There are many products to help you become acne free, benzoyl peroxide acne products are among the most prevalent. Over-the-counter preparations that contain benzoyl peroxide include the Proactiv, Clearasil and the Acne Free range. Though benzoyl peroxide has some side effects, they are normally very mild and it is a helpful treatment for most people’s acne. In this benzoyl peroxide review we will consider a number of the treatments which are available and how successful they are.

How Do Benzoyl Peroxide Products Work?

Benzoyl peroxide is a preparation that causes the release of oxygen deep in the skin. The bacteria that is responsible for acne, Propionibacteria acnes, is not able to live in oxygen rich surroundings so this product stops it from growing and causing a problem. The bacteria that causes acne thrives in pores blocked by dust, dirt or dead skin cells which in general happens as a result of surging hormones which produce too much sebum during the teenage years. Benzoyl peroxide can help to prevent more flareups and outbreaks and needs to be used without a break, even when there are no outbreaks, rather than as a spot treatment.

What Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations are Available?

Benzoyl peroxide is recommended if you suffer from mild to moderate acne and can be purchased over the counter as a gel with a concentration of 2.5% as well as in products with up to 10% of the active ingredient. It is a good idea to start with the 2.5% gel, which is usually very helpful, and only increase the concentration when your skin has become accustomed to the product or if you feel it is necessary to improve the effects. You need to wash your face carefully once or twice each day with a benzoyl peroxide wash then put on the lotion or gel. Take care that you apply it over all of the affected area to prevent flareups in otherwise clear skin. For those with acne on the body, benzoyl peroxide body washes are available.

Take Care When Using Benzoyl Peroxide Products

Be careful while using a treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide as it is able to bleach you hair, clothes and could even discolor your pillow case! For those who are using using a body wash containing benzoyl peroxide take care you have dried yourself completely before getting dressed or you could bleach your clothes!

Some Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Preparations

In your aim to become acne free, benzoyl peroxide products will usually be extremely successful but you should be familiar with any side effects that this product can cause. These can include irritation and burning of the skin, dryness, flaking and redness. Though these are by and large very mild if you suffer from a more than a mild reaction immediately stop using it and consult a dermatologist who might be able to recommend alternative treatments. You really should not choose a product with a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide at the outset in case your skin reacts, therefore buy a benzoyl peroxide 2.5 gel first and apply until your skin gets used to it.

Does Benzoyl Peroxide Have Any Long-Term Side effects?

These types of acne preparations have to be applied for a long time to be useful and to stop the acne form recurring. It is well known that benzoyl peroxide is able to produce free radicals in the skin and some people have thought that this might result in skin cancer long after treatment has stopped. Clinical studies have not shown any evidence that this is the case. In spite of this if you are nursing or are pregnant, studies have not shown that benzoyl peroxide is safe for your baby so we advise that you do not use it during this time.

Conclusion

Benzoyl Peroxide preparations are successful and usually well tolerated by nearly everyone as a treatment for acne. These preparations are normally safe and can be used for a long time.

For more information please visit us at Benzoyl Peroxide Products for Acne