This is so your baby does not come into contact with it. Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding. Some products and medicines can irritate your skin if you use them while you're treating your skin with benzoyl peroxide gel or wash. Do not use benzoyl peroxide with any other medicines that may have drying or irritating effects on your skin. These include alcohol-based skincare products. Always check the ingredients on the label and choose products for sensitive skin.
Do not use other benzoyl peroxide products or other acne medicines such as isotretinoin , unless your doctor or pharmacist says it's OK. It may cause your skin to become very sore. There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements while using benzoyl peroxide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. It also helps to unclog pores by removing dead skin to prevent blockages.
This treats existing acne and may help prevent new spots. Speak to a doctor if your skin does not improve with benzoyl peroxide, or if acne is making you feel very unhappy. They may recommend antibiotics or stronger creams. These treatments are only available on prescription. It is generally OK to use Benzoyl peroxide for a long time, as long as you do not have any serious side effects. When you stop using benzoyl peroxide you may find that acne comes back. You may want to keep using it to keep acne under control.
However, there are other types of acne creams, lotions and gels available to buy from a pharmacy. These have different active ingredients including:. Azelaic acid cream — attacks the bacteria on your skin.
It also reduces the growth of hard skin cells which block your pores and can cause spots. Glycolic acid or lactic acid — helps remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. It improves the appearance of acne scars and makes pores look smaller. Sulphur or sulfur — removes dead skin cells that cog pores and helps remove excess oil. It is usually combined with other active ingredients. There is no evidence that eating chocolate or greasy foods causes spots. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet is recommended because it's good for your heart and your health in general.
No, it will not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. Page last reviewed: 6 September Next review due: 6 September Benzoyl peroxide On this page About benzoyl peroxide Key facts Who can and cannot use benzoyl peroxide How and when to use it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
About benzoyl peroxide Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. You'll usually use it 1 or 2 times a day. The most common side effect is skin irritation. It is better to use it less often at first, then build up as your skin gets used to it.
Benzoyl peroxide is also an ingredient in Duac Once Daily with clindamycin, an antibiotic and Epiduo gel with adapalene, a retinoid. Most adults and children over 12 years old can use benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for some people. To make sure benzoyl peroxide is safe for you, tell your doctor before using this medicine if you: are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or other medicines. These need to be treated by a doctor to avoid scarring. Benzoyl peroxide is for use on your skin only. Always wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
Gently pat your skin dry. Put a thin layer of gel on all the affected areas. If your whole face has acne, use a strip of gel 2. Place a small amount of the product onto your hands. Smooth it onto the affected area.
Keep the wash on your skin for no more than 1 to 2 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with water. Keep from freezing. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address.
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Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. But Proactiv isn't the only acne treatment regimen that contains benzoyl peroxide. Many other brands have followed in Proactiv's wake, so you have plenty of other choices if you're looking for an all-inclusive acne skin care kit.
Many of these acne treatment products are less expensive than Proactiv , so you'll save some money. But you don't need an all-inclusive kit. You can buy benzoyl peroxide cleansers and lotions separately and use them together, basically creating your own acne treatment regimen. Patience is a virtue, and this adage definitely applies to treating acne. Benzoyl peroxide, like all treatments, takes time to work.
You may need to wait eight to 10 weeks, sometimes a bit more before seeing a noticeable improvement in your skin. As tempting as it may be, don't slather on more medication, or apply more often than directed. You'll increase your chances of annoying side effects and it won't clear up acne any faster.
During this time you'll still get new breakouts, so don't fret. Over the course of several weeks, breakouts will slowly become fewer and farther between. If you've used an OTC benzoyl peroxide product for more than 12 weeks and you haven't had any improvement, it's time to see a healthcare provider for a prescription medication or to change your current prescription treatment.
So you're all jazzed up and ready to start using benzoyl peroxide. That's great! But did you know that lots of people stop using benzoyl peroxide before it ever has a chance to work? Knowing what to expect from your treatment can help you get the best results possible. Once you get started with benzoyl peroxide, the biggest tip to remember: be consistent. Consistency is your best friend when treating acne. Skipping days will set your treatment back.
You'll see the fastest improvement with regular, consistent use. Another biggie—keep benzoyl peroxide away from your towels and pillowcases. Benzoyl peroxide will stain anything it comes in contact with. White linens and wearing old shirts to bed will help prevent or minimize benzoyl peroxide stains or at least keep you from being too distressed when staining does happen.
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective treatment for acne. OTC benzoyl peroxide are appropriate for mild acne. Prescription benzoyl peroxide medications work better for moderate acne. But benzoyl peroxide isn't the only acne treatment option available.
If you're having trouble with acne, and need help getting it under control, don't wait to see a healthcare provider. Making that call is the first step toward clearer skin. Yes, benzoyl peroxide is thought to be safe when used in limited amounts during pregnancy. It might be a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider before using it to make sure it's OK for you. Acne products often contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, or sometimes both. Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid helps dissolve dead skin cells to clear out your pores.
You may have better results with one or the other depending on your skin and type of acne. Benzoyl peroxide works as a topical medication. Once absorbed into the skin, benzoyl peroxide is converted into benzoic acid. This benzoic acid interacts with cystine an amino acid to release oxygen which kills harmful bacteria.
This process increases epithelial cell skin cell production, which promotes peeling and heals comedones. If your acne is clearing with benzoyl peroxide, you should keep using it. Discontinuing use may cause the acne to come back. If you're not having good results after 12 weeks, or if you have an allergic reaction, it may be a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.
Dealing with acne can be frustrating. Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control. Sign up and get yours today. Matin T, Goodman MB. Benzoyl Peroxide. In: StatPearls [Internet].
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