Benzoyl peroxide, or BPO, is an antiseptic agent that kills the bacteria responsible for acne, says the best dermatologist in Mumbai. It’s also a mild exfoliate, which helps clear your pores of dirt and debris.
You can use benzoyl peroxide in creams, lotions, or gels for acne-prone skin. However, it can cause dryness and redness if used for long periods of time.
Table of Contents
It kills acne-causing bacteria
Benzoyl peroxide is a popular over-the-counter acne treatment that works by killing bacteria and unclogging pores. It comes in a variety of products, from gels to cleansers and spot treatments.
Unlike salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells and oil, benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria that cause acne. It also unclogs pores and helps dry up oily skin.
You can find 4%, 2.5%, and 5% benzoyl peroxide products over-the-counter. Benzoyl peroxide can also be found in some prescription creams for acne.
While it can be effective, benzoyl peroxide can irritate your skin and lead to dryness and flaking. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to consult a dermatologist before using benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide may be used in conjunction with antibiotics to help treat more severe cases of acne. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for benzoyl peroxide to work effectively, and you should continue to use it regularly until your acne clears up.
It unclogs pores
When pores are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria, inflammatory acne can form. This can be in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts (deep forms of acne).
It is catalytic, which means it breaks up the plugs in your pores. It also helps reduce sebum and dry out oily skin.
You can find benzoyl peroxide in many over-the-counter acne treatment products. These can come in the form of washes, creams, and gels.
Benzoyl peroxide can fade away some types of scars too while you get acne treatment in Mumbai without causing any irritation. But it is not a cure for acne and may not work for all skin types.
Other acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid, sulfur, adapalene, and tea tree oil, are better options for some people. And you can always talk to a dermatologist to find the right solution for your skin type.
It reduces redness
Benzoyl peroxide is a catalytic, meaning it unclogs pores and can help reduce oil production. It also encourages shedding of dead skin cells, which can reduce the appearance of scars.
It’s important to note, however, that benzoyl peroxide isn’t the same as hydrogen peroxide (that squeaky-clean liquid in your medicine cabinet). The two have very different modes of action:
When applied to the face, benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria called cut bacterium acnes by oxidizing their bacterial proteins. This mode of action differs from that of antibiotics, which kill acne-causing bacteria through a process called cell wall synthesis.
Benzoyl peroxide is available in a number of acne treatment formulations recommended by the best dermatologist in Mumbai, including creams, gels, and washes. It’s important to select the right product for your skin type and preference, Levy says.
It helps dry up oily skin
Benzoyl peroxide, says the best dermatologist, is an FDA-approved acne medication that kills the bacteria that cause pimples and prevents future comedones acne (whiteheads, blackheads). It also exfoliates dead skin cells and reduces redness.
But, as a result of these effects, benzoyl peroxide can make your skin dry and peeling. This can be very annoying for many people, but it’s a normal side effect of benzoyl peroxide and it usually goes away as your skin acclimatizes to the medication over time.
The best way to control benzoyl peroxide’s drying effects is to use a moisturizer twice daily while you’re on the medication. If you’re new to benzoyl peroxide, start off slowly by using it every other day and gradually working up to applying it every day.
Conclusion
You can also try using cosmetic blotting papers to absorb excess oil. But, as Armstrong warns, it’s important not to scrub your skin with these blotting sheets or they could actually stimulate more oil production.
