Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most popular ingredients used for the treatment of acne. Beloved by adults and teenagers alike, we have clients ask our Estheticians about this effective and powerful tool every day.
Acne can occur due to the bacteria known as propionibacterium acnes, or p. acnes for short. When a pore gets clogged from dead skin cells etc, p. acnes get trapped, inflammation sets in and pimples occur. Treatment to stop pimples should involve increasing the amount of oxygen that gets inside a clogged pore where p. acnes are trapped because these bacteria cannot thrive in the presence of excess oxygen.
Benzoyl peroxide creates oxygen within the pore to kill the p. acnes bacteria and it eliminates the dead skin cells that clog pores which reduces inflammation that occurs with pimples. Benzoyl peroxide can come in a myriad of forms, but most people use it in cleansers, creams, and gels. Although you can use prescription strength benzoyl peroxide, even people with moderate to severe acne will achieve results from over-the-counter products.
Despite all of the benefits of benzoyl peroxide, there can be side effects. The most common problem is over drying of the skin. Remember to always use a light-weight and oil-free lotion to keep the skin moisturized. We recommend that you begin with a lower concentration of 2% or 3% benzoyl peroxide before using the stronger levels that can be from 5% to 10%. If you see redness or irritation when using benzoyl peroxide, try using a low concentration of the product and/or using it less frequently until your skin acclimates. For example, you may just use it at night for 2 weeks and then add a morning application to increase your benefit. Also, use SPF on a daily basis to avoid overexposure and burning from sunlight.
Here are some products that our clients love and you will too...
- Looking for a mild concentration of 2.5%? Try Bioelements Breakout Control to dry out pimples and speed up the healing process.
- DDF BP Gel with Tea Tree uses 5% benzoyl peroxide to control pimples, blackheads and other forms of acne while Tea Tree Oil promotes quick recovery.
- One of the easiest ways to give your skin its' twice a day dose of benzoyl peroxide is with Glymed Plus Serious Action Skin Wash. Aloe leaf juice provides a soothing element to this cleanser that reduces inflammation and relieves irritated skin.
- Zinc and benzoyl peroxide work together in Dermalogica Hit the Spot treatment. This potent pimple killer works quickly on individual pores to kill acne causing bacteria and reduce redness and swelling.
