How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Treat Acne?

General Overview

Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful chemical that belongs to the family of organic peroxides, which includes hydrogen peroxide. It is typically used as a topical acne ointment when in its diluted form. However, in its purest powder form, benzoyl peroxide poses many dangers because it is highly toxic and flammable. There may still be some side effects related to its use as an acne medication including excessive dryness. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most popular acne treatment products, and is the main ingredient in many acne skincare products that can be found in many over-the-counter creams, lotions and gels as well as in stronger prescription acne medications.

How It Treats Acne

The main acne-causing bacteria, p. acnes cannot survive in an environment that contains oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide treats acne by killing the acne-causing bacteria because it introduces oxygen directly into the pore when applied topically onto the skin. The high level of oxygen in benzoyl peroxide makes it an extremely powerful acne fighter that kills the bacteria upon contact. It is also a powerful exfoliator that removes dead surface skin cells and clears up blackheads and whiteheads. Moreover, the exfoliating power of benzoyl peroxide helps prevent acne before it even starts. In fact, benzoyl peroxide in the best method of prevention of acne and its use must be continued even after the acne has cleared up.

Tips and Warnings

In its gel, lotion or cream form, benzoyl peroxide should be applied sparingly to the affected area, and then to other acne-prone areas as a preventive measure. Cleansers containing the product should be used daily by gently rubbing into the skin for about 10 to 20 seconds and then rinsing off. Improvement in acne is usually visible within three weeks of continuous treatment. If too much drying of the skin occurs, use should be curbed to only a few times a week as opposed to everyday. Also, as it is a bleaching agent, benzoyl peroxide should not come into contact with hair, clothing or furnishings.