Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur and resorcinol are FDA (Federal Food and Drug Administration) approved OTC (over the counter) active ingredients to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide, Acne Treatment, is a topical antibiotic medically testing slightly below the number-one treatment, oral tetracycline. The "benzoyl” propels "peroxide" into the follicle, releasing oxygen killing the anaerobic Acne P. bacteria responsible for break outs. Anaerobic defines a bacterium that can not survive in the presence of oxygen. Acne Definition

Since acne is two-pronged --
1.your body provides the house (living environment and food) where the bacteria live
2.and the actual bacteria

the treatment must follow suit. Retin-A or any pharmaceutical retinoid, azelaic acid or glycolic acid (once the proper strength is found) will clear the follicle, not allowing a suitable growth environment. Benzoyl peroxide, oral or topical antibiotics keep the bacteria population down, limiting or eliminating breakouts. The success of a benzoyl peroxide program is determined by the product's concentration strength and frequency of application. Applied once, sometimes twice, a day to control the bacteria count, missing one or two days can bring on a new crop of pimples. Its anti-inflammatory action reduces swelling and redness allowing the skin to heal. The sloughing action promotes follicular peeling to evacuate closed comedones and open comedones called black heads.

A stellar point for benzoyl peroxide is not causing bacteria to become resistant to its benefits or properties. Moderate to severe acne may take from three weeks to several months to start showing improvement.

Benzoyl peroxide side effects: Dryness, redness and scaly skin are experienced if the product is initially used in too high a concentration, or applied too often. Occasionally, these symptoms, if severe, may signal an allergy to benzoyl peroxide, and often include swelling, itching or tenderness. Dilute an over-the-counter, cream-based hydrocortisone cream with a little water to treat existing irritation. Allergy aside, the skin will adjust to benzoyl peroxide over a period of a few weeks. A proteolytic enzyme used as an exfoliant will temporarily remove flaky skin. Additional application instructions are included in your order. Unfortunately, benzoyl peroxide does bleach clothing, carpets, bedding, etc., so allow the product to dry completely on the skin before coming in contact with fabrics. A clean, white, inexpensive cotton men's or boy's t-shirt changed nightly will prevent problems with benzoyl peroxide used on the body. Darker-skinned people need to watch that prolonged contact does not cause temporary brown or discolored application areas.

A doctor recommended treatment for all grades of acne