What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used to treat acne breakouts. It can be found in lotions, creams, gels, and even toner-like solutions.
Benzoyl peroxide is classified as an antimicrobial, which means it helps reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Less bacteria means less breakouts!
What are the Possible Side Effects?
Benzoyl peroxide, like many acne medications, can cause dryness and peeling. It can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it‘s important that you wear sunscreen every day.
By starting off slowly, it’s less likely that you’ll get really uncomfortable dryness and peeling.
Where Can I Find Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments?
Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter acne treatment products. And you have many choices. From cleansers, to toners, to lotions and gels, you can find a benzoyl peroxide treatment in a product you like.
You have prescription options too. Some of these medications, like Benzamycin and BenzaClin, contain additional acne treatment ingredients. Your doctor will tell you which, if any, of these treatments will work for you.
Hey! Isn’t Benzoyl Peroxide Used in Proactiv?
Yes, the active ingredient in Proactiv is benzoyl peroxide. Proactiv broke ground as the first successful acne treatment kit on the market. Some Proactiv products also contain ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid.
But Proactiv isn’t the only acne treatment regimen that contains benzoyl peroxide. Many other brands have followed in Proactiv’s wake, so you have plenty of other choices if you’re looking for an all-inclusive acne skin care kit. Many are less expensive, too, so you’ll save some money.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
Patience is a virtue, and this adage definitely applies to treating acne. Benzoyl peroxide, like all treatments, takes time to work. You may need to wait eight to 10 weeks or more before seeing a noticeable improvement in your skin.
As tempting as it may be, don’t slather on more medication, or apply more often than directed. You’ll increase your chances of annoying side effects.
