Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 March 2010 22:00

Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne

Benzoyl peroxide is a commonly used topical treatment for mild and moderate acne. It's probably the best acne treatment to try first. It works by breaking down dead skin cells and unblocking sebaceous glands. This allows sebum to escape from the pores rather than becoming trapped. Benzoyl peroxide also helps to kill bacteria on the skins surface.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in many forms including cleansers, creams, gels and lotions. You can buy benzoyl peroxide over the counter from a pharmacy. It comes in a 2.5%, 4%, 5%, and 10% strength.

How to use Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is usually applied twice daily, directly to areas of the skin affected with spots. Many people find it works best if you wash the skin 20-30 minutes before applying.

Benzyl peroxide can cause irritation, redness and dryness. About 1 in 3 people get these side effects. If you do get side effects try using small quantities every second day, then increase to once a day as your skin get used to it, with the aim to work up to twice a day. Apply it to dry rather than wet skin and use a light moisturizer.

Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, lips, and inside of the nose. Do not apply it to open wounds or irritated skin. Be careful when applying it as it can bleach hair or clothing.

Benzoyl peroxide doesn’t have any known drug interactions so can be used alongside other acne treatments. However be careful if you are using other treatments that also have a drying effect on the skin.

Products containing Benzoyl Peroxide:

• Panoxyl Acnegel 10 - An effective treatment for mild to moderate acne
• Panoxyl Wash - An effective daily wash to treat acne.
• Quinoderm Cream
• Quinoderm Facewash
• Oxy 10
• Clearasil

There is a gel that combines benzoyl peroxide with a topical antibiotic called clindamycin (Duac Once Daily). Benzoyl peroxide reduces the oiliness of the skin immediately, but it may take four to six weeks of treatment before the full effect of both medicines is seen. Ask your doctor for more information.