When used correctly, benzoyl peroxide acne treatment is an extremely effective option for controlling and preventing all types of acne.
Following the guide below will allow you to gradually introduce benzoyl peroxide into your acne treatment routine without suffering from negative side effects normally associated with the medication.
Benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products can be extremely irritating and drying. During the initial weeks of use, most people will experience some dryness, redness, itching, flaking, tightness, or mild peeling. This is temporary and will subside as your skin adapts to the product. Try to put up with some mild to moderate peeling, as it will eventually go away.
Remember, one of the main reasons we use benzoyl peroxide is because it causes peeling inside of the pores where plugs of dead skin and oil are forming. When we see a bit of flaking on the skin's surface, it's actually a good thing -- it means we're getting peeling inside the pores as well!
The peeling action caused by benzoyl peroxide softens and breaks down the acne impactions so that they naturally shed out of the pores. With consistent use, benzoyl peroxide prevents the plugs from forming altogether.
Download a free PDF of the Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Timetable here.
Using this timed treatment schedule will make life much easier for you because it allows your skin to get used to the drying and sometimes irritating effects of the benzoyl peroxide medication.
Apply about a nickel size amount of medication with your fingers and gently work it into your skin until it is fully absorbed.
Most benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products instruct the user to "apply to the affected area". This does not mean, "apply to blemishes" -- it means apply to any and all areas that regularly break out with any type of acne.
In order for benzoyl peroxide to prevent acne, you must consistently apply the medication to the entire area that tends to break out.
For example, if you typically break out on the nose and cheeks -- apply your benzoyl peroxide over the entire area, even if you only have a few visible blemishes. We never know which pores will become clogged next, and microscopic acne plugs are forming every day as skin cells shed and collect in your pores.
In order to prevent future blemishes, you must treat the entire affected area daily.
Once your skin is clear, you'll continue to apply benzoyl peroxide daily to keep new acne lesions from forming.
This technique works much better than simply using BPO as a spot treatment once you already have a blemish. It's the key to getting & keeping clear skin.
Do not use benzoyl peroxide acne treatments on your lower neck or eye area. The tissue around your eyes is very thin and delicate. Benzoyl peroxide is much too active and irritating to be used near the eyes and on the neck.
Do not apply moisturizers or eye cream around your eyes or on your neck while you're wearing benzoyl peroxide acne medication. It will migrate through the cream and cause irritation, redness, and possible swelling.
Always allow your benzoyl peroxide gel to dry thoroughly before going to bed. It can get on your pillowcase and might be transferred to areas where it wasn't applied. If you notice your eyelids getting irritated, try changing your pillowcase more often.
The area next to your mouth extending up to your nose where you have "smile lines" tends to be quite sensitive and is typically the first place you'll notice irritation and/or dryness.
If this area gets too dry, apply a very thin layer of Vaseline to occlude and protect the skin. (Don't worry -- it will NOT break you out!) After a few days, you should be able to tolerate your benzoyl peroxide acne treatment again.
Be sure to wash off your benzoyl peroxide acne medication if you expect to perspire (for example - during exercise, physical labor, or outdoor activity in the sun). When you get hot or sweaty, BPO can feel very uncomfortable. It might also run or drip into your eyes, causing redness and irritation.
The peroxide component of BPO will bleach colored/dyed fabric and may stain silk.
Use a white washcloth and/or white towels when removing it or drying your skin. Use white pillowcases when you wear benzoyl peroxide overnight. Make sure it is completely dry before pulling tight clothing over your head, and wear an old T-shirt or white clothing when wearing it on your back.
Be sure to wash your hands with soap after applying it to avoid bleaching your towels.
Allergies to benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products are rare, but they do happen occasionally. Less than 2% of acne sufferers are truly allergic to benzoyl peroxide.
Dry skin, flaking, and mild irritation are NOT considered an allergic reaction.
An allergy to benzoyl peroxide is characterized by itching, swelling, or burning, accompanied by a rash (similar to poison ivy dermatitis).
If an allergic reaction occurs, stop using your benzoyl peroxide immediately. Once your skin has healed, you can try alternative treatments.
If you skip applications or only use your benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment, you're giving acne a chance to form in your pores. You'll never be able to keep your acne under control if you skip your home care routine.