Benzoyl Peroxide

One of the best easy to find ingredients is Benzoyl Peroxide and in fact is efficient in treating mild to moderate cases of acne. Exactly why do I am aware this? I am aware this because my daughter had very bad acne and uses it to great effect, reducing the redness within a few days. It’s safe for children to utilize coupled with adults. Benzoyl peroxide can often be merged with other topical treatments and skin cleaners.

How Do you use it?

Benzoyl peroxide works by destroying the bacteria that causes acne, it acts as an oxidising agent coupled with an antiseptic by reducing the number of comedones, or blocked pores. It really is not that expensive and it is available off the shelf, if applied twice every day (morning and night) you will start to see an improvement very quickly. Overall though it will take time usually about 3 – 4 weeks to see a substantial improvement but it’s well worth it and you have to remember to use it regularly.

Although benzoyl peroxide kills existing acne it is increase your body’s natural capacity bacteria. It is advisable to make sure to keep treating the acne-prone areas, regardless that your breakouts will quickly disappear. This type of acne treatment although killing bacteria it doesn’t affect sebum production or the rate at which you lose your dead skin cells. The bacteria will return if you stop using it and thus your acne returns.

Where can you Get it?

Benzoyl peroxide is available in a large selection of lotions, gels, creams and cleansers in non-prescription. Concentrations vary from a maximum of 10% down to 2.5%; it can be also available in medications which might be prescribed by doctors and dermatologists like Benzamycin?, BenzaClin?, and Duac™. As with any treatment, read the instructions properly and follow precisely what they say.

Side Effects.

The most common complication is dryness even though dryness will most likely be mild. The skin may also become visibly scaly but that is easily remedied by applying a moisturiser that is oil-free. If you experience irritation, dryness or sound like getting dermatitis and you really are using a 5% – 10% concentration of Benzoyl peroxide, give your skin layer some time to heal and then try a lower concentration of 2.5%. If you are just experiencing a mild irritation, try using it a little less frequently. If your irritation persists or becomes severe even when you’re applying it less frequently, you need to discontinue using it.
If you have dermatitis it will show up as red, dry, itchy skin this could be due to an allergic reaction. If you feel you are allergic to Benzoyl peroxide you must discontinue use immediately and treat your skin with a mild steroid, such as hydrocortisone cream which can be purchased in most Chemist shops. Up to about 2% of people are experiencing a mild allergic reaction to Benzoyl peroxide. One small word of caution though Benzoyl peroxide can bleach your clothes so it would pay to be sure your epidermis is completely dry and you wash and dry your hands properly before touching any clothing.

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