Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in many topical acne treatments, both over-the-counter and prescription. By understanding how it works, you can decide if it's right for you or not. This will make it easy to reduce and treat any irritation that may occur following the use of drugs that contain it.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Understanding the General Uses and Complications of Benzoyl Peroxide
Step 1. Find out what the uses of benzoyl peroxide are
Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in many topical acne medications, such as Benzac. Acne medications that contain benzoyl peroxide come in various formats, including gels, soaps, lotions, and facial cleansers. Some can be bought without a prescription, while others require it.
Be sure to read the list of active ingredients of the product to find out if it contains benzoyl peroxide and in what concentration
Step 2. Find out how benzoyl peroxide works
Benzoyl peroxide has antimicrobial and exfoliating properties, therefore it helps to eliminate bacteria and stimulate cell turnover in the skin. It is also effective for drying excess sebum from the face. In addition, it reduces inflammation on the areas where it is applied.
Step 3. Identify the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction
It is known that 1-2% of people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide. Although use causes skin irritation, redness and peeling in most cases, the side effects should subside over time. If you continue to suffer from redness and flaking while using it every other day and in extremely low concentrations, it is possible that it is an allergic reaction to the active ingredient.
- Irritation is an extremely common side effect during the first 3 weeks of use and should subside after 4 to 6 weeks.
- Cracks, tenderness, and dry skin are other possible symptoms of an allergy or adverse reaction.
- If you notice symptoms typical of a severe allergic reaction, including tightness in the throat, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, fainting or collapse, call an ambulance immediately.
Step 4. Use it following the instructions to the letter
Whenever you use an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide product, you should apply it according to all instructions on the package insert. If, on the other hand, you bought the drug with a prescription, it is essential to respect the instructions of your dermatologist.
Step 5. Limit exposure to other products
In cases of severe acne, benzoyl peroxide is often combined with topical or oral antibiotics and tretinoin drugs. However, if you combine it with other irritants, use it in combination with products that contain the same active ingredient or you expose yourself excessively to the sun, remember that you are at greater risk of observing skin irritation in the area where it was applied. Be sure to limit exposure to other irritants so that you can accurately gauge the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in treating acne.
The side effects that occur following the combination of benzoyl peroxide and other skin care products are similar to those that occur in the case of an allergic reaction
Part 2 of 5: Test the Product
Step 1. Apply benzoyl peroxide to clean skin
Wash and dry your face before applying, unless it is a cleanser. Make sure your hands are clean before applying and wash them immediately afterwards.
Step 2. Apply it in small doses
Before proceeding with the actual application on the affected areas, it is important to test any product that contains benzoyl peroxide in small doses. To do this, apply a small amount of the product to the acne affected areas.
- Start by using a minimal concentration (such as 2-5%) to reduce skin irritation.
- Avoid contact with mouth, nose or skin lesions. Do not apply it around the eyes or around the lips. Benzoyl peroxide is an active ingredient intended for topical use and should not come into contact with mucous membranes, such as the nose, mouth or eyes. Wash the affected area with water if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or on a skin lesion.
Step 3. Examine the effects of benzoyl peroxide products
After applying a small amount to the affected area, observe her to determine if she has any symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. Keep in mind that it is normal to see slight redness, tingling or burning on the first application. By applying the product in the evening, the redness should go away or subside the next morning. In case of persistent irritation, use it every other night.
- If you do not observe any side effects (sensitivity, excessive dryness, cracking) and the product gives you good results, continue to use it following the instructions given by your doctor or on the package.
- In rare cases, more severe allergic reactions may occur. If you notice excessive swelling or breathing problems, stop using the product and see your doctor immediately.
Step 4. Stop using
If after applying benzoyl peroxide you start to notice symptoms typical of an allergy, stop using it right away. Mild irritation is normal at first, but contact your dermatologist if you have any concerns or questions.
Step 5. Rinse the product residues with water at room temperature
Wash the affected area several times until the product is completely removed from the skin. Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth. Do not use any soap, as it may worsen the inflammation. Do not rub: instead, rinse gently by massaging the skin gently.
Step 6. Blot to dry
Do not rub the skin to dry it, otherwise you risk exacerbating the irritation. You can use a towel, but a soft fabric like a clean shirt tends to be gentler on the skin. Avoid using cotton pads or swabs, which could leave fibers on the skin.
Step 7. Apply a gentle, all-natural moisturizer
In most cases, natural creams prevent further irritation. Generally it is preferable to use a product for sensitive skin or without fragrances, but first consult a dermatologist. Even products that are theoretically designed for sensitive skin or that do not contain any fragrances can have negative interactions with benzoyl peroxide. Virgin coconut oil is often used to gently moisturize the skin.
Step 8. Avoid reapplying benzoyl peroxide
Do not continue to use products containing benzoyl peroxide after moisturizing the skin or if irritation occurs. Before doing this, consult your dermatologist.
Part 3 of 5: Limit Exposure to Irritants
Step 1. Do not apply products that contain other active ingredients
Skin care products contain a wide variety of active ingredients, many of which can have negative reactions with benzoyl peroxide. Therefore, do not apply other products on the areas treated with this ingredient, in order to prevent the combination of the various active ingredients from causing side effects.
- Be sure to read the label to know the active ingredients of any product you wish to use. Check the ingredient list carefully to make sure it doesn't contain exfoliating substances like resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur, or tretinoin. These active ingredients should be avoided during treatment with benzoyl peroxide.
