Indications
Benzoyl Peroxide is used on the skin to treat mild to moderate acne, including blackheads, whiteheads and red, inflamed spots. It is often used together with other acne treatments such as Adapalene or Clindamycin.
How It Works
It kills the bacteria that live in blocked pores and make acne spots inflamed. It also helps the top layer of skin peel gently, which unblocks pores and reduces oiliness. Bacteria do not become resistant to it.
Dosage and Administration
For use on the skin only. Wash the area with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Apply a thin layer to the whole affected area (not just single spots) once a day, usually in the evening. If the skin copes well after about a week, it can be increased to twice a day. Start with a lower strength (2.5%) if the skin is sensitive. Improvement usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, and the full effect may take up to 3 months.
Interactions
Using it together with other drying or peeling skin products (such as Salicylic Acid, Tretinoin, Sulphur, alcohol-based toners or harsh soaps) can cause more dryness and irritation. If Tretinoin is also used, the doctor may advise applying them at different times of day. Using it at the same time as topical Dapsone may cause temporary yellow or orange skin colour.
Contraindications
Allergy to benzoyl peroxide or any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Common, especially in the first weeks: dryness, peeling, redness, a burning or stinging feeling and mild itching. These usually settle as the skin gets used to it. It can bleach hair, eyebrows, clothes, towels and bedding.
Stop using it and get urgent medical help for signs of a serious allergic reaction: swelling of the face, eyes or lips, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, fainting or widespread hives. Stop and see a doctor if there is severe redness, blistering or swelling of the treated skin.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Very little is absorbed through the skin, and it is generally considered one of the safer acne treatments in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Check with a doctor first. When breastfeeding, do not apply it to the chest area.
Precautions and Warnings
- Keep away from the eyes, lips, inside the nose and mouth, and broken or sunburned skin.
- It makes the skin more sensitive to sun; use sunscreen and avoid sunbeds.
- Use white towels and pillowcases, and let it dry before touching clothes, as it bleaches fabric.
- Use an oil-free moisturiser if the skin gets too dry.
Overdose
Using too much or too often causes more redness, peeling and soreness without clearing acne faster. Wash it off, stop for a few days, and restart less often. If swallowed, seek medical advice.
Therapeutic Class
Topical anti-acne medicine (antibacterial and keratolytic).
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from heat, flames and light, with the cap closed, and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.