Acne and Topical Bactericidals
Acne vulgaris, commonly called acne, is one of the
things closely related to the wonderful world of adolescence, though it was
far less than wonderful for many pubescent kids, as most of you might
remember. Asides from a ton of
terribly difficult homework, constant peer pressure and overbearing parents,
it seemed your own body was staging a revolt.
Hair appeared to pop up just everywhere, and due to the above
mentioned skin problem, looking at the mirror could cause a nervous
breakdown. While that may be an
extreme case, leaving acne untreated is known to cause self-esteem issues.
It doesn’t have to be all bad though,
as acne at least has many remedies, and the use of topical bactericidals is
arguably the most popular for mild to moderate cases.
While triclosan and cholorhexidine have been used with
mild success, the most effective topical bactericidals for acne use benzoyl
peroxide as the main ingredient. Such
a product works in two ways. First, it is successful as a keratolytic,
meaning it cleans up the dead skin cells, comprised of keratin, that plug up
the pores. Second, it works as an
excellent oxidizer. Propionibacteria
acnes just love to grow in these blocked pores full dirt and excess sebum.
It is also responsible for acne outbreaks. These
bacteria however, cannot thrive in oxygenated environments.
By acting as an oxidizer, benzoyl
peroxide plunges these bacteria into oxygen, thereby eradicating them.
This one two punch is what makes this
topical bactericidal so effective. Continued
use of these products is also encouraged even after it seems all the acne is
gone. Pores can easily get re-clogged
and bacteria infested, especially in the teenage years when hormones promote
the production of sebum.
Benzoyl peroxide can come in a variety of forms such as
gels, soaps, creams, and cleansers. For
those suffering from acne all over the body, this bactericidal also comes in
a full body wash. They also come in a
variety of concentrations, but the 2.5% solution is the most popular.
Studies show that higher
concentrations, such as those up to 10 %, do not necessarily get rid of more
acne. They are also responsible for
higher instances of skin dryness and flaking.
It is advised however, that people start with lower concentrations
for the skin to get used to the treatment. After
a few weeks, higher strength products may be applied.
This course of action is not generally recommended, however, as they
can cause more side effects, such as redness and irritation.
As this product
can be used for several years, it is being researched if prolonged benzoyl
peroxide use promotes the release of free radicals that cause cancer.
Since it is a type of bleach, it is
also suggested one keep it away from hair and clothes.
The face is one of the most sensitive
parts of the body, and certainly not the first place you would consider
splashing on bleach. As of now
however, topical bactericidals with this ingredient are considered very safe
to use and are relatively affordable, ranging from four dollar tubes to 15
dollar canisters.
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