- Here are other products that may have negative reactions with benzoyl peroxide: isotretinoin (Roaccutan), dapsone, lime, hair dyes, depilatory creams, astringents, shaving creams or aftershave lotions containing alcohol.
- Consult your dermatologist to find out how you might combine benzoyl peroxide with other products. Tretinoin is sometimes combined with benzoyl peroxide to treat more severe acne. A dermatologist will be able to show you how to use both products while minimizing interactions.
Step 2. Do not use multiple products containing benzoyl peroxide
In addition to avoiding skin care products that contain alternative active ingredients, you should also avoid using other benzoyl peroxide products. Using multiple medicines containing benzoyl peroxide can cause the skin to have a negative reaction simply by applying it in excessive doses to the affected area.
Step 3. Limit sun exposure
Avoid the sun as much as possible and always apply broad spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher. Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your skin better. Avoid sun beds and tanning lamps. In the event of a burn, you should not use benzoyl peroxide, unless you are told to do otherwise by your doctor.
Using sunscreen helps prevent areas where you applied benzoyl peroxide from darkening
Part 4 of 5: Consult a Dermatologist
Step 1. Contact a dermatologist to find out if you should use benzoyl peroxide
The type of treatment to follow depends on the type of acne you suffer from. Ask your doctor about the benefits, risks, and possible side effects of using benzoyl peroxide. Write a list of any alternative treatments you have questions about and take it with you to your appointment with your dermatologist.
Step 2. If you take any other medicines, talk to your dermatologist
Any medications you take (including supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter products) could cause an interaction. Here are other things to discuss with your doctor:
- What creams (prescription or over-the-counter) you use;
- What are the various formats of benzoyl peroxide available (lotion, facial cleanser and so on) and which ones would be right for you;
- What are the various concentrations of benzoyl peroxide and whether in your specific case it is better to start with the minimum dosage (to reduce the risk of irritating the skin).
Step 3. Inform the dermatologist of any pre-existing skin disorders
These could include eczema, dermatitis, injury / bleeding, or any other irritation. Benzoyl peroxide is designed for topical use only, while skin lesions or open wounds would allow it to enter the body. In addition, it could worsen ailments such as eczema and other inflammations.
Step 4. Tell your dermatologist if you have had any allergic reactions to benzoyl peroxide in the past
If benzoyl peroxide has already caused you allergic reactions or severe irritation, you should avoid applying it. However, you could use other medicines and acne treatments, so don't despair. Ask your dermatologist to offer you some alternatives.
Step 5. Ask the dermatologist to inform you about possible interactions
Benzoyl peroxide could have interactions with lotions, make-up, facial cleansers, perfumes and other substances that come into contact with the skin. Before using products such as hair removal creams or astringents, ask your doctor for the green light, as they may exacerbate the irritation caused by benzoyl peroxide.
Step 6. Tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are trying to become pregnant or plan to breastfeed
It's not known for sure if benzoyl peroxide is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it's important to talk to your doctor. Be sure to consult with your gynecologist as well.
Step 7. Keep in touch with your dermatologist during treatment
It may be necessary to change the dosage or discontinue use of the product if side effects occur or the treatment proves ineffective. This article is intended to help you make informed decisions regarding benzoyl peroxide treatment and minimize the risk of skin irritation. However, it does not purport to replace the advice of a specialist.
Part 5 of 5: Alternative Treatments
Step 1. Find out about the options available
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the many active ingredients used to treat acne. It is generally adopted for mild to moderate acne. Your dermatologist may suggest or prescribe other treatments, including:
- Salicylic acid, clindamycin, doxycycline, erythromycin and tetracycline;
- Topical medicines such as retinoids (for example Retin-A) or dapsone
- Topical or oral antibiotics;
- Medicines aimed at balancing hormones, such as oral contraceptives (for women) or antiandrogens (for men);
- Isotretinoin (usually used for more severe acne).
Step 2. Learn about alternative treatments
Acne is not always treated with oral or topical medicines. You may want to consider other dermatological treatments, such as phototherapy, lasers, chemical peels, pimple and blackhead extraction, steroid injections.
Step 3. Reduce Stress
While not fully understood, there is a known correlation between stress, cortisol and worsening acne. Learn effective techniques for dealing with stress, such as physical activity, meditation or being in contact with nature. The anti-stress methods adopted should become an integral part of one's daily life.
Step 4. Change your diet
Although dermatologists debate the link between diet and acne, some researchers have found that modifying your diet (specifically by adopting a low glycemic index diet) can be beneficial.
Step 5. Use natural supplements
Despite being a subject of debate among dermatologists, products such as zinc, aloe vera and tea tree oil have been shown to be useful for treating acne, both as an alternative to medicines and in addition to them.
Step 6. Learn about combination treatments
Most dermatologists recommend combining topical and oral medications to combat moderate to severe acne.
Advice
- Do not let benzoyl peroxide come into contact with colored hair or fabrics, as it can cause them to discolour. Allowing the product to dry completely before touching a fabric can reduce the problem.
- Make sure you store benzoyl peroxide products properly. Keep them in their original packaging and avoid storing them in an excessively cold or hot place.
- Keep benzoyl peroxide products out of the reach of animals and children and dispose of them responsibly.
Warnings
- Do not use benzoyl peroxide products if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
- Never share these products with other people, as they may have severe allergic reactions.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging or given to you by your dermatologist to the letter.
