Can a Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Really Get Rid of Pimples?
Posted on December 28th, 2009 | by lose_spots |
For almost 90 years, benzoyl peroxide has been the most widely prescribed acne treatment. As people have discovered that acne is not really caused by bacteria, and benzoyl peroxide is thought of as an antibacterial agent, shouldn’t this pimple cream it have fallen out of favour by now as a way to treat it? Haven’t we found something better? Isn’t it just a waste of time? And what about its undesirable side effects like peeling, irritated skin, and bleached clothing? For many people, benzoyl peroxide simply works. That’s why it is so popular even today. If you have moderate to severe acne, it won’t do much good, but if you have light acne and want to avoid your small breakouts, a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment can do the trick. (But you have to know the correct way to use it!)
B.P. works by killing P.acnes bacteria that can infect blackheads and whiteheads and turn them into inflamed pimples It is also effective at unclogging blocked pores on your skin. The main problem is that it can be harsh on your skin and skin irritation can actually make your acne worse. Here’s how to avoid that irritation: never buy a B.P. product that is stronger than 2.5%. Clinical studies have proven that stronger formulations are not more effective. Dermatologists often prescribe creams that are 10% in strength, but they work no better than the 2.5% gels you can buy over the counter. Save your money, and your skin, by using these milder products.
Forget about washes and cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide. They don’t stay on your face long enough to have any effect. Stick to creams and gels. If you can tolerate alcohol-based products, try them, as they may be even more effective but if you have sensitive skin stick to creams and gels. Apply only a thin layer in the morning after washing your face and at night before you go to bed. Don’t apply it just to spots, cover the whole area where you get pimples for best results.
Here’s another tip that can make these products even better: they are much more effective if you use them in combination with products containing salicylic acid. That’s because salicylic acid penetrates clogged pores and takes the B.P. deeper into your skin. In this case, two products can actually help you more than one! The great thing is, these two products tend to be very inexpensive when purchased over the counter at your pharmacy or on the internet. No prescription required. For other products that work well for moderate to severe acne, check out these acne treatment reviews.
If you have moderate to severe acne, a benzoyl peroxide topical acne treatment won’t help you. But if you are one of the millions who suffer from mild acne and the occasional breakout - benzoyl peroxide is still worth a look - even after all these years.



























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