Benzoyl peroxide is without doubt one of the commonest and efficient zits therapies accessible, but it surely’s not with out its cons. Right here, we clarify the elements’ advantages and potential adversarial results so you may decide whether or not or not it’s best for you.
Once we consider treating zits, two elements could instantly come to thoughts: Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. The latter has confirmed to be fairly highly effective for treating even essentially the most cussed types of zits, however is it the very best ingredient for you? We discover the professionals and cons of the ingredient that can assist you resolve.
Professional: It Works on All Varieties of Zits – and Quick
Salicylic acid is nice for exfoliating pores and treating blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide exfoliates pores as properly, plus it kills micro organism that causes zits. It may be used for treating all sorts of zits together with inflammatory spots. As a result of it’s so potent and targets micro organism, BP may also ship pimple-diminishing outcomes faster than salicylic acid.
Professional: It’s Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial
On prime of working rapidly to kill acne-causing micro organism, it rapidly reduces the dimensions of seen bumps as properly. Benzoyl peroxide has the ability to behave as an anti-inflammatory agent, which is without doubt one of the most uncomfortable issues about zits to start with. These raised (and sometimes purple) bumps might be fairly painful and troublesome to scale back in measurement, however benzoyl peroxide can get them down pretty rapidly. The ingredient additionally has antibacterial properties, which means that whereas it treats current zits, it additionally prevents future zits from forming.
Professional: It’s Inexpensive and Accessible
Topical merchandise formulated with the ingredient are sometimes inexpensive and simple to seek out. You don’t want to go to the sweetness counter or dermatologist’s workplace (although you might be prescribed stronger concentrations of the ingredient by a derm) to get your arms on it. As a matter of reality, you will discover many skincare merchandise at your native drugstore that comprise benzoyl peroxide as a featured ingredient.
Nonetheless, we do suggest consulting a dermatologist earlier than use because of the cons talked about beneath.
Con: It Can Irritate and Dry Out Pores and skin
Given its efficiency, benzoyl peroxide might be irritating to these with extra delicate pores and skin. The affected areas of the pores and skin can develop into infected, purple, dry, and even cracked if the benzoyl peroxide proportion is just too excessive on your pores and skin.
Benzoyl peroxide is out there in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations over-the-counter. At all times begin with the bottom dose or seek the advice of a pores and skin skilled to find out the suitable proportion for you, and comply with use with soothing and moisturizing merchandise.
Con: It Makes Pores and skin Extra Solar-Delicate
The FDA warns that anybody who frequents solar publicity must be very cautious when utilizing benzoyl peroxide merchandise. As a result of benzoyl peroxide can shed layers of our pores and skin, it turns into much more delicate within the solar. The photosensitivity that it causes can lead to pores and skin harm and sunburns.
Con: It Can Bleach Material
Benzoyl peroxide is a robust bleaching agent and may strip the colour off of materials like sheets, towels, and clothes. There have been some instances the place benzoyl peroxide customers have reported that the ingredient even stripped some shade from their hair.
Options to Benzoyl Peroxide
When you’re on the fence about utilizing benzoyl peroxide, there are many efficient acne-fighting elements that aren’t as intense. Spot therapies with tea tree oil (just like the Neogen A-Clear Soothing Pink Eraser) work to carry down irritation and soothe affected areas. Zits patches are additionally very fashionable and plenty of of them aren’t infused with any elements in any respect – the hydrocolloid materials does all of the work.
