Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical formula that is often found in various skincare products. It can be used as a serum as well as a treatment along with other products. Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the top acne treatments. It fights the bacteria that cause acne, pimples, and irritation on the skin. Similar acids like benzoyl peroxide are salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
Benzoyl Peroxide can be a powerful product in itself. It is recommended that users consult their dermatologists or pharmacists before purchasing it.
How to use Benzoyl Peroxide
It is an excellent choice for people with oily to combination skin who are more prone to acne. Benzoyl helps to reduce red bumps, pimples, blemishes, etc.
Benzoyl comes in different forms. Because it treats acne, it comes in the formulation of a face wash a lot and lotion, not to be confused with moisturizing but more of a spot treatment moisturizing lotion. It also comes as a gel formula for anyone who prefers it that way. As mentioned previously, it is extreme, so you do need to rub a lot of it on your face every day, three times a week because it will take less for your skin to break out due to over-exfoliation.
Make sure to use it twice a day, only on your acne spots or irritated area. If you use a cleanser, then make sure not to leave it on your skin for more than 30 seconds. Cleansing needs to be done very quickly because, again, too much exfoliation will dry out your skin, leaving your skin feel flaky.
Avoid any eye or hair contact because it is a chemical. Benzoyl peroxide needs to be applied very gently on the face, and because it absorbs water, your face needs to be damp because it is a spot treatment. You need to make sure to let it sit before you go ahead with your skincare routine and apply other serums or moisturizers.
Other medical use
Benzoyl is often used as a whitening tool for teeth. This is also why you need to be careful not to let it touch your hair or any other part of your body or clothing since it will leave stains.
Side effects
Not every skin type suits chemicals, especially when they are this strong. Certain skin types can be susceptible to benzoyl peroxide. If you purchase skincare products that may have benzoyl peroxide in them, then check the product’s ingredient list. A lot of the time, we do not consider patch tests. However, it is imperative that you do a patch test by putting benzoyl peroxide on your hand and look for irritation. Benzoyl usually takes time to show results, so it may take time, but if there are no side effects such as redness or irritation, then you can use benzoyl.
Other side effects of benzoyl peroxide include burning or stinging. Moreover, your skin may also start peeling off, in case of which you should check in with your doctor, even though the affected area of the skin peeling off is also a sign of the chemical working. It is better to be safe than sorry.
