proven treatments for acne, it had been used for decades now and still the most famous and successful for treating acne.
Most people who are looking for an over – the – counter acne treatment benzoyl peroxide is the first thing they look for. It can be found in different skin cleansers, gels and lotions as well as in stronger prescription creams. Almost all benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products work the same way and it has been always the first choice of treatment among those who are suffering mild and moderate acne problems.

The bacteria which are responsible for acne breakouts are the Propionibacteria acnes or P. acnes. These bacteria cannot live in an aerobic environment. Benzoly peroxide contains oxygen and when it is introduced to the pore it kills the P. acne thus reducing the population of the bacteria leading to a reduced number of acne breakouts in the skin.

Another good thing with benzoyl peroxide is its ability to get rid of the follicle containing excess dead skin cells. Once your pores are clear of cellular debris chances of pore blockages or comedones is reduced. Meaning it is already preventing acne breakouts even before they start.

So if you using benzoyl peroxide for your acne treatment you need to continue using it until your acne clears up because if you stop, the population of P. acnes will start increasing again and your acne will most likely return. If you want to know when to stop using benzoyl peroxide for your acne treatment you need to consult your dermatologist.

During acne treatment benzoyl peroxide is usually effective for mild and moderate acne. You can start working on your acne treatment by using a lotion or gel with 2.5% strength because higher percentages may cause skin irritation. Starting with a lower strength will allow your skin to get accustomed with benzoyl peroxide and once it is used to it you can start using those with higher percentages if you do not observe any results after several weeks of use.

You can apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide lotion after cleaning and drying your skin and you can use it two times a day. Make sure that you apply the lotion over all affected acne areas on your skin since it works to stop pimples even before they start.

When going for an acne treatment benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair, towels and clothing. So you need to be very careful when using it and avoid allowing it to come in contact with any of these materials.

Although benzoyl peroxide is one of the most frequently used acne treatment it has its side effects as well. It’s most common side effects are dryness and flaking and sometimes this can be excessive. It also causes redness and burning. You can reduce this by using an oil – free moisturizing lotion every day. It is always best if you follow all the directions that go with the product or as directed by your dermatologist.

In rare cases severe redness, peeling, extreme burning, itching swelling and rash happens. If this happens, you should stop using it and consult your dermatologist.
When going for an acne treatment benzoyl peroxide is one effective way of getting rid of your acne problems. Make sure that you follow the directions and take necessary precautions when using it.