What is the Use of Benzoyl Peroxide?

What is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a kind of classic acne treatment drug. The main ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, the common concentration is 5%, and the concentration can also be 2.5% or 10%. If it is below 2.5%, it does not have a very good effect. If it is above 10%, it is too irritating. Benzoyl peroxide has a strong oxidation. After external use, it will slowly release the new ecological oxygen and benzoic acid, quickly destroy microorganisms, and reduce inflammation, and the number of acne propionibacterium will decrease significantly within 48 hours after use, so acne redness symptoms can be significantly reduced. Benzoyl peroxide is used as a first-line topical ointment to treat inflammatory acne.

The use of benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective over-the-counter antibacterial products for acne. It penetrates deep into pores and kills bacteria that cause acne, reducing skin inflammation. Of course, benzoyl peroxide can also cause skin irritation, but it's worth it for its benefits, and unlike other acne antibiotics, it doesn't have bacterial tolerance issues.

The concentration of benzoyl peroxide products is usually between 2.5% and 10%. It is best to start with a minimum concentration of 2.5%. A 2.5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide is much less irritating than 5% or 10%, and no less effective. If using a 2.5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide daily for a week is not effective, try a 5% concentration. In general, if a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide does not work, you should try a prescribed product (such as a topical antibiotic combined with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide) before you try a 10% concentration of benzoyl peroxide powder.

Studies have shown that benzoyl peroxide products with concentrations above 5% reach the upper tolerance limit for skin irritation and can cause dry, flaking, and inflamed skin. Clearly, using benzoyl peroxide in this case does more harm than good.

Note: Studies have shown that the combination of benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics helps reduce bacterial resistance, thereby extending the time the antibiotic works. The combination also helps reduce skin inflammation, which reduces stubborn acne symptoms that neither benzoyl peroxide nor salicylic acid alone can improve. There are many topical prescription products that combine benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics, and you can ask your dermatologist to pick the one that works best for you.

Important note: Anti-acne treatment must be consistent. For many people, getting acne is an ongoing process, so fighting it is not a one-shot deal. Only by adhering to the anti-acne treatment, it is possible to consolidate the anti-acne effect and to avoid the formation of new acne. Consistent daily treatment is a prerequisite to winning the fight against acne.