Benzoyl Peroxide: What You Need to Know

Benzoyl peroxide has been used to treat mild to moderate acne for many years, both alone and in combination with other medications and acne treatments. It can be found in various strengths from 2.5% to 10% and is a mainstay of effective acne treatments.

Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide also has mild anti-inflammatory effects to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with acne.

 Because it has antibacterial effects, benzoyl peroxide works by reducing and eliminating acne causing bacteria deep in the follicle/pore. 

Acne is bacteria, bacteria regrows every 24 hours. By wearing your benzoyl peroxide mask(BPO) nightly, it stops the bacteria from manifesting to the surface in a breakout. Additionally, it can help to clear pores so that acne cannot develop.

Other Things to Know About Benzoyl Peroxide

Like its chemical relative hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide can have a bleaching effect on whatever it touches. Users should be careful with clothing and other fabrics like hand towels, pillowcases and linens.

Those with darker skin may experience a period of discoloring during initial use. This happens as the benzoyl peroxide gradually removes dead skin cells. This process is normal. Many Estheticians recommend a higher percentage BPO to speed the process up. Use of a higher percentage BPO should be monitored by your Esthetician.

Using Benzoyl Peroxide

Some users are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. If that’s the case, starting with a lower concentration is typically the best course of action or cut back to every other day until the skin adjusts. Once you become acclimated, you may increase the concentration and or the length of time you wear your benzoyl peroxide mask. If the lower concentration isn’t effective, then a higher concentration can be tried.

JHarper Acne Pumice scrub contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and is a great way to introduce this powerful treatment into your daily skin care routine. The exfoliating micro-beads help cleanse skin and gradually dissolve in water so as not to damage skin. The scrub should be used every day.

Side Effects and Cautions

Benzoyl peroxide rarely causes any serious reactions. Most users will experience a normal period of skin flakiness, redness, and/or irritation while using benzoyl peroxide. This will subside as your skin adjusts. If these conditions continue for a prolonged period of time, consult your Esthetician.

Benzoyl peroxide makes skin more sensitive to sun exposure.

When applying benzoyl peroxide to your face, avoid getting the BPO near the eyes as it will cause puffiness. Consult your doctor about using benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Until next time…