{"id":9678,"date":"2023-01-03T12:00:07","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T04:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ensoulclinic.com\/pros-and-cons-of-benzoyl-peroxide-acne-treatment\/"},"modified":"2023-05-25T10:17:21","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T02:17:21","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-benzoyl-peroxide-acne-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ensoulclinic.com\/cn\/pros-and-cons-of-benzoyl-peroxide-acne-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"\u8fc7\u6c27\u5316\u82ef\u7532\u9170\u6cbb\u7597\u75e4\u75ae\u7684\u4f18\u70b9\u548c\u7f3a\u70b9"},"content":{"rendered":"

With acne<\/a> affecting more than 85% of the world\u2019s teenagers, it\u2019s not surprising that there\u2019s a huge demand for treatments that are effective, conveniently available, and inexpensive as well. Now, pick any over-the-counter acne treatment product from your chemist and go through its ingredient list. Chances are that it contains benzoyl peroxide. Available in over-the-counter gels, cleansers and spot treatments, this ingredient comes in different concentrations for mild to moderate breakouts.<\/p>\n

While benzoyl peroxide can effectively get rid of bacteria and dead skin cells that clog your pores, it has limitations. In this article, we\u2019ll explore the pros and cons and when to speak to a doctor regarding your condition.<\/p>\n

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) has been an important component of topical therapy for acne vulagaris for more than five decades due to its ability to markedly reduce Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) <\/em>and inflammatory acne lesions and its ability to moderately reduce noninflammatory acne lesions [1]. Unlike antibiotics, which induce alterations in bacterial structure, specific enzymes, and\/or nuclear cytoplasmic proteins, BPO is directly toxic to P.acnes and other bacteria [2].<\/p>\n

When used to treat acne, benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel. This ingredient also reduces oil production<\/a> and can prevent folliculitis (or inflamed hair follicles).<\/p>\n

Despite being a popular ingredient in a large variety of acne gels, cleansers, and other acne OTC products, has some shortcomings too. \u00a0But before we jump into that, let\u2019s find out now this seemingly powerful ingredient treats acne.<\/p>\n

\"benzoyl-peroxide-acne-spot-treatment\"<\/p>\n

How does Benzoyl Peroxide treat acne?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Benzoyl peroxide has bactericidal properties and helps treat acne by acting as an oxidizing agent on the skin\u2019s surface. After it is absorbed by the skin, benzoyl peroxide transforms into benzoic acid, 95% of which is absorbed by the body for further excretion through the kidneys.<\/p>\n

Cysteine in the skin metabolises the benzoic acid which then oxidises the bacterial proteins. Thus benzoic acid helps reduce acne vulgaris by minimizing the lipids, free fatty acids, and C.acnes [3].<\/p>\n

Essentially, when applied to the affected skin surface, benzoyl peroxide acts as an exfoliating agent and destroys bacteria too. Benzoyl peroxide also has anti-inflammatory properties that is able to effectively provide relief for active acne, while its anti-comedogenic properties help to keep pores clean and prevent clogging.<\/p>\n

What are the side effects of benzoyl peroxide?<\/h2>\n

While considered safe for most people, benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects. This is especially the case when you first start using the product. It may be helpful to use it once a day, and then build up the frequency in application over time if your skin can tolerate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Dry skin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n

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Bleaching effect on clothing and hair<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n

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Allergic reactions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Despite benzoyl peroxide being effective in exfoliating and removing dead skin cells, excess sebum and acne-causing bacteria, it also peels away the skin in the process. Benzoyl peroxide, given its potency, can cause mild dryness, erythema, and scaling of the skin [4<\/u>].<\/p>\n

As a result, the treated skin areas experience redness, peeling, itching, and irritation. These effects may be more significant for people with sensitive skin. It can leave the skin inflamed, red, dry, and even cracked if the benzoyl peroxide percentage is too high for your skin.<\/td>\n

Benzoyl peroxide is a strong bleaching agent which can result in the discoloration of clothes and hair that come in contact with the topical product [5]. There have been some cases where benzoyl peroxide users have reported that the ingredient even stripped some colour off their hair.<\/p>\n

Others who use benzoyl peroxide as an overnight treatment has reported their bedsheets being stained from the ingredient.<\/p>\n

It is important to your hands thoroughly to keep your hands clean after applying the product on the acne-affected skin surfaces.<\/p>\n

Similarly, it\u2019s better to avoid using benzoyl peroxide before your regular workouts as it could seep into your clothing and hair along with sweat.<\/td>\n

While allergic reactions from benzoyl peroxide are considered rare, they are still possible. Appearance of redness or irritation of the skin are reported in some cases.<\/p>\n

In such situations, it’s advisable to immediately discontinue using the benzoyl peroxide product or products. Seeking emergency medical support is advised in cases of more severe side effects such as swelling and breathing difficulty.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Benzoyl peroxide and skin conditions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Your skin type is a crucial factor in deciding if benzoyl peroxide is an appropriate treatment for treating acne. These products are usually not recommended for people with sensitive skin as it is more susceptible to rashes, irritation, and other side effects. Similarly, benzoyl peroxide products are generally avoided for patients suffering from seborrheic eczema or eczema.<\/p>\n

Benzoyl peroxide vs. Salicylic acid for acne<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

While benzoyl peroxide is a staple for treating inflammatory acne, it\u2019s worth considering salicylic acid if you also have noninflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads).<\/p>\n

Both help clean pores, but salicylic acid\u2019s primary role is to get rid of dead skin cells. Such exfoliating effects may help treat noninflammatory lesions. It also does not stain your hair or fabric like benzoyl peroxide can. But it can still lead to dry, red, and peeling skin, especially when you first start using a product containing salicylic acid.<\/p>\n

\"salicylic-acid-acne-treatment\"<\/p>\n

Other alternatives to benzoyl peroxide<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Benzoyl peroxide isn\u2019t your only treatment for acne and acne scars. There are other ingredients that can also help treat bacteria, excessive oil, and dead skin cells too. Consider the following treatments:<\/p>\n