6 Ways to Treat Dry Skin Caused by Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide can be effective in treating acne, but it can also cause some skin irritation. Over-the-counter (OTC) acne products and prescription drugs with benzoyl peroxide dry up excess sebum (oil), which can cause dry, flaky skin.

Immediately after application, benzoyl peroxide may cause irritation lasting a few minutes. This stinging and burning sensation is typically short-term. Drying, flaking, and peeling skin may persist for much longer, but even these benzoyl peroxide reactions usually go away after the first few weeks of use.

This article will show you a few steps you can take to limit dryness and soothe irritated skin from benzoyl peroxide while keeping your acne treatment on track.

Start Using a Moisturizer

To help calm irritated skin, start by finding a good moisturizer. Use it every day. An oil-free brand can soothe dry skin without aggravating acne. But don't be afraid to use a thicker, more emollient cream if a light lotion isn't cutting it.

For chapped or peeling skin, the best choice is a hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer. It's least likely to irritate your already tender skin.

When using topical benzoyl peroxide, moisturize first. Let in soak in, then apply the benzoyl peroxide. This helps buffer the medication and compensates for its drying effects.

With benzoyl peroxide cleansers or washes, first cleanse, then apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This helps seal in moisture.

Avoid Products That Dry the Skin

Unless your dermatologist says to use them, avoid:

• Oil-absorbing cleansers
• Medicated treatment pads
• Astringent toners

These products can make the dryness worse. Instead, try a gentle, non-medicated cleanser like:

• Dove
• Cetaphil
• Purpose
• The basic Neutrogena bar

If your skin is so chapped that even gentle cleansers sting or burn, skip them. Just use plain water to clean your skin.

Stop using all other OTC acne treatments and products for oily skin types. Once your skin isn't so dry, you can slowly reintroduce them, if necessary.

Start Benzoyl Peroxide Slowly

If you haven't started using benzoyl peroxide, or you've just used it for a few days, you may be able to head off dryness and peeling before it starts. 

Studies suggest applying the benzoyl peroxide every other day to start. Slowly increase it over the next three to four weeks until you're using it daily.

Avoid overuse. Instead, be consistent and avoid gaps in treatment.

Avoid Scrubbing

Don't try to scrub away the peeling skin with a gritty, abrasive scrub. It can cause more irritation and make your skin raw.

If flaking skin is driving you nuts, use a soft washcloth and warm water to gently buff it away. Don't rub too hard, though. Apply a gentle moisturizer right afterward.

Switch to a Gentler Formulation

OTC benzoyl peroxide products come in strengths ranging from 2.5% to 10%. If your skin is unhappy with a high-percentage product, switch to one with less benzoyl peroxide. The amounts are listed on the label.

All benzoyl peroxide formulas will kill the bacteria that cause acne. Higher-strength benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria faster than the lower strengths (2.5% may take 15 minutes, while 5% takes only 30 seconds). Studies have found that the 10% strength does not kill bacteria faster than the 5%.

If you're using a prescription medication and you are experiencing irritation, ask your dermatologist if it comes in a lower strength. If not, ask for ideas to tame the dryness. Or you can try scaling back. As your skin gets used to it, you can bump up to a higher percentage.

Scale Back When Needed

Your skin may need a break from benzoyl peroxide at times. This includes when it's so dry that it's uncomfortable. Don't stop using it altogether, though.

Instead, try cutting back to every other day or a couple times per week. Once your skin feels better, slowly use more until you're back up to the recommended dose.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Dryness and peeling are usually worst during the first few weeks of benzoyl peroxide use. It'll get better over time. But talk to your dermatologist if your skin is:

• Extremely irritated
• Red
• Swollen
• Cracking

Your skin may be too sensitive for this medication. Or you could have a benzoyl peroxide allergy. In either case, you need different acne treatments.

Nearly all acne medications work in part by getting rid of excess oil, and you'll likely have some dryness no matter what you use. If you can't tolerate benzoyl peroxide, which isn't uncommon, see your dermatologist.

Summary

Benzoyl peroxide can cause skin to become dry, red, and flaky. You can help soothe irritation by finding a good moisturizer, choosing gentle cleansers, and avoiding other products that dry out the skin.

When starting, use benzoyl peroxide on alternate days. Use it more often as your skin adjusts. Scrubbing off dry skin can cause irritation. Instead, rub it gently with a soft washcloth and then moisturize.

If your skin needs a break, scale back usage. Then work back up to the usual dose. If irritation persists or gets worse, check with your healthcare provider.