Acne Medicine Dangers

Commercial acne treatments, such as creams, lotions and toners containing medicines such as Benzoyl Peroxide, have been known to help clear mild to moderate acne. Unfortunately, acne medicines like Benzoyl Peroxide pose certain health dangers and side effects. Here are the most important dangers and side effects to know when considering an acne product or acne medicines.

Contact Dermatitis

Acne medicine may contain Imidazolidinyl Urea, which is the leading cause of contact dermatitis of the skin. This can further irritate the skin, resulting in increased acne and redness.

Red, Irritated Skin

Benzoyl Peroxide heals acne short term, but is known to cause redness, dryness and irritability of the skin. Long term Benzoyl Peroxide use can result in more severe acne.

Increased Cancer Risk

Many acne medicines also contain Parabens, a very common preservative in cosmetics and creams. Parabens have a known link to breast cancer.

Disruption of the Skin Functioning

Many acne products and medicines contain Propylene Glycol, a gel-like alcohol. Propylene Glycol causes the skin to absorb more, which harms the skin's ability to keep toxins out.

Disruption of Oil Production

Chemicals such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid dry up the oils on the surface of the skin. This causes the skin to over-produce oil to compensate, potentially causing lasting damage to the oil production abilities of the skin.

Resources

• Imidazolidinyl Urea
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Salicylic Acid
• Propylene Glycol
• Parabens