Do Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Acne Treatments Work?

Benzoyl peroxide (B.P) is probably the most widely used topical acne treatment today, and has been for forty years. As people have discovered that acne is not really caused by bacteria, and benzoyl peroxide is thought of as an antibacterial agent, shouldn't it have fallen out of favor by now? Haven't we found something better? Isn't it just a waste of time? And what about its undesirable side effects like peeling, irritated skin, and bleached clothing? In spite of all of these arguments benzoyl peroxide acne treatments still dominate the market because - here's the surprise - they work! Not for everybody - if you have moderate to severe acne or cystic acne, B.P. won't do much for you, but if you have light acne and want to avoid your small breakouts, a B.P. topical acne treatment can help. (But you do need to know the right way to use it!)  

B.P. works by killing P.acnes bacteria that can infect blackheads and whiteheads and turn them into inflamed pimples. It can also help to clear out your clogged pores. The problem is that it also irritates your skin and that irritation can actually make your acne worse (and it sure doesn't feel good!) Here's how to avoid that irritation: never buy a B.P. product that is stronger than 2.5%. Clinical studies have proven that stronger formulations are not more effective. Dermatologists often prescribe creams that are 10% in strength, but they work no better than the 2.5% gels you can buy over the counter. Save your money, and your skin, by using these milder products.

Forget about washes and cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide. They don't stay on your face long enough to have any effect. Stick to creams and gels. If you can tolerate alcohol-based products, try them, as they may be even more effective but if you have sensitive skin stick to creams and gels. Apply only a thin layer in the morning after washing your face and at night before you go to bed. Don't apply it just to spots, cover the whole area where you get pimples for best results.

Here's something you might not know about benzoyl peroxide acne treatments: they are much more effective if you use them in combination with products containing salicylic acid. That's because salicylic acid penetrates clogged pores and takes the B.P. deeper into your skin. In this case, two products can actually help you more than one! The great thing is, these two products tend to be very inexpensive when purchased over the counter at your pharmacy or on the internet. No prescription required.

If you have moderate to severe acne, a benzoyl peroxide topical acne treatment won't help you. But if you are one of the millions who suffer from mild acne and the occasional breakout - benzoyl peroxide is still worth a look - even after all these years.