Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne
Benzoyl peroxide is an
organic peroxide compound, the first to be created with artificial synthetic
techniques, that has since expanded to become one of the most useful
industrial substances today, due to its wide range of applications, which
include the treatment of acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is a potent antiseptic, terrific for introducing oxygen
into the skin pores, which effectively wipes out bacteria.
Dermatologists and other skin care specialists typically recommend a
solution with a concentration strength of 2.5 percent, though 5 and 10
percent solutions do exist. It
was originally thought that higher concentrations would be exponentially
more effective, but studies have since revealed that the 5 and 10 percent
solutions are not significantly better than the 2.5 solution.
Moreover, people do not tolerate 5 and 10 percent solutions well, as
these are found to be too harsh for regular use and cause plenty of
irritation, which can be even more uncomfortable than the acne outbreaks
they seek to address.
Initially, even the
2.5 percent solution of benzoyl peroxide will not be appreciated by your
skin, causing dryness and an unsettling sensation, but the skin should adapt
to the effects of the solution within a week or two.
In remote cases, an individual may suffer what is akin to an allergic
reaction to the benzoyl peroxide, caused by heightened sensitivity, and
suffer a burning sensation, peeling and swelling.
In these cases, the application of the solution must be carefully
regulated, if not stopped altogether should the sensitivity not be reduced
through gradual tolerance buildup.
Benzoyl peroxide is a substance that appears to function better the
more of it there is seeped into one’s skin, so a system of increasing dosage
works best to achieve optimum acne clearance results.
As earlier mentioned,
one of benzoyl peroxide’s greatest virtues is that it acts as an
anti-bacterial agent, since the bacteria that are responsible for acne
formation typically cannot survive in an environment infused with oxygen.
Benzoyl peroxide is also an efficient acne eradicator due to its
trait as an exfolliant, removing excess dead skin cells from the follicles
and pores, which tend to build up and cause the blockage that leads to acne
outbreaks. In this manner,
benzoyl peroxide is a preventive treatment as well as a remedial one, wiping
out the possibility that an acne breakout will occur.
The common recommended
dosage of a benzoyl peroxide solution is once or twice daily, thoroughly
covering all areas affected by acne.
A thin layer is prescribed in some cases, but as the skin develops
tolerance, increased dosages may yield better outcomes.
The application of the solution should not only be on the
acne-riddled areas, but in all other susceptible locations at the affected
areas, to prevent future outbreaks.
Benzoyl peroxide has a
strong bleaching effect, so it is highly advised not to allow the substance
to come in contact with clothing, towels or hair, or at least clothing that
you do not wish to spoil. You
may want to wear an old shirt while waiting for the solution to dry, if it
is applied to your back, and make sure that it dries thoroughly before going
to bed, so that you do not bleach your sheets or pillows.
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