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POSTED: 6 Jul 2023

Is Benzoyl Peroxide Your Key to Clear Skin?

is a common skin concern that affects so many of us, regardless of age, gender or lifestyle. With the sheer number of treatments available, it’s easy to get lost in the search for an effective solution. One active ingredient that consistently proves its acne-fighting prowess is . Yet so many people sleep on it or give up too soon after trying it. This simple can actually prove to be the game changer you’ve been searching for in your quest for clear skin. We’re dedicating this blog post to benzoyl peroxide creams, gels and everything in between. Here is why we think it needs to be in your .

What Does Benzoyl Peroxide Do to Your Skin?

is an compound that has been a staple in the skincare world for many decades. It owes this to its potent and exfoliating properties. It’s a regular star ingredient in various over-the-counter and prescription Acne – visit here,. It comes in a variety of forms including gels, creams, cleansers and lotions.

Acne is mainly caused by the overproduction of sebum, a build-up of dead skin cells and the presence of . Benzoyl peroxide directly addresses two of these issues, since it can kill bacteria and break down dead skin cells. This makes it a valuable weapon against acne.

C. acnes bacteria can’t survive in an oxygen-rich environment. Benzoyl peroxide works by , thereby killing this . Unlike topical antibiotics, it does not appear to drive , which is one of its biggest advantages. It is also keratolytic, which means it can loosen dead skin cells, and this further helps to clear blocked pores.

Benzoyl peroxide can work on all types of acne lesion. It can clear comedones like and by breaking down the blockages of dead skin cells. In inflammatory acne, there are inflamed pustules and papules. Its antibacterial action targets the bacteria causing this inflammation, suppressing the response that drives the lesions. Whilst cystic acne is far more complex and difficult to treat, benzoyl peroxide can still play a supporting role. For more severe forms of acne like nodules and cysts, it can be combined with other treatments. These oral , oral or for a more robust approach.

What’s the Difference Between Benzoyl Peroxide Gel and Cream?

There is a lot of choice when it comes to benzoyl peroxide. Whilst it comes in a range of preparations such as , the two most popular forms are gels and creams. Both deliver the same benefits. The primary difference lies in their preparation, and which one you use depends on your skin type and personal preference. Whichever type of product you choose, remember to patch test it first. Start with lower strengths to figure out your skin’s tolerance level.

Gels are lightweight, absorb fast and leave a matte finish. This makes them ideal for or , though they can be drying. As such, they’re ideal if you only need benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment for a small area. Creams and lotions, on the other hand, are usually more hydrating and may be better suited to or . They’re also best if you need to treat a wider area, such as the entire face or neck. They suit preventative use too. Cleansers and body washes benzoyl peroxide are great for regular daily use and when a large area needs to be covered. They are also useful for moderate to severe acute breakouts, prevention or maintaining results.

How Do You Use Benzoyl Peroxide?

Using benzoyl peroxide is straightforward and you can easily add it into any routine. It’s important, however, to introduce it carefully to get the best out of it and minimise the risk of irritation.

Before fully adding benzoyl peroxide into your routine, conduct a patch test first. Do this by using a small amount of the product on an easily visible area like your collarbone or your forearm. Monitor for 24 hours and check for itching, redness, bumps or any other signs of allergy. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, wash off the product and seek medical help immediately.

Here are our top tips for getting started:

What Are the Side Effects and How Do You Minimise Them?

Like all active ingredients, benzoyl peroxide can cause some side effects. The main one is skin irritation, which usually presents as dryness, peeling, redness, itching or stinging. Irritation is most likely to occur when you first start using benzoyl peroxide and usually settles with time. Of course, there’s also the risk of an allergic reaction. This can be mild (with symptoms similar to irritation) or severe (such as anaphylactic shock).

Here are some tips to reduce the side effects and risks of benzoyl peroxide:

Who Should Not Use Benzoyl Peroxide?

Whilst benzoyl peroxide is generally safe for most people, it’s not suitable for everyone. People with sensitive skin, or those who have had allergic reactions to it in the past, should avoid using it. They may be better off with gentler options like or instead. Additionally, anyone who is pregnant or nursing should consult a doctor or skin specialist before using products benzoyl peroxide. You should also speak with your skincare professional if you’re using other possibly irritating topical treatments, like retinoids or other acne .

How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Work with Other Acne Treatments?

Incorporating benzoyl peroxide into your skincare routine can be an effective way to target acne. However, it is important to consider how it reacts with other skincare ingredients. In particular, benzoyl peroxide gels and cleansers can be quite drying. So, it’s really important to use hydrating to protect and maintain your skin’s barrier. , glycerol, and are all great ingredients to look for.

If you are using active skincare, then be very about combining benzoyl peroxide with other possibly irritating ingredients. These include or retinoids like , , or . In these situations, you should seek the guidance of a skincare doctor. This is because combining these products can over-exfoliate and your skin, causing more harm than good. They may advise stopping some actives, or adjusting the strength and of your active products to reduce irritation.

As you can see, benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ally in the battle against mild, moderate and even severe acne. Even though it may seem out of date or old-fashioned, it could be the game changer you’ve been seeking. As with any potent active, you get the best result by slow, using it regularly and listening to your skin. It is also worth speaking with a doctor if you have stubborn or severe acne. They will ensure you use the most effective and safe products.

At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised . Our online clinic offers safe and effective treatments using ingredients like and where appropriate. Our doctors treat skin conditions like , , and . To start your personalised plan, book a or use . The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.